Vacancy No.

UNRCCA/003/2017

Deadline

04 September 2017   

Post Title

Public Information Assistant

Level

GS-5

Organizational Unit

Public Information Unit/UNRCCA

Location

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

VA Date:

07 August 2017      

Period of Appointment

Initial period of one-year with possibility of further extension, subject to the mandate and/or availability of funds

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Human Rights Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides general office support; responds to information requests and inquiries; processes, drafts and finalizes correspondence and other communications; sets up and maintains files/records, organizes meetings, monitors deadlines, etc.
• Coordinates administrative services, including preparing, monitoring and processing requisitions, service contracts and payment vouchers, coordinating special assignments and related travel authorizations, etc.
• Provides specialized assistance to officers in the production and delivery of communications products and services, including collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and subsequent generation of reports.
• Manages, updates, and further develops internal databases; generates content and updates daily website and social media platforms; drafts and edits original content; assists in design, development, and maintenance of Internet applications; generates a variety of statistical and other reports from various databases.
• Researches, compiles and presents basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services.
• Serves as a photographic assistant by producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serving as a back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos.
• Coordinates media coverage of important events; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates technical arrangements and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; and evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations.
• Participates in the planning and coordination of exhibits and special projects; liaises with relevant departments/agencies; drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of exhibits and special projects.
• Using relevant computer software creates designs in the appropriate format for promotional and other material, e.g. brochures, presentational materials, announcements, and catalogs, etc.
• Ensures availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc.
• Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes or website projects; tracks all production material; produces scripts, cue cards, etc., selects and catalogues sound and visual materials for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; coordinates scheduling of commercial and internal production facilities; directs studio recordings and/or evaluates audio quality of recordings for inclusion in programmes.
• Monitors the performance of digital audio workstations and other computer-based editing systems with respect to proper digital file management; review entries, file storage, retention and deletion practices to ensure consistent application of basic guidelines; identifies problems/issues and liaises with appropriate personnel for their resolution.
• Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages and platforms by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public communication, international broadcasting or related area.

Languages: Fluency in English and Russian, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of Turkmen is desirable.

Other Skills: Experience with field reporting is desirable. Hands-on practical experience in digital sound editing, Internet research, and electronic posting is an asset.

UN CORE VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Demonstrated technical knowledge of human resources management. Ability to maintain accurate records, interpret/analyze a wide variety of data, and identify/resolve data discrepancies and activity problems. Practices discretion and observes confidentiality. 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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places 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 and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates an 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.

Communication: Speaks and write clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Ask questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience; Demonstrate openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments, delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;

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 a client informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of product or services to client.

APPLICATIONS