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:
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT OCHA/IRIN/01/2011
NATIONAL HUMANITARIAN REPORTER - NOB LEVEL – (2 POSTS) |
| Date of Issue: | 3rd February 2012 |
Deadline: | 17th February 2012 |
| Duty Station: | Nairobi |
Contract Type: | Fixed Term |
| Duration: | 12 months (with possibility of extension) |
UNOCHA/IRIN (
www.irinnews.org) is seeking applications from Kenyan nationals for the following posts to cover the Central and East Africa Region. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Under the direct supervision of the Nairobi Senior Editor, the Humanitarian Reporter will be responsible for researching, writing and producing written materials and multi-media products on countries in the Central and East Africa region, with special attention to maintaining the quality and relevance of IRIN’s humanitarian coverage.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:First University Degree in journalism or related field. Master's degree or equivalent will be an added advantage
Experience:Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, public information or related field. Additional experience in the humanitarian sector an advantage;
Language:English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; Knowledge of French or another UN official language is an advantage.
Use this link to access the full TORs and application procedures:
www.ke.undp.org
NOTE: Late applications will not be accepted and only short-listed candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
| Job Title: | PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER / Humanitarian Reporting, P3 |
| Department/ Office: | Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |
| Duty Station: | DUBAI |
| Posting Period: | 26 January 2012-25 February 2012 |
| Job Opening number: | 12-PUB-OCHA-22647-R-DUBAI (X) |
Apply online
This position is with the Middle East regional bureau of the Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), the humanitarian news and analysis service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the position reports to the Editor-in-Chief, IRIN.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer/Humanitarian Reporting will be responsible for the following duties:
- Ensures implementation of information services to report on and publicize priority humanitarian issues and/or major events in the Middle East region, to include drafting news and feature articles, coordinating reporting efforts, monitoring and reporting on feedback, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the impact of services.
- Monitors and analyzes humanitarian events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.
- Undertakes activities to promote coverage of priority humanitarian issues and/or major events, to include development of editorial strategies and an annual action plan, initiating pro-active outreach efforts, proposing and arranging coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with humanitarian and media partners on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
- Produces written and audio-visual news stories, features and analysis for public dissemination through the web, email and other channels; proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, publication procedures and distribution.
- Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN publications, periodicals, reports and books.
- Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.
- Acts as focal point on specific issues/themes, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
- Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.
- Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM
- Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective reporting on humanitarian issues and developments, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting.
- Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
- Ability to identify humanitarian issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment.
- Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
- Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues.
- Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style.
- Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences.
- 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 the audience
- Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
PLANNING & ORGANIZING:
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
- Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
- Allocates 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
LEADERSHIP:
- Serves as a role model that other people want to follow.
- Empowers others to translate vision into results.
- Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.
- Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions.
- Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo.
- Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.
Judgement/Decision Making
- Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly.
- Gathers relevant information before making a decision.
- Considers positive and negative impact on others and on the Organization.
- Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information.
- Checks assumptions against facts.
- Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.
- Makes tough decisions when necessary.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, public information or related area.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English language (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of Arabic language is desirable. Knowledge of French or another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Test of writing and language skills may be required.
Special Notice
Extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
- Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and regulations.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
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.
Apply online
INTERNS:
The Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), a global news and analysis service on humanitarian issues, is inviting internship applications for three to six month placements for its Nairobi Headquarters (Editorial Unit).
Qualifications: Applicants must be pursuing a first or advanced degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, International Relations or related fields.
Language: Fluency in English is required. Another language will be an added advantage, especially French, Arabic or Spanish.
Application procedure: Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the UN Office at Nairobi (
UNON) website (
www.unon.org) specifying their area of assignment as UNOCHA. Send a copy of the application to Further eligibility requirements are detailed on the website. An official letter in PDF format from applicants' educational institution is a requirement without which applications cannot be reviewed.
The roles, in brief:
Editorial: Research, write, edit, update or revise articles and multimedia reports on events and issues affecting the humanitarian agenda worldwide. Work closely with IRIN journalists, editors and local correspondents. Interact with newsmakers and analysts, IRIN users and the humanitarian community. Skills in video, photography or other multimedia would be a plus.
FREELANCE JOURNALISTS:
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, we are particularly looking for stringers in the current locations:
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Botswana, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Geneva, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, New York, Niger, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan (Khartoum and South Sudan), The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Thailand, UK, Vietnam, Washington DC, Western Sahara, Yemen and Zanzibar.