Associate Public Information Officer

Akwajobs   (Mali - Bamako (MLI))

Posted : 28 June, 2021

Category : Development & Humanitarian Aid   Location : Mali - Bamako (MLI)

Job type : Full Time

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Associate Public Information Officer

International Specialist

Host entity

UNOCHA

Country

Mali

Location, Country

Bamako (MLI)

Language skills

French

English

Expected Starting Date

01 November 2021

Duration

12 months with possiblity of extension

Application deadline

02 August 2021

Description of task

The humanitarian crisis in Mali has reached an unprecedented trend of increasing need since mid-2018 due the spread of insecurity linked to conflicts and intercommunal clashes in the center and the Liptako Gourma region and the spread of conflict to the southern and central regions of Mali (Segou, and Sikasso in particular).

The humanitarian situation remains worrisome, with COVID-19 compounding the already fragile situation. The security situation is unpredictable and will continue to deteriorate in northern central and southern Mali. Insecurity limits humanitarian access, whilst humanitarian actors continue trust-building efforts to improve their access to communities with differing perceptions regarding the neutrality, impartiality and quality of relief efforts.

2021 is characterized by a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation mainly due to the persisting and increasing insecurity as mentioned above in a context already marked by seasonal drought, floods and poverty (Mali is ranked 184/189 HDR 2019). This has seriously weakened the protection of civilians, limited access to basic social services and worsened the prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition

Currently, 5.9 million people -including 4.6 million people targeted by the humanitarian actors through the revised HRP- or one-third of the Malian population, are in need of humanitarian assistance. This is the highest number of vulnerable people recorded since the beginning of the crisis in 2012. The 2021 HRP requirement stands at $563 million.

This situation requires a continuous public information capacity to strengthen advocacy efforts for an adequate response to the increasing humanitarian needs for protection and assistance. The public information officer is crucial to advocate for more funding and drawing the attention of the national and international community to Mali's priority needs.

Under the direct supervision of Deputy Head of Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

·         Conducts reporting and analysis, by supporting existing reporting system within the country; drafting and distribute regular reports on the humanitarian situation; ensuring flow of information and the analysis of developments in the country/region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with HQ, and key partners.

·         Supports implementation of information programmes to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analysing the outcome.

·         Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.

·         Supports the production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot programmes, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.

·         Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, press releases, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analysing and reporting on the impact of coverage. Contributes content to and maintains appropriate and timely web and social media outreach.

·         Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.

·         Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.

·         Member of UN Communications group that implements UNCG strategy, advocacy and resource mobilisation efforts and in particular around UN events.

·         Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Educational additional comments

Areas of education / specialization: Journalism, communications, humanitarian affairs, international humanitarian law

Required experience

24 Months

Language skills

·         French(Mandatory), Level - Fluent

·         English(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise

Journalism, mass media and broadcasting

Area of expertise details

Skills and experience description: Thorough knowledge of Microsoft software (publisher, Design etc.) as well as website and social media platforms (FB, Instagram, Twitter, Power BI, etc).

Driving license

Competencies values

Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Communication, Creativity, Integrity, Professionalism, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

Application procedure

This assignment is funded by the Government of Norway, therefore only Norwegian nationals are eligible to apply. Please apply via the link below. You can then either log in if you already have an account or register via ‘Candidate Signup’. You may apply to a maximum of three assignments per advertisement and indicate your order of preference in the ‘Additional Remarks’ section of your profile. Application deadline: 2 August 2021. Selection process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment. Interviews will be conducted by the UN Host Entity between 19 August and 17 September. Usually these interviews are competency-based. COVID-19: In case of travel restrictions, assignments may start remotely or start dates may be postponed

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