UN Jobs – Public Information Officer – United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE)

Job Title: Public Information Officer

Organisation: United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE)

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

Job Opening Number: 23-Public Information-RSCE-199972-R-Entebbe (N)

About US:

The Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda (RSCE) was established in July 2010, following the adoption of General Assembly resolution 64/269. The Centre provides efficient, client-oriented and scalable services with the goal of moving transactional, non-location dependent administrative functions to the Centre from its client entities. This includes transactional elements of human resources, finance, multimodal movement and control, personnel and cargo transport and information and communications technology (ICT) support.

Job Summary: This position is located in the Communications Unit in the Office of the Director RSCE in Entebbe, Uganda. The Public Information Officer reports to the Director RSCE and shall be responsible for participating in the formulation and implementation of strategy, planning, development and provision of accurate and timely information with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the RSCE’s work with particular emphasis of reaching local and international media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs, United Nations staff Worldwide and United Nations stakeholders.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the supervisor and within the limits of delegated authority, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

• Implements communications strategies and activities – Responsible for participating in the development and implementation of a strategy for media relations, publications, web and digital media including social media, community outreach and/or radio products with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Center’s work and support for its mandate and priorities. – Contributes to reports to RSCE leadership, UNHQ on communications activities, developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN; and coordinates and shares public information activities and guidance with other sections of the Public Information Unit and leadership when appropriate. – Provides communication support to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches;
• Provides support to internal communications – Produces reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences. – Ensures Center internal communication is up to date and accurate. – Other related duties that may be assigned.
• Developing and implementing communications strategies and activities is a continuing task. The strategies are monitored and reviewed after every stage of implementation by supervisor.
• Production of reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences is a continuing task and is reviewed by the team and supervisor before publication.
• Preparation, coordination and development of communications products and content is a continuing task. Translations are reviewed by the appropriate focal points and approved by the Supervisor
• Managing outreach to local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs and producing and dissemination of information aimed at local and international media and organizations about the RSCE is on a needs basis.
• Builds communication capacity with national partners and strengthens local partnerships is on a needs basis and is done with approval of supervisor
• Design and produce digital communication materials (newsletters, reports, leaflets, etc.) by being proactive, creative and innovative;
• Manage the RSCE digital Platforms including enhancing the quality of information and identification of opportunities for content development and improvement.
• Design and produce captivating and functional visuals and infographics.
• Deploy RSCE Digital Platform traffic analysis tools to analyze and set KPI, identify key trends, priorities developing patterns, and streamline the website accordingly.
• Keep the Chief Communications abreast with, technological and competitive developments in the field of digital communication to improve existing communication materials and determine potential needs;
• Design and publish digital content for social networks.
• Prepares or coordinates the development of communications products and content in local language(s) – Prepares or coordinates the preparation of a diverse range of communication products in local languages(s) in support of RSCE priorities and works closely with departments and partners to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. – Writes human interest stories for local and international audiences and produces digital content for the RSCE’s social media platforms. – Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends and political development in country and serves as advisor to Chief RSCE on these issues.
• Manages outreach to local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs – Produces and disseminates information aimed at local and international media and organizations about the RSCE, its aims and activities and supports outreach activities and assists in interactions in local language(s); – Prepares material for press briefings and interviews; drafts press statements and press releases as necessary; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with local and international media; – Drafts and edits material for press releases, key messages, Q&As, talking points, UN newsletters reports and books.
• Assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could negatively impact public perception of the Center and/or RSCE’s management, etc. – Monitors and analyses local and international media and develops contact list of local journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, social media, web, photo etc. – and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media.
• Builds communication capacity with national partners and strengthens local partnerships – Builds capacity and serves as focal point on local capacity building including supporting local media and partners through regular contact and organizing specialized training to address knowledge, awareness and skill gaps. – Develops partnerships with key national constituencies by proactively sharing work plan and content and working closely with national partners to raise visibility and understanding of the Center’s work. – Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of public information objectives; raises visibility of the Center by organizing and/or participating in seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate must hold an Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area is required.
• Experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds and programmes) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization – in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Competencies

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. 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 shortcoming.
• Planning and 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.

How to Apply:

All candidates who wish to join the United Nations should apply online at the link below.

Click Here

Deadline: 23rd February 2023