Public Information specialist

Details:
Mission and objectives:
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a department of the United Nations Secretariat. Its mission is to mobilise and coordinate effective humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors, to alleviate human suffering and advocate for the rights of populations in need, and to promote disaster preparedness and prevention.
Context:
OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA’s mission is to mobilize and coordinate
effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international
actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate for people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.
In Cameroon, the Lake Chad basin conflict, the North-West and South-West crisis, and the consequences of the Central African Republic (CAR) refugee crisis continue to impact the lives of women, girls, men and boys in affected areas. In 2024, some 3.4 million people living in Cameroon were in need of humanitarian assistance. People in need are affected by the impact of conflict and violence, climate shocks such as floods, and disease outbreaks. Among people in need, the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) is targeting 2.3 million of most vulnerable people, including internally displaced people, refugees and host communities.
OCHA Cameroon maintains an office in Yaoundé and field offices in the Far North (Maroua and Kousseri), in the Southwest (Buea) and Northwest (Bamenda).
Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of The Deputy Head of Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Public Information specialist will:

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

Monitors and analyzes current events, social media and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.

Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g., human stories, feature articles, speeches, booklets, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, 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. interviews, press seminars and other special activities), media outreach efforts, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing 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.

Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.

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

Support the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) advocacy and resources mobilization strategy and undertake relevant activities in close collaboration with the UN and humanitarian advocacy and communication groups as relevant.

Results/expected outputs
As an active OCHA team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to OCHA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
Public information products and any other products intended for external audiences are produced efficiently, with quality and published on time
Office events are organized efficiently and in a coordinated manner between units
Social media accounts are regularly updated and generate interest among Internet users
Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
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Requirements:
Experience in writing professionally and engaging with the media is required
Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.
Experience in managing and generating content for social media platforms is desirable.
Experience in communications in aid operations in the field is desirable
Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet;
Good knowledge of multimedia software, Web editing, video editing, design (Photoshop, Publisher, etc.).
Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners
Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
Self-motivated, ability to work with tight deadlines;
Competencies and values:
Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OCHA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OCHA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards OCHA mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Area(s) of expertise:

Communication

Required education level:
Master degree or equivalent
Other information:
OCHA office are located in Dragage a calm neighborhood, next to where most of embassies and international organizations have their offices and accommodations. A number of services (banks, etc.), restaurants and supermarkets can be found in those neighborhoods. Transportation in Yaounde can be done through taxi applications (Yango).
Regarding housing in Yaoundé, building apartments are the best option since they are normally equipped with generators and water tanks (there are some power and water cuts especially during pick dry and rainy season). Given housing offers, and to facilitate security management of personnel, residential areas for international staff in Yaoundé are limited by UNDSS to specific neighborhoods.
The security situation in the city of Yaoundé is satisfactory. There is petty crime with peaks observed at end of year during the festive season. As the political capital and seat of the institutions of the Republic of Cameroon, Yaoundé has a significant presence of police and gendarmerie.
In the country, travelling to areas affected by violence require UNDSS security clearance and is limited to official business travels. Travel to other regions is possible (buses, rental car).
Cameroon is a unique country, named “Africa in miniature” given its geographical, climate and populations diversity. The humanitarian situation is marked also by distinct contexts. It provides for an enriching environment and requires a mature level of cultural awareness and flexibility to understand its complexities.

United Nations