UNRWA \ Pubic Information Officer

UNRWA

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY

FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA)

WEST BANK

UNRWA is the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East. It provides education, health care, relief assistance and social services to Palestine refugees. UNRWA is currently inviting applications from qualified men and women for the following opening in our West Bank Field Office in Jerusalem:

Pubic Information Officer

Vacancy Announcement Number VN/WB/017/09/X

Deadline for Applications 25 March 2009

Duty Station Field Office - Jerusalem

ز 8/ 3) 3(

1. FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In accordance with the Agency policy and procedures, the incumbent supervises the routine activities of the Public Information Office, including monitoring the daily press and production of the daily/weekly press reviews and monthly situation reports checking translations of press summaries and other documents; responding to requests for information, briefing visitors and journalists and speaking to groups, organizing exhibitions; and distributing Field and Headquarters public information materials; coordinates the compilation of Field information and the drafting of text in English and Arabic for use by Headquarters Public Information Office in Agency-wide information materials including for the web site and contributions to the staff newsletter; maintains regular contact with local and international media representatives. Keeps the press informed of the Agency’s activities to promote better understanding and coverage of the Agency’s work, and to encourage the media to use UNRWA as a source of information on registered refugees; produces Field public information materials including press releases, texts for publications and articles, and reports from the Agency’s Area of Operations to be used by the media and by governmental and non-governmental organizations; establishes and maintains relations with refugee and camp representatives; acts as the spokesperson for the Field Office Director in the Field in coordination with the Spokesperson Office; advises the Field Office Director, Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson/Arabic Spokesperson and the Headquarters Public Information Office on public relations and information opportunities and needs in the field of assignment; establishes and maintains relations with inter-governmental organizations, research centers,NGOs and groups using or disseminating Agency information materials; provides support for the Front Office including establishing communications with government authorities and diplomatic missions; performs such other duties as may be assigned.

2. IMPACT OF INCUMBENT’S WORK

Importance of Decisions and Proposals Made by the Incumbent

The incumbent is sensitive to UNRWA’s public image. He/she handles information and material of public nature that directly affect the accuracy, reliability and credibility of the Agency’s public communications.

3. INDEPENDENCE OF WORK

(A) Application of Guidelines

The post is subject to the general policies of the Agency and the specific instructions, advice and guidance of the Spokesperson’s office. Incumbent must exercise initiative.

(B) SUPERVISORY CONTROL OVER WORK OF INCUMBENT

The incumbent receives general guidance from the Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson/Arabic Language Spokesperson and is given broad operational space to perform day-to-day function of routine nature. Incumbent receives daily guidance from the Field Office Director on Public Information matters related to the field.

4. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(A) Academic and professional qualifications

A university degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or other related discipline.

(B) Experience

Six years experience in the application of the knowledge acquired in supervising the routine activities of the Public Information Office,including monitoring the daily press and production of the daily/weekly press reviews and monthly situation reports checking translations of press summaries and other documents; responding to requests for information, briefing visitors and journalists and speaking to groups, organizing exhibitions; and distributing Field and Headquarters public information materials in a large national or international organization. Experience should include writing for publications in Arabic and English and knowledge of and contact with the international media.

(C) Language

Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.

(C) Competencies

Ability to translate and interpret accurately from and into Arabic and English; knowledge and ability to use a variety of computer software, e.g, Word, Power Point, Excel, Page Maker, Corel Draw and internet; knowledge of contemporary issues of the Middle East; ability to work rapidly under pressure..

5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Incumbent will be routinely required to work rapidly under pressure, at irregular hours when necessary, and will be required to travel to refugee camps and Agency installations in the field.

6. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE :

UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including gross monthly salary starting at JD 893.3 (net tax free) plus 25% as Special Post Occupation Allowance plus a Jerusalem Allowance of NIS 510 as Jerusalem Allowance; the Agency also contributes 15% of basic salary as the Agency’s share of Provident Fund. Other fringe benefits may include dependency allowance for married staff, annual leave, provident fund, health insurance. Initialcontract is for 3 years; the first year is considered as probationary period, and the contract is extendable for further periods depending on the performance of the incumbent.

7. HOW TO APPLY

• Applicants are required to create a profile and complete UN Personal History form (P11) at www.unrwajobs.org. Please note that only applications received through this site will be considered. Deadline for submitting applications is 25 March, 2009. No applications will be considered beyond this date.

• For further information, please call 0542168658 during working hours
(7:15am – 14:45pm) – Monday through Friday.

• Appointment to this post is subject to probationary period of one year. Upon satisfactory completion of this period, appointment will be confirmed subject to continuing need for the post.

• Only candidates under serious considerations will be contacted.

• Candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant academic qualifications, professional training and progressive work experience may also be considered

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.