PRESS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS (OHCHR)
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT No. 001/2013 UN-OHCHR Press and Public Information Officer
I. Position Information
Job Code Title: Press and Public Information Officer
Grade: NO-A (ICS-8)
Type of Contract: Temporary Appointment (TA)
Supervisor: OHCHR’s Regional Representative for Central America
Duration: 5 months (extension subjected to availability of funds)
II. Organizational Context
This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Regional Office for Central America, located in Panama City. The Press and Public Information Officer reports to the Regional Representative of the OHCHR Regional Office for Central America.
III. Functions / Key Results Expected
Under the supervision of the Regional Representative of the OHCHR Regional Office for Central America, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
 Develop a media strategy and initiate pro-active outreach efforts (press conferences, interviews, seminars, etc.) in order to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events. Reply to media enquiries, undertake appropriate follow-up action and monitor, analyze and report on the impact of coverage.
 Monitor and analyze current events in the media, identifying emerging human rights issues and trends in all countries covered by the Regional Office and advising the management on appropriate communication action/responses.
 Develop, in collaboration with relevant Human Rights Officers, media information products (the OHCHR newsletter, press kits, press releases and backgrounders, etc.), including by proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, ensuring printing and distribution.
 Maintain the Regional Office website on a daily basis with press releases, statements and relevant information and other material of interest to the media and public.
 Develop and periodically update the Regional Office database of contacts in the region.
 Manage the Regional Office’s library, keeping record of publications and ensuring that they are properly stored.
 Initiate and sustain professional relationships with key constituencies.
 Liaise and maintain close coordination with Communications/PI officers in other field presences in Latin America, NYO and the Communication Section in Geneva.
 Coordinate public information activities and fulfilling administrative duties in the context of the annual and biannual planning exercises and the annual human rights day.
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Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
The incumbent will have regular interactions with OHCHR’s management and the Senior
Public Information Officers to assist her/his supervisor in coordinating the presentation of
OHCHR’s views and position to the general public. The incumbent will daily interact with
OHCHR’s staff to coordinate the delivery of key messages on OHCHR’s views and
position. The incumbent will regularly interact with the general public to inform on the work
of the Office and to respond to requests for information. The incumbent will also interact
regularly with Public Information Officers of UN programmes and agencies to coordinate
activities, exchange information, elicit support for and coordinate the issuing of information
materials.
IV. Impact of Results
Services in dealing with substantive matters concerning promotional publications are
provided. Creative approaches to major information campaigns are developed and
implemented. Key messages and information products are effectively designed and
delivered in accordance with overall objectives and policies. Effective advocacy is
exercised and strong partnerships with relevant actors are formed to engender support for
and advance OHCHR’s public information agenda.
V. Competencies
Professionalism – Thorough knowledge of and practical experience in the full range of
communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and
executing effective campaign strategies; strong communications research and analytical
skills; ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
ability to identify public affairs needs; political awareness and ability to diplomatically
handle sensitive situations/issues.
Communication – Excellent communication skills (spoken, written, public speaking and
presentational), including ability to produce a variety of written communication products
and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style; ability to effectively interact with the public
in communicating information.
Planning and organizing – Ability to organize, plan and implement a comprehensive
public affairs campaign in support of defined objectives, to juggle competing demands and
work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
Teamwork – Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational
goals, solicit input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; willingness to learn
from others.
Client orientation – Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with key
constituencies.
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VI. Recruitment Qualifications
Education:
Master’s Degree or equivalent in Journalism, Social Communication, Political Science, International Relations, Human Rights, or related field.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in journalism, public relations or communications. Experience at the international level and prior experience in human rights related organizations will be an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluent in Spanish and English, with proven drafting ability. English to be tested through TOEFL (minimum 500 points).
Qualified candidates who are interested in the above position are invited to submit their application by e-mail, in English, attaching a UN Personal History Form, not later than 30 January 2013 To: press.public.informationofficer.ohchr@un.org.pa
Subject: Internal/External Vacancy Announcement No. 001/2013 UN-OHCHR Press and Public Information Officer. Internal candidates must attach copies of three last performance appraisals.
Additional information
 The electronic version of a UN Personnel History Form and further information on the post can be downloaded from the vacancy announcement which has been posted at http://www.undp.org.pa Go to “PNUD – Transparencia”, select “Administracion – Vacantes”
 Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
 Equally qualified internal applicants will be given preference over external applicants
 Only short-listed qualified candidates will receive an acknowledgement.