Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Communications and External Relations Section of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The future incumbent reports to the Chief of the Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Media Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services. • Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compile and present information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services of journalistic and podcast content related to UNCTAD’s work for external and internal audiences. • Develops and conceptualizes media content, op-eds, key messages, interview briefings, speaking points and scripts for TV series. Serves as an information focal point on media activities open to accredited press and coordinate media coverage of important events; compiles, produces and distributes to journalists basic information on a wide spectrum of activities open to the press; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates logistic and technical arrangements/requests and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; ; serves as Accreditation and Liaison Officer for UN conferences held away from Headquarters. • Organizes and executes special events, including facilitating panel discussions and coordinates with diverse partners and the media to highlight and publicize key events. • Supports spokesperson in engagements with media. • Organizes and supports the facilitation of media training and other programmes on interview techniques, public speaking and related topics. • Oversees the filing of audio and video materials and ensures the good management of the film/video archives, and the proper safekeeping/preservation of audio/visual materials. • Serves as the coordinator for media and public relations work; undertakes proactive calls and directs initiatives to build and nurture client base relationships; • Supports the Chief of Section in overviewing the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, or podcast projects and interviews: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements, etc.; selects and catalogues sound/ visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; prepares detailed “shot lists” of video and film material; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc. • Produces and records interviews and podcasts episodes with UNCTAD subject experts and external guests. • Conducts post-production of interviews and podcasts episodes to ensure quality and professional standards. • Monitors and reports on podcast metrics including downloads. • Participates in planning and execution of live broadcasts or taping of programs; serves as news producer; books studio time and schedules pre-production and post-production editing sessions for conventional broadcasting and Internet posting; performs digital audio editing of inserts and other recorded components of programmes; coordinates the narration, excerpts and music segments of scripts for final taping or broadcasting; produces scripts, cue cards, etc.; arranges for interviews, including two-way live interview situations; provides logistical support and facilitates the movement of technical personnel and artists during live broadcast; identifies and selects appropriate and relevant excerpts of speeches and statements for voice-over processing and language adaptations; coordinates translation/adaptation of scripts, the recording of narrations and the preparation of electronic titles and graphics, etc. • Identifies and prepares new audio and video material for dissemination and inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; identifying, retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation; and by editing documents to conform to UN format, structure and style • Manages updates and further develops internal audio and video databases; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. • Provides guidance, develop materials and conducts media training to to senior management, communications experts and staff at large as required. • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to the communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research and gather information from a variety of sources. Ability to apply communication strategies to increase media coverage and to support activities for the development of media outreach. Ability to take an active role in the preparation and production of interviews. 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; listens 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. 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Additional training on media related areas is desirable.

Work Experience

Seven years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher is desirable. Experience working in an international media outlet covering trade and macroeconomic topics is desirable. Experience working with an international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a project funded position. The initial duration of this temporary job opening is for three (3) months with possibility of extension, starting in March 2024. The extension of the appointment is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of funds and continuing need of the service. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Vacancies at G1-G4 levels are open to both internal and external candidates, including staff members on temporary appointments. However, priority consideration will be given to existing serving staff members. New external candidates will only be considered when a serving staff member holding a Permanent, Continuing, Fixed-Term or Temporary Appointment at the time of application cannot be identified. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.