Background

II. Organizational Context and Reporting Relationships

This position is in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC). The Reporting and Advocacy Officer (RAO) reports to the Information Management Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Accountabilities: Within delegated authority, the Reporting and Advocacy Officer (RAO) will be responsible for the following duties:

  • Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned countries or region.
  • Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; organizes follow-up work, including interagency technical review meetings to support trend analysis, policy development work, and decision-making on important issues.
  • Compiles information and create communication products for target audiences, including press releases, reports, briefing packages, brochures, annual documents etc.
  • Work with other members of the team to compile video clips and image to create visual campaigns or film compilations to be shared over websites and social medias channels.
  • Develops and participates in conferences and workshops, with relevance to key partners in the region, promoting the use of OCHA tools and mechanisms and services.
  • Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with the same.
  • Organizes or participates in the organization of conferences, seminars, press briefings, interviews, etc.; prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events.
  • Responds to a variety of inquires and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence.
  • Organizes the clearance, production and distribution of information material; conducts photo and graphic research.
  • Assists in the production of proposals for funding mechanisms, including Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) requests and appeals.
  • Prepares, based on official UN documentation and other sources, initials draft of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books
  • In consultation with others identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities and approaches, considering the situation/topic and target audience.
  • Performs other related duties as required or any other tasks necessary for the overall functioning of the office in compliance with ROLACs work plan objectives.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Staff internal to OCHA ROLAC, officers and staff within OCHA departments/sections/units in Geneva and New York Headquarters, OCHA staff in the region, consultants, the Regional Group on Risks, Emergencies and Disasters for Latin America and the Caribbean (REDLAC) partners, government authorities, corporate partners, NGOs, donors, Regional and National UN agencies, and other key international partner organizations.

Results Expected:

  • Works with minimum amount of supervision;
  • Independent provision of accurate reports;
  • Contributes to institutional public communication efforts through good research, analysis of assigned topics and timely preparation and distribution information products to target audiences;
  • Effectively organizes media events, conferences, etc.
  • Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures
  • Effectively, and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally;
  • Is proactive in identification of needs and opportunities related to the goals of the disaster section and communicates in a professional, precise, and timely manner with OCHA staff and other partners.

Competencies

  • Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of humanitarian, emergency relief assistance and related human rights issues. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, work under pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters and human misery). 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; listen 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; solicit input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; place 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.

  • 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.

  • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

  • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

  • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

  • Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

  • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic and experience requirements:

  • Candidates with master’s degree or equivalent in humanities, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related fields. Experience working with an international or national organizations and familiarity with the UN system is an asset.

  • Candidates with license degree or equivalent in humanities, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field, one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. Experience working with an international or national organizations and familiarity with the UN system is an asset.

  • Candidates with bachelor’s degree or equivalent in humanities, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field, two (2) year of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. Experience working with an international or national organizations and familiarity with the UN system is an asset.

Language requirements:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written) are mandatory. Knowledge of French or other UN official language is an asset.

Other Skills:

  • Skills in analysis, negotiating, and leadership.
  • Solid inter-personal and diplomatic skills.
  • Experience on timely delivery of written reports prepared in an accurate and concise manner.
  • Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc).
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national background.

This vacancy is archived.

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