General
Description of assignment title: Media Assistant
Assignment country: Switzerland
Expected start date: 07/01/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category: International UN University Volunteer
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
Host entity: OHCHR
Type: Onsite
Duration: 6 months
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Geneva
Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.
Context
This announcement broadcasts an UN Volunteer vacancy with the Media and Public Positioning Section. Located in the External Outreach Partnership Service (EOPS), which was established in 2013 and works to create synergies between the different external relations services, the Media and Public Positioning Section focuses on engaging with the media and promoting the messaging of the High Commissioner and the Office through speeches, news releases, press-briefings and other media products and activities. In addition, in aim of maximizing the impact of the work of the Section, thematic media officers are also dedicated involved in publicizing the work of the Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section/Spokesperson, the UN Volunteer reports to the Public Information Officer in the assigned work unit. This assignment may be offered for a period of three (6) months – from July to December 2023. UN University Volunteer assignments are always without family.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Media Section and an assigned Media Officer the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Supporting researching current human rights issues to aid media and public information outreach and, in particular; Assist the media monitoring and compiling daily media clippings of news coverage of the work of the Office, the Treaty Bodies and Special Rapporteurs; Helping with preparation of material for press conferences and bi-weekly press briefing by the Spokesperson; Assist with setting up and running events; Participates in the research and providing material for a range of media platforms; Assist in researching material for speeches; Perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/Expected Outputs:
- Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 18 – 26
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
0 years of experience in Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. Required Degree Level: Secondary Education Additional Comments: Currently studying towards a degree in law, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, political science, social sciences or a related field. Language Skills: Fluency in English. Knowledge of French is an asset. Knowledge of another Unit-ed Nations official language would be an advantage (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
Area(s) of expertise
Communication
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Required education level
Secondary education
Competencies and values
- Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
- Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
- Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
- Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
- Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.
- Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.
- Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary.
- Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Geneva has excellent transport links, with an international airport situated just four kilometers from the city center. There are also a number of high speed rail connections to many French cities. In terms of public transportation within the city, a single tariff applies to the whole of the city area. Weekly, monthly, and annual tickets are available. Taxis and boats are also a common means of transportation, although the former tend to be fairly expensive. You can import your car to Switzerland tax free for a maximum period of two years. If you are planning on driving on Swiss motorways you will need to purchase a vignette. Geneva is a very eco-friendly city, so don’t be surprised if drivers switch off their engines when waiting at traffic lights and be prepared to become an expert at recycling. The school system in Geneva is made up of four compulsory stages: kindergarten or nursery, cycle primaire, cycle moyen, and cycle d’orientation. At the age of 15, students move on to college, a vocational school, or a school for general education. Read more here : https://www.internations.org/geneva-expats/guide/living-short UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below: Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 1890.45 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): $225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: 30 days Uncertified sick leave: 7 days Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity po