Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Information Integrity Unit of the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) in the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO). The incumbent reports to the Team Leader of the Information Integrity Unit, with an additional reporting line to the Chief of DPO’s Strategic Communications Section. The Information Integrity Unit supports UN peacekeeping operations in addressing misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other harmful information, and works in close cooperation with the Strategic Communications Section.
The role of the Communications Officer specializing in Information Integrity includes developing and implementing communications strategies and digital campaigns in relation to information integrity in peacekeeping; advising on prevention, mitigation and response strategies, contributing to crisis communications, strategic planning, and the development of peacekeeping guidance and training materials to strengthen information integrity and address risks. The Communications officer will also contribute, as necessary, to the team’s work in monitoring and analysing information threats across the online and offline environments, and the development of relevant partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences.
- Draft compelling narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms.
- Draft and produce communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics.
- Create content, conduct interviews and present news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts.
- Monitor, analyze and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness.
- Develop strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact.
- Create and update policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
- Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies.
- Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards.
- Develop and implement communication and/or advocacy strategies to promote and strengthen information integrity, including through monitoring, analysing, responding to misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, hate speech, and threats across the online and offline environment, and the development of relevant partnerships with various actors.
- Develop and contribute to risk assessment approaches to support efforts to strengthen information integrity.
- Provide advice and develop guidance materials for internal stakeholders to strengthen information integrity, through immediate and long-term actions tailored to the specific context and/or mandate of the entity.
- Contribute to crisis communications and strategic planning efforts to prepare for and respond to potential information risks.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to form coalitions and advocate for information integrity.
- Conduct fact-checking and research using open-source collection and analysis techniques.
- Plan, develop and execute research methodologies - quantitative and qualitative – to monitor, collect, analyse, and report on risks to information integrity across various online and/or offline information sources.
- Identify and catalogue incidents and patterns of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, hate speech, and threats.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Critical thinking skills; knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices; knowledge of media monitoring tools; ability to draft and tailor clear messages for diverse audiences; skills in developing creative content; public speaking and presentation skills; knowledge of digital design. 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. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
- Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or related field. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or other relevant areas is required.
- Knowledge of risks to information integrity - misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and threats in fragile, post conflict, and crisis environments - is required.
- Ability to develop and implement communications strategies is required.
- Knowledge of current and emerging digital media platforms, their principles and technologies, is required.
- Knowledge of fact-checking and open-source collection techniques is desirable.
- Skills in policy development in international or multilateral organizational setting is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required (both oral and written); and fluency of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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