This position is located within the team that manages the Creative Community Outreach Initiative and the Messenger of Peace Programme (MOP) in the NGO Relations, Advocacy and Special Events Section, Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications. The UN Creative Community Outreach Initiative (CCOI) collaborates with film and television productions, content creators, and engages with those in the entertainment world, including in music and sports, to cast light on pressing global issues and raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other issues on the United Nations (UN) agenda. The United Nations Messengers of Peace are distinguished individuals, carefully selected from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life, who have agreed to help focus worldwide attention on the work of the UN. The Messengers of Peace, through their public appearances and social media presence, as well as their contacts with the global media and humanitarian work, help expand understanding of how the ideals and objectives of the UN demand everyone's attention. The incumbent reports to the Manager of CCOI and the MOP Programme and the Chief of the Section.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties:
Develops and coordinates collaborations with TV, film, music and sports entities on thematic campaigns to raise awareness of UN priority issues and initiatives, including the UN initiative Football for the Goals. This involves development of communication and campaign strategies, producing content, messaging and digital assets, organizing events, coordinating outreach and distribution, as well as monitoring and reporting on impact.
Ensures implementation of collaborations and partnerships with film and TV productions and other content creators to publicize UN priority issues and/or major events. This includes reviewing scripts, pitches and proposals, drafting concept notes and information strategies, coordinating on location filming at UN premises, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies, including creative community partners, the UN Messengers of Peace and their teams, and entities from the global sports community. Liaises with relevant counterparts within the UN-system.
In consultation with the substantive offices concerned, identify and propose information opportunities and activities for the United Nations Messengers of Peace (MOPs), taking into account the situation/topic and target audience, identify new influencers and help coordinate policy on influencer engagement with Goodwill Ambassador focal points across the UN system. Monitor and evaluate influencer engagement around key moments and activations, including those of the UN Secretary-General.
Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.
Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.
Performs other duties, as requested.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public information/communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Experience working on global digital communication campaigns initiatives and communication strategies, as well as generating communication reports and insights for international organizations is required. Extensive experience developing and implementing partnerships with both the global TV and Film industry and the global world of sports is required. Experience securing influencers with a global profile in both the entertainment industry and in the world of sports for advocacy is desirable. Experience organizing large-scale global public-facing events is desirable. Experience with social media analytics, as well as developing content for and managing social media and digital platforms, is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
