Snr PI Officer (Advocacy & Reporting)

Senior PI Officer (Advocacy & Reporting)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The operating environment in New York regarding matters of central concern to UNHCR, is rapidly changing.  With the expansion of refugee crisis around the world, and the greater attention these and onward movements are garnering globally, more efforts are being made by the UN in New York to respond to them in a comprehensive manner. UNHCR is increasingly called upon to contribute and lead in the many new efforts that are underway in NY.

The work of the General Assembly (GA) is wide-ranging and certain processes by necessity must include UNHCR NY. This includes the work of its Third and Fifth Committees which are closely monitored by the Office in New York.

UNHCR in New York also works closely with the Executive Office of the Secretary General, particularly the Office of the Deputy Secretary General (DSG), and other parts of the UN Secretariat. UNHCR is appreciated as the agency that has the expertise as far as refugees are concerned and indeed in terms of the migration/ refugee movements notably confronting Europe, Middle East, Africa and South East Asia.

With increasing numbers of refugees, precipitated by new and unresolved conflicts, the Security Council is often engaged with matters of central importance to UNHCR and opportunities for the High Commissioner to address the Security Council may continue to increase.

The incumbent for this position is expected to interface frequently with counter-parts in the UN Secretariat and other UN principal organs. The incumbent is expected to provide regular and timely public information updates on UNHCR regional and country operations as well as thematic areas of UNHCR concern in close consultation with the Communications and PI Service at HQ.

The incumbent is expected to provide guidance to the colleagues in NY on UNHCR communication priorities and to speak to externally in different fora on matters pertaining to UNHCR's mandate and operations.

The incumbent of this position will report to a senior manager in the Office (P5 or above) and will functionally be supervised by the Communications and PI Service at HQs. S/he will have frequent contacts with UN based media, NGOs and governmental organizations, as well as sister UN agencies and may supervise professional and support staff.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- UNHCR's media relations and advocacy work are actively maintaining the organization's standing with media and audiences.

Responsibility
- Develop and implement communications strategies, campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives.
- Research, prepare, fact-check, edit, and produce professional media and communications materials for various audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels ensuring highest quality standards.
- Act as a spokesperson for UNHCR, organizing press events, handling interviews requests, and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work.
- Provide considered professional communications advice to Director and senior staff of UNHCR as needed.
- Monitor media coverage of UNHCR operations and make recommendations for response when necessary.
- Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR, ensuring that UN HQ based media (and other important external stakeholders, such as governments, embassies, NGOs etc.) are briefed regularly on issues of importance to UNHCR, and have access to information and UNHCR expertise.
- Further UNHCR¿s cooperation with refugee-related activities of other UN agencies in New York, including coordination of activities and exchange of information/ideas.
- Prepare and manage communications budgets.
- Prepare a diverse range of information communications products in support of UNHCR.
- Draft complex material for UN publications on UNHCRs mandate and operational responses.
- Evaluate results and impact of communications activities.
- Fulfil speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UNHCR mandate and operations and advocates issues of concern.
- Organize media coverage, including media briefings and interviews as required.
- Organize seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on UNHCR activities as necessary. Plans and develops outreach activities.
- Engage in communications planning and operational support to public information operations in field operations under the guidance of the Communications Section missions in order to support their wide-ranging public information activities, including media relations, radio programme production and broadcasting, video and photo coverage, website creation, maintenance and support and public outreach.
- Review and advise on the public information aspect of reports relating to UN HQ activities.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in Press events, interviews and other media events.
- Authorize expenditure against communication budgets.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Communications, Political Science or similar relevant field.
- A minimum of 10- years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area.
- Proven experience of developing social and digital media strategy and handling media relations.
- Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication.
- Demonstrated 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 information campaigns and to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
- Proven capacity to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
- Demonstrated ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style and to deliver oral presentations to various audiences.
- In-depth knowledge on the status refugees/Internal Displaced Persons, their needs, their rights/obligations through first-hand experience operational situations.
- General understanding of UN/UNHCR reforms and the priority agenda of the organization.
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
- High IT affinity, with specific focus on preparation of website/pages.
- Other UN language.