General
Description of assignment title: Public Information Officer
Assignment country: South Sudan
Expected start date: 10/01/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNMISS
Type: Onsite
Duration: 9 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Torit
Details
Mission and objectives
Under Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes: (a) Protection of civilians (b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance (c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process (d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers. Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.
Context
The position is located in the Communications & Public Information Section, CPIS, within the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), Torit. Torit is classified in the “E” category and as a non-family duty station. The PI Officer reports to the Head Office, Torit and Chief of Service, Public Information.
Task description
- Plan and organize well-focused awareness-raising events by employing drama, dance, music, sports and other entertaining methods (e.g. peace concerts, football tournaments, quiz competitions, school debates on peace and reconciliation) to promote the goals and priorities of UNMISS and garner better understanding of the Mission among the people of South Sudan;
- Conceptualize a PR plan and formulate effective key messages to maximize visibility of UNMISS and its priorities, and produce on-point promotional materials such as posters, fliers, banners, photo panels, PowerPoint slides, t-shirts, and cartoons;
- Organize celebratory events for UN-related “International Days” (e.g. International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May, International Day of Peace on 21 September, and United Nations Day on 24 October) and assist other partners in organizing other “International Day” events;
- Create and maintain networks of effective contacts with high-profile officials and influencers in South Sudan, including national ministers, undersecretaries and directors-general at the government, civil society groups, faith-based groups, women and youth organizations, academia, local media outlets and other relevant actors, and contact them directly at a moment’s notice;
- Screen and analyze local newspapers and radio stations in English and produce informative media monitoring reports for the Mission leadership;
- Supporting a team of field CPI officers and ensuring efficient use of resources and time;
- Travelling within the state, and on occasions to other states, to cover stories and events;
- Organizing and supervising the efficient physical distribution of CPI print products (e.g. calendars, leaflets, brochures) within UNMISS and to other stakeholders;
- Mentoring and assisting in the capacity building of CPI national staff at Torit;
- Write and edit content on UNMISS outreach activities, and contribute to the UNMISS Web site, Facebook and other platforms, as well as research and generate content for outreach-related promotional materials;
- Design clear, engaging graphic materials catered to target audiences, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign (e.g. logos, branded promotional materials, web site and social media graphics, posters, flyers, publication layout and other marketing materials as needed);
- Performing other duties as assigned by CPI Section Chief, Head of Outreach, Chief of Radio and Head of Multimedia.
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
5 years of experience in event management, public relations, graphic design, and website management/design is required.
- Experience in Administration budget and Finance is desirable.
- Solid computer skills, including full proficiency in PowerPoint and various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc) and other IT applications and office technology equipment.
- Strong and proven knowledge of graphic design software, including InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop
- Ability to operate digital recording equipment.
- Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
- Sound security awareness.
- Sound leadership skills, with experience managing small- to medium-sized teams
Area(s) of expertise
Administration, Communication, Community development
Driving license
Manual Transmission Required
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Arabic, Level: Fluent, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Event management, public relations, graphic design, website management, mass communications, journalism, broadcasting, or relevant disciplines.
Competencies and values
- Accountability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creativity
- Judgement and decision-making
- Planning and organising
- Professionalism
- Self-management
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Living conditions vary between UNMISS duty stations. Each duty station where UNMISS has a field presence has basic residential camp facilities, which includes running water and electricity. Candidates should be aware that accommodation may be austere with the possibility of water shortages and power blackouts. On arrival in Juba accommodation will be on a share basis. Ablutions will also be shared. As the accommodation situation improves single unit accommodation, with an attached ablution, should become available in all locations. Hard wall accommodation is available in Juba. All UNMISS duty stations apart from Entebbe, Uganda are considered non – family duty stations. The security level of UNMISS duty stations is classified by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) who will brief on arrival. A number of locations in South Sudan are prone to conflict. Primary health care services (preventive and curative) are provided in 11 United Nations Owned Equipment (UNOE) Level-I clinics, 21 Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Level-I clinics, 4 COE Level-II medical facilities within the mission area and the establishment of contractual agreements for Level-III and Level-IIII care outside the mission area. The 4 Level-II facilities available in Juba, Bor, Malakal and Wau, run by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC), take referrals from the Level-I clinics and provide hospital-based care. The climate is tropical with a rainy season in many areas, which should normally span from around April to October. Ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions is essential.
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 policy
