Associate Public Information Officer

Org. Setting and Reporting
- This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) in the Regional Office Valledupar. Under the guidance of the Head of Office, Valledupar, the incumbent participates in the formulation and implementation of planning, development and provision of accurate and timely information with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work with particular emphasis of reaching local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs. S/he prepares drafts of a diverse range of communications products targeting local audiences across multiple platforms including digital, radio, TV and print; handles aspects of media relations and outreach; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with partners and local and international journalists; assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could negatively impact public perception of the Mission and/or the Mission’s leadership.
- Responsibilities
- Within delegated authority, the Associate Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Manages outreach to local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs and builds capacity: a) Produces and disseminates information, especially to local media and organizations about the Mission, its aims and activities and supports outreach activities and assists in interactions in local language(s). b) Develop 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 Mission’s work. c) Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press; identifies issues and trends in country and helps to prepare notes to management on appropriate action/responses. 2. Builds communication capacity with regional partners and strengthens local partnerships d) 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. e) Develop partnerships with key regional constituencies by proactively sharing work plan and content and working closely with regional partners to raise visibility and understanding of the Mission’s work. f) Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of public information objectives; raises visibility of the Mission by organizing and/or participating in seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization. 3. Prepares communications products and content in local language(s) g) Drafts a diverse range of communication products in local languages(s) in support of unit 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. h) Drafts human interest stories for local and international audiences and produces digital content for the Mission’s social media platforms. i) Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends and political development in the Country; provides communication support to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches. j) Contributes to reports to Mission 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. k) Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, communication products, stories, and digital content, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions. 4. Provides support to internal communications l) Drafts copy for reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences. m) Ensures Mission’s internal communication is up to date and accurate. 5. Performs other duties as assigned.
- Competencies
- Education
- 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 two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Job - Specific Qualification
- Not available.
- Work Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related areas is required. Experience working in strategic communications in the UN System, international organizations, governmental or non