UNITAMS will only accept properly completed and signed Personal History Form (P.11) received before closing date. Please submit your application on the attached P.11 ONLY.  Other UN P.11 formats, incomplete P.11, CV and Resume will not be accepted, nor will late submissions after closing date.

The selected candidate will be expected to deploy in time to commence work as soon as possible.

Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected, subject to clearance of employment reference checks, security and medical.  The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

This position is locally recruited open for Sudanese nationals only.

UNITAMS will not provide accommodation to locally recruited staff.

UNITAMS is equal employer for men and women. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is located in the United Nations Field Peacekeeping Operations, Special Political Missions, Service Centres and Offices as applicable. The incumbent participates in the formulation and implementation of strategy, planning, development and provision of accurate and timely information with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work with particular emphasis of reaching local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs. S/he prepares, or oversees, the development of a diverse range of communications products targeting local audiences across multiple platforms including digital, radio, TV and print; handles aspects of media relations and outreach; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with partners, local and international journalists; assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could negatively impact public perception of the Mission and/or the Mission’s leadership.

The position is based in Khartoum and is located in the Strategic Communications and Public Information Unit within the Office of the Chief of Staff. The incumbent will report to the Public Information Officer.

Responsibilities:

Within the limits of delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties:

1. Manages outreach to local media, civil society organisations, Government and National NGOs

• Produces and disseminates information especially to local media and organizations about the Mission, its aims and activities and supports outreach activities and assists in interactions in Arabic and English.
• Prepares materials for press briefings and interviews: drafts press statements and press releases as necessary: establishes and maintain a cooperative relationship with local media.
• Drafts and edits materials for press releases, key messages, Q & As, talking points, UN newsletters reports and books.
• Assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could negatively impact public perception of the Mission and/ or the Mission’s leadership, etc.
• Monitors and analyses local media and develop contact list of local journalist and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, social media, web, photo etc – and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media.

2. Builds communication capacity with national partners and strengthens local partnerships

• Builds capacity and serves as focal point on local capacity building including supporting local media and partners through regular contact and organizing specialized training to address knowledge, awareness and skill gaps.
• Develops partnerships with key national constituencies by proactively sharing work plan and content and working closely with national partners to raise visibility and understanding of the Mission’s work
• Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of public information objectives; raises visibility of the Mission by organizing and/or participating in seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization

3. Prepares communications products and content in Arabic and English

• Prepares or coordinates the preparation of a diverse range of communication products in local languages(s) in support of unit priorities and works closely with departments and partners to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products
• Writes human interest stories for local and international audiences and

produces digital content for UNITAMS’ social media platforms

• Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends and political development in the Country and servers as advisor or Chief of Public Information on these issues.

4. Implements communications strategies and activities

• Responsible for participating in the development and implementation of a strategy for media relations, publications, web and digital media including social media, community outreach and/ or radio products with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work and support for the UN Peacekeeping or Special Political mandate and priorities..
• Contributes to report to Mission leadership, UNHQ on communications activities, developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN; and coordinates and share public information activities and guidance with other sections of the Public Information Unit and leadership when appropriate.
• Provides communications support to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches.

5. Provides support to internal communications

• Produces reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences.
• Ensures Mission internal communication is up to date and accurate.
• Other related duties that may be assigned.

Education:  Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related field. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and 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, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area.

Languages:  English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, is required. Fluency in Arabic is required.

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. 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. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and 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; Tailor’s language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Assessment:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment followed by a competency-based interview.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Applicants must accurately complete, update, sign and date the attached United Nations Personal History form (P.11 ONLY and forward the duly completed signed P.11 by e-mail to:unitamsrecruitment@un.org
• Applicants should COPY UNITAMS-JO-Khartoum-2021-31 – Public Information Officer in the SUBJECT line of the email when submitting their signed P.11 form. UNITAMS will not consider any applications which are not received directly in the VA mailbox. Other UN P.11 formats and incomplete P.11 will not be accepted.
• Please note that any information provided on the P.11 form will be considered binding.
• The selected candidates will be subject to a reference checks to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the P.11 form.
• Only applicants who are short-listed will receive an acknowledgement within two weeks from the deadline indicated on the VA.

Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

 Download UNITAMS P11 Supplementary Sheet