Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 225259
Job Network : Public Information and Conference Management
Job Family : Public Information
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : KYIV
Department/Office : Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Date Posted : Jan 18, 2024
Deadline : Feb 1, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division (OAD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This temporary job opening is being advertised for the position of Public Information Officer/Head of Communications and Reporting Unit in Kyiv, Ukraine. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office (HoO), OCHA Ukraine, the incumbent will report to the Deputy Head of Office (DHoO) and will manage the Communications and Reporting Unit.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer/Head of Communications and Reporting Unit will be responsible for the following duties:

• Manages the Communications & Reporting Unit to produce high-quality reporting, analysis and products, by establishing and maintaining reporting system within the country office; oversees drafting and distribution of regular reports and products on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine; ensures flow of information and analysis of developments in the region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with Headquarter (HQ), and key partners.
• Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications campaigns (e.g. global advocacy initiatives, regional public information programmes) and joint communications strategies in humanitarian contexts, leading common media and communications efforts, including common messaging and chairing a humanitarian communications group. Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns.
• Provides advice and expertise to managers and senior officers, and guidance to other public information staff, on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; on key media developments and appropriate approaches for media engagement to raise awareness of humanitarian needs and advocate timely and coordinated response; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems.
• Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of humanitarian advocacy objectives; serves as a key liaison to governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, on matters related to public information, communication, campaigns and advocacy etc.
• Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of priority humanitarian initiatives. Drafts high-quality material for OCHA products, the media (e.g. press releases, OpEds etc), periodicals, reports and books and edits and quality controls drafts prepared by junior officers. Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN and the broader humanitarian community.
• Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfils speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on humanitarian activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges or conducts briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, media trips, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.
• Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on humanitarian issues and joint activities of the humanitarian community; plans and develops strategic outreach activities. Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual and social media outreach.
• Leads day-to-day management of the Communications Unit and communications operations to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.
• Coordinates and directs a team of public information staff and mentors and supervises the work of staff within the Unit.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor, including. deploying and travelling on missions inside Ukraine to support communication and reporting efforts, and rapidly and appropriately responding to incident.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning and ensuring campaign strategies and programmes. Strong reporting skills. Strong knowledge of MS Office software skills.. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major and innovative information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze, communicate and integrate diverse information from varied sources in a politically sensitive and security complex context. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships, particularly with the media incl. social media. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style and utilizes creativity to improve products. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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.

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.

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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required.

At least five (5) in the past seven (7) years of humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is required.

Experience with crisis communications and social media is required.

Experience managing field teams in humanitarian operations is required.

Knowledge of graphic design, and photo or video editing software is desirable.

Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN Common System or other comparable international organization in similar function is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is desirable.