Overview
Responsible for in-depth and daily coverage of a specific region or thematic issue related to the UN's programme of work, acting as a focal point for monitoring, reporting, and responding to inquiries.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for in-depth and daily coverage of a specific region of the world, thematic issue as they relate to the UN's programme of work and specific UN peacekeeping and/or peacebuilding relations; acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring, and reporting on political, social, economic and humanitarian developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
- Monitors any breaking news which might affect the Organization, selects stories for inclusion in the product 'Spokesperson's alert and daily headlines' which is distributed to the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and other senior UN advisers;
- Drafts notes to be read at the Spokesperson's daily press briefing; rotates responsibility for drafting a daily summary of the noon briefing and posts on website; drafts the product 'Week ahead' - a planning tool used by journalists regarding noteworthy events throughout the UN for the following 7 days;
- Establishes and maintains contacts with desk officers in a number of Secretariat departments, United Nations programmes and agencies, in order to gather information on subjects under incumbent's area of responsibility and offers advice on dealing with the media;
- Follows Security Council deliberations as they relate to incumbent's specific area of responsibility;
- Gives on and off-the-record interviews in English and/or in another language as required;
- Anticipates questions and drafts corresponding answers in preparation for any possible press encounters by the Secretary-General;
- Availability to travel with the Secretary-General as a Spokesperson and participates in the roster of late duty officer in the Office.
Required Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, or other relevant media relations at the national or the international level is required. Experience in a news environment with a wire service, newspaper or similar media outlet is required. Experience in dealing with the press is desirable. Experience working in an international organization or a national government is desirable. Experience in a UN communications environment is desirable. Experience in political analysis, advice and reporting is desirable. Experience in generating content for social media platforms is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in communications, international relations, journalism or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
