Public
Information Assistant, New York
Organization:
DPI - Department of Public Information
Country:
United States
City: New
York
Office: DPI
New York
Grade: G-5
Closing date: Friday,
16 September 2016
Posting Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT, G5
(Temporary Job Opening)
Job
Code Title: PUBLIC
INFORMATION ASSISTANT
Department/
Office: Department of Public Information
Duty
Station: NEW YORK
Posting
Period: 9 September
2016-16 September 2016
Job
Opening number: 16-PUB-DPI-66079-J-NEW YORK (R)
Staffing
Exercise ID: N/A
United
Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special
Notice
Recruitment
for this position is done on a local basis, whether or not the candidate is a
resident of the duty station. Passing the Administrative Assessment Support
Test (ASAT) in English at Headquarters, ECA, ESCWA, UNOG, UNOV, ICTR, or ICTY
or the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment
consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations
Secretariat.Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General
and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to
move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with
established rules and procedures.Candidates will be required to meet the
requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements
of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of
efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but
not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law.
Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but
not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed
criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and
international humanitarian law. The United Nations shall place no restrictions
on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under
conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the
United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a
non-smoking environment.Applicants are urged to follow carefully all
instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more
detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application
Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed
by clicking on 'Manuals' hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira
account-holder homepage.Applications are pre-screened by the system according
to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the
information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the
job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information
pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience,
and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of
incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for
consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of
applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted.
Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious
consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to
verify the information provided in the application.Job openings advertised on
the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline
date.
Organizational Setting
and Reporting
This
position is located in the Media Documents Centre, Media Accreditation and
Liaison Unit (MALU) in the News and Media Division, Department of Public
Information (DPI). Under the general guidance of the Chief of MALU, the
incumbent reports to the Public Information Assistant - GS-6 in the MDC. This
temporary job opening is available as soon as possible for three (3) months
with a possibility of extension. MALU provides accreditation and liaison
services to journalists covering United Nations activities at Headquarters and
at major United Nations conferences abroad; reviews applications and
authentication of credentials and required documents from print, photo,
television, film and electronic media; facilitates media coverage of United
Nations activities within appropriate guidelines; and coordinates the provision
of facilities - such as office space and equipment - to accredited
correspondents. As part of MALU, the Media Documents Centre (MDC) disseminates
UN documents, press releases and statements of member states directly to
accredited journalists.
Responsibilities
Within
delegated authority, the Public Information Assistant will be responsible for
the following duties:
· Provides up-to-date,
substantive and comprehensive information to members of accredited media with
the UN, members of delegations, specialized agencies, and various UN offices;
sets up and maintains files/records.
· Monitors UN meetings
in order to distribute relevant documents, such as statements and resolutions.
· Researches and
disseminates reports, statements, releases and other documents to clientele, by
request and in anticipation of demand based on current events.
· Answers queries from
the press, in person, by phone and by email.
· Delivers information
via electronic means and through social media such as Twitter and the MDC/MALU
web site.
· Maintains an
up-to-date collection (paper and electronic) of key UN documentation for office
record.
· Promotes UN meetings
and events by disseminating media advisories and press releases from various UN
offices and agencies.
· Performs other duties
as assigned.
Competencies
· Professionalism:
Knowledge of current events, internal policies, processes and procedures
related to communication, production and dissemination of public information
via multiple platforms, including social media; Ability to research information
from a variety of sources. 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. Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and
seeks to see things from clients' point of view.
· 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; 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 shortcomings.
· Planning &
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.
Education
High
school diploma or equivalent.
Work
Experience
Five
(5) years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting or
related area is required. Experience working with the media is desirable.
Experience working with diplomatic personnel, UN offices or other similar
organisations is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations or another
international organization is desirable. Experience updating a web site and a
Social Media account is desirable.
Languages
English
and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the
post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of
another official United Nations language is an advantage.