Job Description

Date Posted: 2009-10-28 Ref. JB1344715

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
UN World Food Programme

The World Food Programme (WFP), the world's frontline organisation fighting hunger, is seeking to replenish its roster of qualified Public Information Officers for possible employment opportunities at various grade levels. These positions may be based in WFP’s Headquarters, Regional Offices or Country Offices throughout the world.

ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE?
Selected candidates may be asked to serve in a difficult duty station upon appointment. Please view our video to help you determine if WFP is right for you:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?gl=IT&hl=it&p=BB75F4F64DB8133E
View “Deep Field”

Within delegated authority, the Public Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic and thus not all inclusive nor are all duties carried out by all Public Affairs Officers.)

• Conceptualize and elaborate on communication strategies;
• Analyse and keep current on WFP activities and the political and social events that affect these activities within an assigned geographical area;
• Draft press updates and op-ed pieces, materials for pamphlets, brochures, multimedia programmes for external distribution to the public, the media, educational institutions, non governmental agencies and donors; ensure that responses to direct or indirect requests for information about the work of the Programme promote better understanding of its objectives and activities;
• Act a spokesperson for the Programme on issues; maintain contacts with media representatives and others to direct their attention to those activities and achievements of the Organization which will be of interest to the public or concerned groups;
• Assess the general reaction of the public to the work of the Programme on the basis of information gathered from media, organized groups and correspondence;
• Evaluate the relative effectiveness of strategies chosen to reach the public and advise the Chief of REP and other senior officials of the need for WFP to take a more proactive approach in specific operations;
• Respond to emergencies when requested by getting to the site fast and commanding information for public release on WFP’s proactive operations and activities. Contact media for interviews on return;
• Maintain contact with permanent delegations to WFP, donor governments and UN agencies. Provide them with information on the Programme and develop joint information programmes to increase WFP’s profile in those countries;
• Assess the general reaction of the public to the work and specific activities of WFP on the basis of information gathered from media, organized groups and correspondence; advise WFP officers of the tone and content to be expected from media queries;
• Support public affairs officers in other offices and supervise public affairs staff as required;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Terms and Conditions
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, 30 days’ annual vacation, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.

Competencies
WFP’s core competencies for professionals include action management, communication skills, teamwork and high standards of ethics and values.

Skills

EDUCATION
University degree, preferably at the advanced level, in journalism (particularly foreign correspondence and international media), international relations, editing, communications, or other related fields.

LANGUAGE
- Working knowledge (proficiency/Level C) of English and Arabic.
- Limited knowledge (intermediate/Level B) of another official WFP language, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish.

EXPERIENCE
P3: At least 5 years, progressively responsible experience in reporting as well as the ability to develop information strategies and programs.

P4: At least 7 years (3 of which international), progressively responsible experience in writing and in the development and implementation of information strategy and programmes.

P5: At least 10 years (4 of which international), progressively responsible experience in as a professional journalist, particularly in an international context.

Websites to visit before applying:
http://icsc.un.org Click on: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date
www.wfp.org Click on: “Where we work” and “What we do” to learn more about WFP’s operations.
www.unstaffmobility.org Learn more about countries where the UN operates

Application procedures:
Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/09-0009918
Step 1: Create your online CV.
Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.
NOTE: You must complete Step 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

Deadline for applications: November 29, 2009

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are encouraged to apply

REF: 09-0009918

Company Profile

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s frontline organisation fighting hunger.

WFP is the United Nations frontline agency in the fight against global hunger. Its operations aim to:

- Save lives in refugee crises and other emergencies
- Improve nutrition and quality of life of world's most vulnerable people at critical times in their lives
- Enable development by (a) helping people build assets that benefit them directly; (b) promoting the self-reliance of poor people and communities

To learn more about WFP's operations, please visit our website.