Associate Public Information Officer,
New York (P-2)
Department of Public Information
Closing date: Friday, 11 August 2017
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Yearbook Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for:
• writing and editing Yearbook of the United Nations chapter manuscripts (on political and security matters; human rights; economic and social questions; international legal questions; administrative, institutional and budgetary matters) on the basis of United Nations official documentation and in accordance with established guidelines and standards for accuracy, balance, cohesion, completeness and political objectivity, checking, revising, reorganizing and rewriting them, as necessary;
• copy-editing and proofreading Yearbook chapter manuscripts and proof pages;
• contributing to the preparation of Yearbook chapter research outlines;
• researching, writing and editing Yearbook promotional text, news stories and social media announcements, as required;
• other related duties, as required.
Competencies• writing and editing Yearbook of the United Nations chapter manuscripts (on political and security matters; human rights; economic and social questions; international legal questions; administrative, institutional and budgetary matters) on the basis of United Nations official documentation and in accordance with established guidelines and standards for accuracy, balance, cohesion, completeness and political objectivity, checking, revising, reorganizing and rewriting them, as necessary;
• copy-editing and proofreading Yearbook chapter manuscripts and proof pages;
• contributing to the preparation of Yearbook chapter research outlines;
• researching, writing and editing Yearbook promotional text, news stories and social media announcements, as required;
• other related duties, as required.
Professionalism – Possesses excellent English writing, editing and proofreading skills and judgement; familiarity with UN editorial policies and practices; broad knowledge of international political, human rights, economic and social affairs; astute political awareness and judgement; very good research and analytical skills; ability to work under pressure, and to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources; knowledge of the UN system and its work; readiness to take 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.
A university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, human or social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of professional training and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professional Programme Examination(YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (GtoP).
Work ExperienceA first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the Young Professional Programme Examination(YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (GtoP).
A minimum of two years of experience as a Writer in public information, international relations or a related area is required. Proven expertise in digesting complex issues from multiple and diverse official sources is required. Experience in writing for academic or reference-type publications, as well as in reporting on United Nations Assembly, Economic and Social Council and Security Council resolutions and decisions and/or presidential statements, is desirable.
No experience is required for candidates who have passed the Young Professional Programme Examination(YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (GtoP).
LanguagesNo experience is required for candidates who have passed the Young Professional Programme Examination(YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (GtoP).
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.