Spokesperson, P-4

United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei

Abyei

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Communications and Public Relations Office of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), duty station Abyei. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Staff/Principal Officer or their designate.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Spokesperson will be responsible for the following duties:

Outreach and Advocacy, including media relations, giving on-record and background press briefings and interviews; under the guidance of the Chief of Staff, conceptualizing, developing, updating and executing a media strategy and work plan, including utilizing digital and multimedia platforms; developing and implementing a system of daily media monitoring and analysis to meet the needs of the Head of Mission and senior leadership; drafting and issuing press statements and press releases proactively; managing media relations by maintaining and building a network of influential media and establishing and maintaining a cooperative relationship with local and international journalists; arranging interviews and/or background briefings with senior mission official and facilitating the daily work of journalists covering the mission; facilitating media visits to the mission area; responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception for the Mission and/or the mission’s leadership; conceptualize and implement timely communication strategies in reaction to crisis situations
Translate political strategy of leadership into media relations strategy and faithfully represent and advocate the Mission’s position. Anticipate and contribute to the resolution of communications/public relations issues/problems.
Coordinate activities and share guidance and messaging with the public affairs component of the overseeing Department in UNHQ, Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General (OSSG), the Department of Public Information (DPI), agencies, funds and programmes as well as the UN Country Team to fulfill specific and overall strategic communications objectives of the Mission.
Draft material for UN newsletters, periodicals, web and social media, reports and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.
Gather accurate and up-to-date information on mission activities and priorities and plan and prepare press materials and official statements on behalf of the mission.
Engage and maintain contact with online audiences through Twitter and other digital and social media channels used by the Mission by producing regular and timely tweets and updates on behalf of the Spokesperson’s office understanding the advantages and risks of various social media platforms.
Evaluate results and impact of communications activities; report on developments, trends and public attitudes regarding the UN
Under guidance of the Chief of Public Information, provide support to other work streams of Public Information Unit, notably internal communications, including review and clearing of stories and other internal communications materials specifically for the Mission.
Represent the mission in public forums, conferences and events and fulfill speaking engagements.
In coordination with the Chie of Staff, liaise with counterparts in the government and diplomatic community, local authorities, civil society, media associations and other key constituencies to ensure key messages are conveyed.
Management duties, including assisting in recruitment, supervision and evaluation of staff as appropriate. Assist in the design, submission and allocation of the budget as appropriate; identify extra-budgetary funding and resources in support of communications activities and forge external partnerships; manage a team of media relations staff, including coordinating functions such as media accreditation, news monitoring and analysis and response to media and public inquiries.
Develop and implement a capacity building plan for media relations staff, especially national staff, where appropriate. Advise and support mission leadership in media skills development, as appropriate.
Develop radio content for the mission internet radio.
Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
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. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, broadcasting, social sciences or other related fields. A first level degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations and information, or media, including management, in large multicultural institutions is required.
Knowledge of programme planning and related management practices as well as familiarity with UN administrative procedures, rules and regulations, specifically human resources, budgetary and procurement matters is desirable.
Prior experience in a UN peacekeeping or special political mission is desirable.
Field experience with international organizations is desirable.
Field working experience in managing institutional perception and combatting hate speech, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable.

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