Job Vacancies Department of Public Information, July 2011
Job Vacancies Department of Public Information
Position Press Officer (3 slot)
Department/ Office DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Duty Station New York
Closing Date: Sunday, 11 September 2011
Job Opening number 11-PUB-DEPT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-20040-R-NEW YORK
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
These posts are located in the English Unit, Meetings Coverage Section, Press Service of the News and Media Division. Overall guidance is provided by the Chief of Section, and direct supervision by a Senior Editor.
Responsibilities
Press Officers will be responsible for the following:
- Covering meetings of the General Assembly and its main Committees, as well as the Security Council and other major bodies of the United Nations, as a member of a two-person coverage team that produces a speaker-by-speaker account of the meeting topped by a lead that summarizes the proceedings and highlights the most newsworthy aspects;
- Covering such meetings alone, occasionally, when such single coverage is decided upon by an editor; the selected candidate must be able to take statements from the floor by listening to a speaker and summarizing what is being said while the meeting is in progress;
- Covering press conferences given by top United Nations officials, Member States and non-governmental organizations and summarizing them, highlighting the most newsworthy elements;
- Researching, summarizing and preparing, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, drafts of backgrounders on specific topics or themes related to major meetings or conferences.
- Travel to cover major UN conferences and meetings away from Headquarters.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Must have the ability to cover meetings of the General Assembly, Security Council and other United Nations bodies, and meet daily news deadlines to produce a clear, concise, mistake-free speaker-by-speaker accounts of meetings that highlight the most newsworthy elements and is perceived by all sides as accurate, fair and objective;
- Excellent writing skills are needed, along with an ability to transform passive diplomatic language into clear, concrete news reports for an internal and worldwide audience;
- Must also be able to work well with a teammate on a daily basis and be familiar with the technology and software used in the office environment (computers), as well as willing to learn new applications.
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Teamwork:
-Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
-Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
-Places team agenda before personal agenda
-Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
-Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings
Planning & Organizing:
-Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
-Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
-Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
-Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
-Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
-Uses time efficiently
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public relations or a related area, including experience at the international level. Thorough knowledge of the Organization and the UN system is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second official United Nations language, preferably French, is an advantage.
Assessment Method
There will be a competency-based interview for candidates who must have passed a written test.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
