PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER/ MEDIA OFFICER

UNOCHA - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - New York, NY

Full-time - Mid Level

New York, NY

About the position

The Public Information Officer/Media Officer position in the Media Relations Section of the Strategic Communications Branch (SCB) at OCHA, New York, is responsible for managing media relations and public advocacy for senior OCHA officials. The role involves preparing statements, organizing media interviews, and developing communication plans to enhance the visibility of humanitarian actions and issues. The incumbent will work closely with various departments to ensure effective communication strategies are in place, particularly during high-level missions and events.

Responsibilities

• Supports media relations for OCHA senior leadership.
• Organizes media interviews and prepares talking points for senior OCHA officials.
• Prepares statements, remarks, and speeches for senior officials, including 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.
• Supports the Spokesperson on media work and social media initiatives.
• Drafts press releases and organizes their clearance and distribution.
• Liaises with relevant offices to formulate media plans around major meetings and events.
• Drafts key messages and social media content in collaboration with OCHA's digital teams.
• Monitors news to identify potential reputational risks and issues.
• 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 on humanitarian crises and issues.
• Experience in managing and generating content for social media platforms is desirable.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in communications in aid operations in the field is desirable.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Benefits

• Diverse and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Support for gender balance in recruitment