PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER/ MEDIA OFFICER

United Nations - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

Social Assistance

About the position

The Public Information Officer/Media Officer position at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for managing media relations and public advocacy efforts. The role involves supporting senior leadership in media interactions, preparing communications materials, and formulating media strategies to enhance the visibility of humanitarian issues. The incumbent will work closely with various departments to ensure effective communication and outreach, particularly during crises and high-level missions.

Responsibilities

• Supports media relations for OCHA senior leadership by organizing media interviews and preparing talking points.
• Prepares and issues statements, remarks, and speeches for senior OCHA officials and the Secretary-General.
• Provides advice and expertise on press and public affairs issues to managers and public information officers.
• Organizes materials for media briefings and interviews for senior officials.
• Formulates communications plans for travel by senior OCHA officials in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Drafts press releases and organizes their clearance and distribution in coordination with relevant sections.
• Monitors news to identify potential issues that could lead to reputational risk and prepares humanitarian inputs for media.
• Builds relationships with media organizations and pitches stories to promote coverage of humanitarian issues.
• Acts as a focal point on specific issues, monitoring developments and responding to inquiries.
• Travels to crisis environments for communications support as needed.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related field.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, or media relations at the national or international level.
• Experience working in a UN or comparable international organization communication environment.
• Experience in engaging with the media and writing professionally on humanitarian crises and issues.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in managing and generating content for social media platforms.
• Experience in communications in aid operations in the field.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Pension plan
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities