Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut, within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Public Information (DPI).

The UNIC Beirut is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic and is responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating UN information materials to a local audience in local language; engaging local and regional partners; and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves.

The incumbent reports directly to the Public Information Officer and is under the overall supervision of the Director of UNIC Beirut. 

The temporary position is available as of 1 September 2018 for a period of three months, with a possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by convening and/or serving as the secretariat for the United Nations Communications Group at the country level in consultation with the Senior Public Information Officer of UNIC Beirut and the SCD at UN Headquarters.
• Develops and implements a communications strategy for Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic by adapting the global UN message for local audiences, in consultation with the UNCT and/or United Nations partners. To this aim, the incumbent will produce/oversee the production of print information materials in English and Arabic for a local audience; propose topics, undertakes research, determine the appropriate medium and target audience, prepare production plans, write drafts, obtain necessary clearances and finalize texts, edit, copy, and coordinate design approval, printing procedures and distribution. He or she will also ensure the implementation of a communications strategy on the local and regional levels to publicize United Nations priority issues and/or major events, to include coordination efforts with partners, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analysing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the DPI at Headquarters and the UNCT on appropriate action/responses.
• Conducts media outreach, including development of media strategies and action plans, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts; maintains contacts with national and regional media in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic, disseminates information materials to the media, places op-eds and arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, monitors press coverage of UN issues; consults with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertakes appropriate follow-up action and analyses and reports on the impact of coverage.
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic. Conducts educational outreach, including the organization of regional Model UN conferences.
• Maintains web sites and social media accounts in English and Arabic. Monitors programme output of the UNIC Beirut and reports to the ICS on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
• Performs other functions and special duties, as required by the Senior Public Information Officer of the UNIC Beirut or the ICS, including undertaking speakiWithin delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by convening and/or serving as the secretariat for the United Nations Communications Group at the country level in consultation with the Senior Public Information Officer of UNIC Beirut and the SCD at UN Headquarters.• Develops and implements a communications strategy for Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic by adapting the global UN message for local audiences, in consultation with the UNCT and/or United Nations partners. To this aim, the incumbent will produce/oversee the production of print information materials in English and Arabic for a local audience; propose topics, undertakes research, determine the appropriate medium and target audience, prepare production plans, write drafts, obtain necessary clearances and finalize texts, edit, copy, and coordinate design approval, printing procedures and distribution. He or she will also ensure the implementation of a communications strategy on the local and regional levels to publicize United Nations priority issues and/or major events, to include coordination efforts with partners, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analysing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the DPI at Headquarters and the UNCT on appropriate action/responses.
• Conducts media outreach, including development of media strategies and action plans, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts; maintains contacts with national and regional media in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic, disseminates information materials to the media, places op-eds and arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, monitors press coverage of UN issues; consults with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertakes appropriate follow-up action and analyses and reports on the impact of coverage.
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic. Conducts educational outreach, including the organization of regional Model UN conferences.
• Maintains web sites and social media accounts in English and Arabic. Monitors programme output of the UNIC Beirut and reports to the ICS on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
• Performs other functions and special duties, as required by the Senior Public Information Officer of the UNIC Beirut or the ICS, including undertaking speaking engagements and participating in
seminars.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation. Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections. Shows pride in work and in 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and
accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

A first-level university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and Syrian Arab Republic is required. Experience in public information and/or public relations and/or experience as part of a strategic communications team is required. Experience in addressing a diverse public audience (e.g. general public, Government officials, special
interest groups) is desirable. Experience in journalism is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization in Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait and/or Syrian Arab Republic is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this position, fluency English and Arabic are required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available effective 1 September 2018 for an initial period of three months with a possibility of extension. This temporary job opening is open only to nationals of Lebanon. Appointment against this post is on a local basis, with no entitlements to travel or any other international benefits.

• If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.