Public Information Assistant,
Beirut, Lebanon
(G-6)
Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
Closing date: Thursday, 8 June 2017
Apply
| Posting Title: | Public Information Assistant, G6 (Temporary Job Opening) |
| Job Code Title: | PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT |
| Department/Office: | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| Duty Station: | BEIRUT |
| Posting Period: | 02 June 2017 - 08 June 2017 |
| Job Opening Number: | 17-Public Information-ESCWA-80260-J-Beirut (T) |
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Public Information Assistant is responsible for the following duties:
1.Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services;
2.Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compile and present information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services for external audiences;
3.Serves as an information focal point on ESCWA activities open to accredited press and coordinate media coverage of important events; compiles, produces and distributes to journalists basic information on the wide spectrum of ESCWA activities open to the press; liaises with news and publications agencies, to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates logistic and technical arrangements/requests and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; processes applications for ESCWA security clearances and control media access to press briefings, etc.;
4.Drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and website stories and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of ESCWA activities in Arabic and English. Serves as photographic assistant by producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serving as back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos. Ensures availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc.;
5.Organizes and executes special events, coordinating with diverse partners and the media to highlight and publicize key events;
6.Handles administrative coordination in support of special training and other programmes;
7.Oversees the distribution of audio and video materials; ensures the good management of the film/video archives, and the proper safekeeping/preservation of historical audio/visual materials;
8.Serves as the online marketing and promotion coordinator by overseeing the day-to-day marketing activities and working closely with the audio/visual webmaster to ensure successful branding techniques; undertakes proactive call and directs mail initiatives to build a client base and nurture relationships; and produces a wide range of promotional products;
9.Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, or website projects: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements, etc.; selects and catalogues sound/ visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc.;
10.Assists in the electronic dissemination of programmes; prepares, maintains and updates web page, to include drafting and editing content;
11.Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; identifying, retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; editing documents to conform to UN format, structure and style and preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc.;
12.Manages updates and further develops internal databases; update website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases;
13.Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies1.Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services;
2.Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compile and present information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services for external audiences;
3.Serves as an information focal point on ESCWA activities open to accredited press and coordinate media coverage of important events; compiles, produces and distributes to journalists basic information on the wide spectrum of ESCWA activities open to the press; liaises with news and publications agencies, to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates logistic and technical arrangements/requests and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; processes applications for ESCWA security clearances and control media access to press briefings, etc.;
4.Drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and website stories and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of ESCWA activities in Arabic and English. Serves as photographic assistant by producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serving as back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos. Ensures availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc.;
5.Organizes and executes special events, coordinating with diverse partners and the media to highlight and publicize key events;
6.Handles administrative coordination in support of special training and other programmes;
7.Oversees the distribution of audio and video materials; ensures the good management of the film/video archives, and the proper safekeeping/preservation of historical audio/visual materials;
8.Serves as the online marketing and promotion coordinator by overseeing the day-to-day marketing activities and working closely with the audio/visual webmaster to ensure successful branding techniques; undertakes proactive call and directs mail initiatives to build a client base and nurture relationships; and produces a wide range of promotional products;
9.Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, or website projects: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements, etc.; selects and catalogues sound/ visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc.;
10.Assists in the electronic dissemination of programmes; prepares, maintains and updates web page, to include drafting and editing content;
11.Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; identifying, retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; editing documents to conform to UN format, structure and style and preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc.;
12.Manages updates and further develops internal databases; update website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases;
13.Performs other duties as assigned.
Professionalism - Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Knowledge of the Arab region's political and media environment. 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.
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.
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.
EducationCommunication - 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.
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.
High school diploma or equivalent. First university degree in translation or journalism with news writing experience in Arabic and English is desirable.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting or related area is required. Additional desirable experience: drafting content in English and Arabic in a professional capacity; performing media relations tasks in an international and politically sensitive environment; utilising web content management systems and social media in a professional setting; and working in an office of the UN System or a similar international organization.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is required. Fluency in oral and written French is desirable.