Public Information Officer

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The “Capacity Building of the Human Rights related Committees in the Council of Representatives and the Independent High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) in Iraq” project is designed in response to Human Rights needs and the situation in Iraq. The project is financed by the European Commission and implemented by UNOPS to support the IHCHR. 

The project comprises of two main components to be implemented over a four-year period. The first component focuses on enhancing the capacity of the relevant committees for human rights in the Council of Representatives, which constitutes the driving force behind the newly established Independent High Commission for Human Rights in Iraq. While under the second component, direct support will be provided to the IHCHR.

According to the Law 53 of 2008, the first Human Rights Commission in Iraq was established in April 2012 for a term of four years for its board members. The term has ended in April 2016 and the “Committee of Experts” that is mandated according to Article 7, law 53 of 2008 to select the new board of commissioners is currently conducting the elections.

The incumbent will directly report to the Programme Manager and the overall role of this position is to advise the Programme Manager on supporting the Iraq Human Rights Commission, and the Public Information Office in particular, on how to better inform and raise awareness of Iraqi stakeholders on the promotion of human rights. The Public Relations Officer will provide advice on how to support a better knowledge on the activities of the Iraqi Human Rights Commission in order to ensure access to individuals and groups to the relevant bodies for protection and information on human rights.

The Public Information Officer is expected to work closely with IHCHR, UNOPS and UNAMI Human Rights Office.  The Public Information Officer will report directly to the UNOPS Programme Manager.  

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS. 

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Under the direct supervision of the UNOPS Programme Manager the Public Information Officer will carry out the following functions:

Summary of Key Functions:

Project Implementation

Provide technical support related to Public Information for the IHCHR.

Provide technical support on human rights promotion and public information platforms (media, written, video, social media).

Provide assistance on human rights and on the work of the human rights mandated institutions in Iraq.

Provide technical support and on the job training to IHCHR in organizing conferences, symposiums and social events, issuing publications and preparing media materials on human rights related topics.

Support IHCHR in defining:

·         Internal relations: the nature of relations between Public Information section and other IHCHR sections; define are the roles and duties of the Public Information section;

·         External relations: relations, coordination and preparation of reports to international bodies; relationship, communication mechanisms and cooperation with civil society.

Provide technical support to strengthen IHCHR’s communication strategy.

Coordination and Liaison

Liaise with Public Information and other relevant departments of the IHCHR as well as other relevant stakeholders.

Liaise with media and public information departments.

Supervise work of contractors and companies engaged to provide services related to supporting the Public Information and Media departments.

Operational Support

Provide operational support to the implementation of the programme, particularly related to the activities aiming at supporting public information activities on human rights.

Ensure development of appropriate evaluation criteria, solicitation, evaluation of offers, negotiation and formulation of contracts with suppliers and contractors.

Liaise with clients and partners during the implementation of the project.

Develop knowledge management tools and lessons learned during project implementation.

•        Professionalism: has knowledge of a wide range of communications approaches, strategies, tools and methodologies. Is able to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources, is able to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks, is conscientious and effective in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

•        Communication: speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages and responds appropriately; exhibits interest in two way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; tailors language, tone and style to match audience.

•        Demonstrates commitment to UNOPS vision and values.

•        Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

•        Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international relations, social sciences or other related field is required. A first-level university degree with relevant combination of academic qualifications and additional two years of experience related to the nature of the position may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

•        A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience at the international level in communications, public relations, press, media production or related fields is required.

•        Experience in developing web and social media content is highly desirable.

•        Experience preparing concepts, scripts and/or producing public service announcements, and video news releases is highly desirable.

•        Experience in capacity building and/or training is highly desirable

•        Experience in project management and reporting is highly desirable.

•        Fluency in English is required. Working Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.