Public Information Officer, L-3

Background:

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) is a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder platform to enable societies to increase their resilience to natural, technological and environmental disasters and to reduce associated environmental, human and economic and social losses. A range of United Nations organizations and international partners participate in cooperation with Governments and civil society organizations. In adopting ISDR, the United Nations General Assembly (Res/54/219) endorsed the establishment of an institutional framework for its implementation consisting of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction (IATF/DR) and the inter-agency secretariat (ISDR secretariat).

The main functions of the secretariat are policy coordination, advocacy and information management, at the international and regional levels, to ensure synergy between disaster reduction strategies and those in the socio-economic and humanitarian fields.

In January 2005, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR, 18-22 January 2005, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan) took place and represents a landmark in worldwide understanding and commitment to implement a disaster risk reduction agenda. This commitment was captured in the Hyogo Declaration and the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters adopted at the WCDR.

The Hyogo Framework constitutes the essential guide for implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in the coming years and it constitutes an unprecedented conceptual shift that takes account of the complexity of action in disaster risk reduction and the large variety of actors whose inputs are required in the pursuit of this objective. It provides the basic concepts and prescribes and expected outcome; details three strategic goals for disaster risk reduction and a set of five priority areas for action; and assigns tasks to stakeholders at difference operational levels to reach the expected outcome.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Edit ISDR secretariat documents and communications (articles, press releases, newsletters, reports, web-based information, etc.)
• Undertake activities to promote disaster risk reduction (in particular, organize the annual campaign for the International Day for Disaster Reduction, produce monthly ISDR highlights, and other related information activities) on priority issues/themes, awareness raising programmes, initiating outreach efforts (in close coordination with and in support of regional platforms), proposing and arranging awareness raising events, disseminating materials, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and evaluating and reporting on the impact of programmes.
• Coordinate the annual United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction; manage the award process; organize Jury meetings and act as Secretary; produce conclusions of each Ceremony; design and produce nomination booklets; launch the nomination process worldwide in conjunction with annual promotional campaign with the support from regional offices; review nominations and produce individual information sheets on each candidate to submit to the Jury; organize the ceremony on the occasion of the International Day; coordinate the allocation of financial rewards to laureate and recipients of certificates.
• Ensure implementation of awareness and information programmes to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting awareness and information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and evaluating the outcome.
• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press, identify issues and trends, and advise management on appropriate action/responses, in collaboration with the Public Information/Media Relations Officer.
• Produce or oversee production of specific type or types (print, broadcast, etc) of information and awareness raising communications products (information kits, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, etc.) to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audiences, preparing production plans, liaise with UN conferences services for production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures, and distribution.
• Organize and/or participate in the organization of conferences, seminars, press briefings, interviews, etc; prepare briefing materials for senior officers to their participation in such events. Additionally, intensify links with ISDR national committees/focal points worldwide for the implementation of public awareness initiatives at the local level, and work closely with the ISDR regional outreach programmes.
• Liaise with translators, printers and other outsourced services related to information needs.
• Initiate and sustain professional relationships with key constituencies (awareness and information.
• Respond to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally; prepare related correspondence.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.


Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

The position is located in the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction secretariat (UNISDR), in Geneva, Switzerland under the overall guidance of the Director and reporting to the Senior Programme Officer for Advocacy and Outreach.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Staff at all levels, within UN/ISDR and the disaster risk reduction community as well as national counterparts and donors. Representatives of other UN agencies and other UN specialized agencies; member state personnel with responsibility for disaster risk reduction; non-governmental organization representatives; and representatives and officials in national governments, international organizations, IFIs, research institutes, and NGOs.

Results Expected:

ISDR documents and major communications edited; awareness raising events organized; Sasakawa Award process managed; support to organization of conferences/meetings provided; ISDR highlights issued on a timely basis; analysis on the impact of the global awareness campaign carried out.
Competencies:
Professionalism: Strong editing skills in particular in English (other UN languages an asset); thorough knowledge of and practical experience in the full range of communication approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes (e.g. campaign management, marketing/promotion, audience outreach, message targeting, etc.). Strong communications research and analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources; up-to-date knowledge of disaster risk reduction topics and issues; political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and to otherwise cultivate productive relationships;; excellent communication (spoken, written and presentation) skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style, to deliver oral presentations to various audiences as required and to effectively interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections. Planning and Organizing: Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Judgment/decision-making: sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a range of issues/problems. Managing: Effective task/programme management skills. Technology Awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, PowerPoint or equivalent, databases, Internet, etc. Communication: Excellent communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational) skills, including ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections. Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Qualifications:

Education: A university degree in communications, journalism, international or public relations or other related field or a combination of relevant academic qualifications and experience in a related area.

Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public information and awareness, public relations or other related field; international experience desirable. Familiarity with United Nations agencies desirable.

Language: Fluency in written and spoken English (English mother-tongue) is essential. French a plus; fluency in one or more official UN languages is highly desirable.

Other skills: Familiarity with disaster risk reduction, the ISDR system and its partners and the Hyogo Framework for Action. Working experience in developing countries. Basic knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies, guidelines. Knowledge of the institutions of the UN system.