Organization Mission

The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) provides critical Supply Chain, Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technology services and training to all Peacekeeping and Special Political Missions around the world.

Context

The position is responsible for supporting and coordinating the implementation of UNGSC communications strategy, in line with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) /Department of Operational Support (DOS) guidelines and in coordination with key internal/external stakeholders, contributing to shaping UNGSC’s vision and voice in all communications products and channels.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Administrative Officer in the Office of the Director in Brindisi, Italy.

Key Responsibilities

Within the assigned authority and under the supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer in the UNGSC Office of the Director, the Public Information Specialist will:

Support the implementation and regular review of the UNGSC Communications Strategy and related plans to communicate UNGSC’s work, impact and mandate to internal/external audiences as well as to publicize priority issues and/or major events;

Coordinate the implementation of the UNGSC Communications strategy across channels and functions; Lead the design and implementation of communications campaigns in support of UNGSC’s priorities;

Act as Communications point person for UNGSC, in coordination with focal points in technical teams and Services;

Provide guidance in relation to UNGSC’s digital presence and web/social media activities;

Support the management of UNGSC’s website, including providing guidance on the update and development of both design and content; Lead on the management of UNGSC’s social media, including providing guidance on overall planning, defining the editorial line and tone of voice, reviewing posts and providing recommendation on messaging;

Contribute to the development and dissemination of communication materials globally;

Provide guidance on the development of communication materials, including briefing materials, press releases, newsletters and articles and support their dissemination through effective channels;

Support the review process of publications and other communication material produced by UNGSC;

Provide guidance on the design and production of videos and photo-coverage of UNGSC’s work;

Provide guidance on branding and ensure branding consistency and alignment for all UNGSC’s communication products;

Contribute to media relations and UNGSC event organization;

Support media outreach and assist in updating the media database;

Provide guidance on key messaging for UNGSC and key initiatives;

Support the organization of UNGSC events, in coordination with other UNGSC teams, focusing especially on the communications aspects; Liaise with and provide support to partners and experts involved in the events organized by UNGSC;

Knowledge-sharing and monitoring;

Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned from UNGSC’s programmes and ensure the exchange of information; Draw lessons learnt from the monitoring of results for print, visual and social media and guide the preparation of reports.

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

As an active UNGSC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNGSC in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• UNGSC communication is run strategically, in line with agreed organization-wide priorities;

• New communications plans, campaigns and visibility actions are designed at international and national level;

• New communication materials (corporate videos, visibility reports, catalogues and brochures, newsletter, etc.) are developed and shared with relevant stakeholders;

• The websites and social media channels are active and constantly updated;

• UNGSC branding/brand identity is consistently followed and implemented – in alignment with DGC/DOS expectations;

• Broad networks of stakeholders are developed and involved in UNGSC initiatives;

• Regular reports are produced for strategic information sharing with UNGSC leadership;

• Leadership and internal/external stakeholders partners are properly and timely updated;

• Events, are of great relevance, with content in line with UNGSC messaging and adequate branding;

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment;

• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least five years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in advocacy, communications, public information, or other relevant programmes; experience with video production and editing is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Experience in media relations and media monitoring skills;
• Experience in social media and web content management;
• Experience in the production of audio-visual materials, particularly video production and editing;
• Accuracy and professionalism in the production and editing of publications;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with Adobe creative and Canva; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNGSC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNGSC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNGSC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNGSC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships.

Living Conditions

Italy is a unique country that It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Monthly Living Allowance (Per month, paid in USD): apx. EUR 3325
Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350
Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 120
Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance
Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Leave entitlements:
Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle.
Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments
Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated)

For more information, please consult the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos) and visit (https://app.unv.org/calculator)

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.