Public Information Assistant

The Information Centers Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Global Communications, is where this post is based in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Accra (DGC).

The UNIC Accra is a member of the worldwide network of United Nations information centres, which serve as the main information hub for Ghana and Sierra Leone about the UN system. By distributing English-language UN information materials to a local audience, collaborating with local and regional partners, and generally bringing the UN closer to the populations it serves, UNICs are in charge of fostering public understanding and support for the goals and activities of the United Nations.

The employee is directly overseen by the National Information Officer, who also serves as the position’s ultimate supervisor. the overall supervision of the Chief of the Programme Support Section (PSS).

Responsibilities

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

• Manages, updates and further develops internal databases; updates websites and social media accounts, to include drafting and editing content; assists in the design, development and maintenance of Internet applications; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases.
• Researches, compiles and presents basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services.
• Serves as photographic assistant by producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serving as back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos.
• Coordinates media coverage of important events; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates technical arrangements and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations.
• Participates in the planning and coordination of major exhibits; liaises with relevant departments/agencies; drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of exhibits.
• Using relevant computer software, creates designs in the appropriate format for promotional and other material, e.g. brochures, presentational materials, announcements, video, audio, website and social media content, etc.; ensures that photos, graphics, etc. are appropriate and conform to UN standards for communications materials.
• Ensures availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc.
• Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes or online projects; tracks all production material; produces scripts, cue cards, etc., selects and catalogues sound and visual materials for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; coordinates scheduling of commercial and internal production facilities; directs studio recordings and/or evaluates audio quality of recordings for inclusion in programmes.
• Identifies and prepares new material for websites and social media accounts by researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting it into the database after determining appropriate categorization; preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc.
• Coordinates administrative services, including preparing, monitoring and processing various requisitions, service contracts and payment vouchers, assisting with the preparation of budget and monitoring of expenditures, assisting with recruitment.
• Provides guidance/training to junior staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research information from a variety of sources.

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.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Disclaimer

1. Do not pay anyone posing to work with Jobservicehub.com money for a job opportunity
2. We do not accept money to help anyone secure a job
3. We only advertise jobs and we do not recruit for any company
4. The right to recruit is reserved for the company

Qualification & Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of five years of experience in public information, communications, public relations, administration and/or related area is required.
• Experience in newswriting and editing skills is required.
• Experience with social media and digital communication platforms is desirable.
• Experience in working with Excel, PowerPoint, MS word, project management software, lotus notes and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System (known as UMOJA within the United Nations) is desirable.
• Experience in budget, finance and procurement is desirable.
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

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