EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER, P4

Job Title

EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER, P4

Department/ Office

International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Duty Station

ARUSHA

Posting Period

29 June 2012-29 July 2012

Job Opening number

12-POL-RMT-24437-R-ARUSHA (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Arusha Branch, Registry and will report to the Officer-in-Charge.

Responsibilities

Under the authority of the President and supervision of the Registrar, the incumbent will implement the Mechanism's public information and external relations activities at the Arusha Branch. The incumbent will be required to disseminate information about the Mechanism to the public, monitor all Mechanism external communications and safeguard the integrity of the Mechanism's institutional communication policy at the Arusha Branch.

Under the authority of the President, act as Spokesperson for the President of the Mechanism, Chambers and Registry at the Arusha Branch; subject to the President's authorization, give on-the-record interviews to all media outlets, provide off-the-record background information and issue press releases regarding the Arusha Branch. Act as Focal Point for journalists seeking information or assistance from the Arusha Branch. Provide pertinent information to the media through press briefings and other means. Organize and moderate press conferences for senior Mechanism officials including the President, Prosecutor, the Registrar and/or their deputies. Screen interview requests and schedules as required. Supervise media access to the Arusha Branch and organize facilities for the media to report on the work of the Arusha Branch, both on a day-to-day basis and for high interest events. Develop media-friendly products (press releases, audio-visual products, information notes and information packets) and create channels of dissemination. Monitor all media sources and in consultation with the President respond to any misleading or incorrect reporting on the activities of the Mechanism.

Under the authority of the President, act as the focal point for the Arusha Branch relationships with Member States in all matters pertaining to the Mechanism, Chambers and Registry. Draft or review correspondence addressed to government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, civil society, private sector.

In consultation with the President, formulate, develop and advance the Mechanism's communication strategy by identifying key messages to be promoted, as well as target audiences. Provide strategic advice to senior Mechanism officials and staff on external relations, public affairs, communication and public relations of the Arusha Branch operations. Develop and implement the Arusha Branch's communications and outreach strategy in the Great Lakes region.

Under the authority of the President, represent the Arusha Branch and/or Mechanism in meetings and conferences; undertake speaking engagements and make presentations to groups on Mechanism work and activities; organise seminars, lectures, conferences and public events on major issues and events concerning the Mechanism.

Create, foster and maintain a wide network of contacts and partnerships in the Host State, Rwanda and the Great Lakes region. Key contacts include State authorities and other government bodies, judicial institutions, civil society and non-governmental institutions, professional associations, universities and other educational establishments, victims' associations and citizens at grass roots level.

In consultation with the President, develop in conjunction with relevant offices capacity-building activities and secure funding for these activities.

Perform any other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism – Thorough knowledge of, and practical experience in, the full range of communication approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programs. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written communications products, to deliver oral presentations to various audiences as required and to effectively build/maintain effective business connections. Demonstrated ability to formulate policy recommendations. Thorough knowledge of current affairs in Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region and target audience attitudes towards the ICTR and Mechanism. Knowledge of international as well as regional media. Ability to identify public affairs needs, opportunities and risks. Experience in project drafting, fundraising and donor relations would be an asset. Detailed knowledge of the function of media bodies demonstrated by experience as an International Reporter or international organization Spokesperson. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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.

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.

Planning and Organising – 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.

Vision – Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organisations' strategy and the work units' goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organisational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree in law, communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, political science, or similar. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, media, external relations or international affairs. Requires experience in a fast-paced, international environment. Experience in dealing with a varied audience such as government representatives, media and local communities. Experience with an emphasis in the Great Lakes Region would be an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and a working knowledge of French is required. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda or Swahili is desirable.

Assessment Method

There may be a technical test and an interview which will include a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment is limited to the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals. Appointment of the successful candidate on this position will be limited to the initial funding of the post. Extension of the appointment is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. As the international tribunals are not integrated in the Secretariat, UN Staff Members serve on assignment or secondment from their parent department/office if selected. Appointments of staff members in the United Nations are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General. Staff Members are expected to move periodically to new functions in accordance with established rules and procedures, and may in this context be reassigned by the Secretary-General throughout the Organization based on the changing needs and mandates.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.