UNDP Ghana Vacancy: National Information Officer

Job Description

National Information Officer (NO-C)

Job Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator, acting in his/her capacity as Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Ghana, and under the guidance of the Director of the Strategic Communications Division (SCD) and the Chief Information Centres Service/SCD, the incumbent will assist in the implementation of a One UN Communications Strategy to ensure UN system-wide coherence, clear direction and consistency in external and UN internal communications.

The main duties are as follows:

Assumes responsibilities for the day-to-day running of the UN Information Centre.
Serves as member of the UN Ghana Communications Group (UNCG) in close consultation with the UN Resident Coordinator and RC Office, and under the general guidance of the Department of Public Information (DPI) at UNHQ
Contributes to the development and implementation of a One UN Communications Strategy for Ghana, by adapting the global UN message to the needs of the UN Country Team and local audiences.
Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNCG, as well as DPI HQs, on appropriate action/responses.
In close consultation with the UNCG Chair, and abiding to agreed division of labor and the annual work plan of the UNCG, specific tasks of the incumbent may include media outreach, development of media strategies and action plans, developing contacts with national and regional media, dissemination of Information materials to the media, placing of op-eds, interviews, organization of press conferences and briefings, monitoring press coverage of UN issues; consultations with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, appropriate follow-up action, analyses and reports on the impact of coverage.
In support of the UN Communications Group, maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies in the country/countries of responsibility.
Assists in the development and maintenance of a One UN web site
Assumes overall responsibility for the administration of the UNIC by ensuring full and efficient operations; supervises Centre personnel; oversees the planning and management of the UNIC’s overall activities and its operational requirements, including its budget, equipment and information material; monitors the output of the Centre and reports to DPI on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
Performs special functions and duties as required by the UN Resident Coordinator the Director of SCD or the Chief of ICS/SCD

Required Skills or Experience

COMPETENCIES:

Professionalism: Theoretical background and good understanding of approaches, tools and methodologies related to planning, executing and monitoring public communications campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation, etc; good communications research and analytical skills; understanding of relevant internal policies and business activities and of related current events, topics and issues; strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style and effectively interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections.
Planning & Organizing: Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Judgment/ Decision-making: Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.
Technology Awareness: Fully proficient; computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, PowerPoint or equivalent, graphics software, internal databases, Internet, etc.
Communication: Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products and to articulate ideas in a dear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections.
Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect diversity.

Education:
A university degree (Bachelors of Arts or equivalent) preferably in communications, journalism, public information or a related field.

Job Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience, including extensive experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, NGOs, Government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. Demonstrated experience in public information and/or public relations, experience as part of a strategic communications team and proven skills in public speaking are required. Experience in journalism highly desirable. Experience with the UN Country Team in the region is also highly desirable.

Language:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Fluency in the language(s) of country/countries covered by the UN Information Centre is also required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Other Skills:
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems. Disclaimer:
Please note that external candidates wilt be graded in accordance with the
current recruitment guidelines. This means that external candidates may
be recruited at a lower level than that of the advertised level of the post.

How To Apply

Please send your application clearly marked ‘National Information Officer’ with currculum vitae with email address, telephone number(s), signed UN P-11 form and relevant certificates to:
The Resident Coordinator
U. N. D. P
P. O. Box 1423
Accra – Ghana

(Attention: The HR Unit, UNDP)

Offer valid: 03 Dec, 2010