Public Information Assistant

This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Canberra, within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Global Communications (DGC).

The UNIC is part of the global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), and
UNIC Canberra is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in
Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. It is
responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the
United Nations by communicating the work of the UN to a local audience in local languages;
engaging local and regional partners; and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the
peoples it serves.

The Public Information Assistant is under the direct supervision of the Director in UNIC Canberra and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Centres Operation Section (COS) of ICS.

**Responsibilities**:
Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

- Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services.
- Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compile and present information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services for external audiences.
- Organizes and executes special events, coordinating with diverse partners and the media to highlight and publicize key events.
- Handles administrative coordination in support of special training and other programmes.
- Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, or website projects: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements, etc.; selects and catalogues sound/ visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; prepares detailed “shot lists” of video and film material; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc.
- Assists in the electronic dissemination of programmes; prepares, maintains and updates web page, to include drafting and editing content; uploads/downs load audio files and maintains file structure.
- Manages updates and further develops internal databases; update website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases.
- Assists in the preparation, review and monitoring of financial requirements and expenditures, including budget submissions, procurement, purchase orders, petty cash and payments to vendors.
- Performs other related administrative duties, as required, including physical space planning, identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems.
- Assists the Director as Security Designated Official, being the focal point for all DSS activities and meetings.
- Provides guidance and training to junior staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

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 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.

Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in public information, communications, public relations, administration/finance and/or related area is required.

Experience assisting in the design, organization, and production of events and/or editorial projects is required.

Experience working with social media tools, video and photo editing tools is desirable.

Experience monitoring social and traditional media and producing metrics reports is desirable.

Experience providing administrative support (including budget preparation and monitoring expenditure) to an office of the United Nations common system, or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Experience in project management is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Special Notice
- While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applican