The Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) is a leading provider of multimedia humanitarian news and analysis (www.IRINnews.org). IRIN is presently seeking applications for the following positions:

Online Producer

POSITION TITLE:  Online Producer
GRADE:   NOB
POST:    Expert
DUTY STATION:  Dubai
DURATION: Twelve months
SUPERVISOR:   Editor-In-Chief
CONTENT AND METHODOLOGY: Guidance and support from IRIN

BACKGROUND
The Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) is an independent humanitarian news service covering more than 70 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Further to the UN’s cooperation with developing countries, IRIN aims to provide comprehensive and impartial coverage of humanitarian and related issues. Intended for the benefit of a global readership, an emphasis is made on assisting governments and international aid organizations to implement their humanitarian and development work in developing countries.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Based in Dubai and under the direction of the Editor-in-Chief, the Online Producer will maximize the quality and impact of the IRIN website by ensuring users' information needs are met through timely updates and the clear and attractive presentation of a relevant, balanced mix of rich content. This contributes to continued growth in audience size and depth of engagement.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Maximize the potential of the content published on the web site in order to provide high quality, accurate humanitarian news and information. This includes hyper linking related items; adding links to external sites where appropriate and/or incorporating where appropriate, interactive and multiple elements such as audio, video and photos.
• Ensure fresh content is selected and placed on the most-visited pages, including the English and Arabic home pages, and other major entry points to the site, updating at least once every weekday.
• Support the editorial production of the Dubai or other IRIN bureaus – reporting and sub-editing as required , including production of original content, special reports and packages from the desk or field reporting on mission as and when agreed with the Editor-In-Chief and regional bureau/unit.
• Identify and report errors in content or style to the relevant unit and/or Editor-In-Chief for correction.
• Liaise with the Editor-In-Chief, units and bureaus on daily news flows and planning and on the editorial material that should be highlighted on the web site.
• Work closely with IT on streamlining procedures and workflow for staff members' contributions to the web site.
• Provide feedback to the Editor-In-Chief on usage patterns on the site by reviewing web usage analysis and other indicators.
• Monitor and report to Chief of IT and Editor-In-Chief on problems and opportunities in site functionality (bugs). Suggest improvements in site usability, functionality, navigation, design and propose new features.
• Suggest and coordinate improvements of various sections and pages of the site as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Editor-In-Chief.

UN COMPETENCIES
Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of The United Nations
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute
• Develops deep knowledge in humanitarian issues
• Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to elaborate and implement humanitarian communications and information management products
• Demonstrates excellent ability to write, edit and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
• Ability to effectively plan and manage
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies
• Demonstrates strong web publishing skills

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and result for the client
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in journalism, international relations, business management or other relevant field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in journalism, media or humanitarian affairs may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• Minimum of two (2) years professional experience in the field of journalism,  preferably including the management of online content; additional experience in the humanitarian field would be an advantage;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent inter-personal and supervisory skills;
• Excellent analytical and organisational skills;
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, with efficiency, competence and integrity with people of different national backgrounds;
• Full proficiency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Arabic and/or another UN language would be advantageous;
• Fully proficient in personal computing, web publishing, and online content management systems.

Applications from the qualified candidates should be submitted to: Head of Office, UNOCHA/IRIN by email to: jobs-me@irinnews.org by 18th November 2009. The post title MUST appear under subject line.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short listed candidates who meet the requirement will be contacted.

(Detailed duties and responsibilities can be obtained by calling 04-3680272)Late applications will not be considered

Freelancers: IRIN is interested in hearing from experienced journalists with excellent writing skills and creative ideas who are interested in contributing to IRIN.

In order to be considered, please send us your CV with a covering note, which must include some story ideas suitable for IRIN's specialist humanitarian subject area. Mail us at

Expressions of interest from Francophone countries may be sent in French. We'll get back in touch only if we feel there's a good fit.

Currently (March 2009), we are particularly looking for stringers in the current locations:
Angola, Botswana, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, DRC, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gaza City, Guinea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New York, Niger, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan (Khartoum and South Sudan) Syria, The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Thailand, Vietnam, Washington DC, Western Sahara, Yemen and Zanzibar.