Job Vacancies Department of Public Information (DPI), December 2011

Job Vacancies Department of Public Information (DPI)
Position: Chief Of Media Accreditation And Liaison Unit
Department/ Office DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Duty Station NEW YORK
Closing Date: Sunday, 15 January 2012
Job Opening number 11-PUB-DEPT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-21622-R-NEW YORK
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the News and Media Division (NMD) of the Department of Public Information (DPI). The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Press Service.

Responsibilities
Under the general supervision of the Chief of the Press Service, the incumbent is responsible for the supervision of the staff of the Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit (MALU) and the accreditation of all media representatives.
Elaborates and advises on UN policy governing the accreditation of all media representatives and supervises the implementation of the policy
Liaises with the United States Mission to the UN on matters pertaining to the Headquarters agreement covering accreditation and Visa status of foreign correspondents as well as with all other Permanent and Observer Missions on matters related to accreditation of their national media representatives
Responsible for the MALU website and oversees the development and maintenance of the web-based media accreditation database which is used at Headquarters and at conferences away from Headquarters
Participates in the organization of all UN news events, taking place at Headquarters and at international conferences held abroad
Ensures on-going contact with national and international broadcasting organizations, news agencies , newspapers, major photo agencies, etc., in order to inform them in advance of major UN events and activities, and in fulfillment of this, is responsible for the development, production and editorial supervision of the daily Media Alert, the web-based source for media information on activities and events at the UN
In consultation with the Office of the Spokesman for the Secretary-General organizes press conferences and stakeouts
Manages the distribution of UN documents, as well as documents distributed by permanent and observer missions of the UN, to the media at Headquarters
Hosts official visits to the UN of heads of national and international media organizations and provides briefings about orientations to and tours of the UN for official media delegations from the permanent missions
Organizes and provides liaison services to the media as needed
Works with DSS and media representatives to ensure media access guidelines and procedures are implemented to the satisfaction of both sides
Provides briefings to journalists and journalism students as requested and when possible.

Competencies
Professionalism:
Substantial knowledge in the field of communications and public information and ability to address a range of issues related to UN information requirements; In-depth understanding of the UN system, organization and interrelationships; Demonstrated ability in pro-active media relations. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations, such as media access to high level officials or other dignitaries; media savvy and able to effectively interact with media representatives and build productive relationships.

Communication:
Highly developed communication skills, including ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports and other communications and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style to a variety of audiences, as well as facilitation skills.

Planning and 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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably in communications, journalism, public relations or other related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of professional training, certification and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, communications, public or international relations, including minimum two years working experience at the international level. Experience in the area of media relations is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in English is required. Familiarity with other official UN language is highly desirable.

Assessment Method
Competency-based interview.

Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

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.