United Nations Junior Professional Officer (JPO) for Public Information and Disaster Risk Reduction

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Overview

Through USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA), the United States sponsors qualified U.S. citizens for employment in the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program.

These fully funded JPO positions strengthen the capacity of UNDRR, and further encourage U.S. citizens to become active members of the international community. After completing their JPO assignments, a number of JPOs successfully compete for positions at UNDRR and in other international and non-governmental organizations.

General Information

Title: Program Management Officer 
Organization: UNDRR Communication, Advocacy and Knowledge Management Section 
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland 
Date Required: As soon as possible 
Duration: One year (with possible extension for another year)

Duties, Responsibilities, and Output Expectations

Within delegated authority, the Program Management Officer:

• Supports the Head of Campaigns and Community in implementing global communications campaigns on key topics such as climate change and central corporate activities such as the Centre of Excellence for Climate and Disaster Resilience.
• Drafts/compiles information communications and corporate products for target audiences, to include press releases, media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, and websites.
• Organizes the clearance, production, and distribution of information material, and conducts photo and graphic research. 
• Prepares, on the basis of official United Nations (UN) documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, and books.
• In consultation with others, identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience.
• Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with the same.
• Organizes or participates in the organization of conferences, seminars, press briefings, and interviews, and prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events. 
• Responds to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally.
• Supports the five UNDRR Regional Offices in the implementation of regional communications strategies. 
• Working closely with the Content and Channels Unit, promotes regional and global events on UNDRR’s media and social channels.
• Keeps regular contact and liaises with UN Headquarters and other UN agencies, funds, and programmes and UNDRR partners on global communication campaigns.
• Identifies, manages and assesses the work of consultants and other vendors working on campaigns and corporate initiatives.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in communication campaigns or managing public information output for an international organization or similar is required. Experience in the field of disaster risk reduction, humanitarian action, climate change, or sustainable development is desirable. Experience in writing, journalism, media relations, marketing, or public relations is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second UN official language is desirable.

Other Skills

Experience in the use of computers and proficiency in office software and packages, as well as good knowledge of and experience in handling web-based management systems.

Application Instructions

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Applicants must be no older than 32 years of age as of December 31 of the year of application.

The JPO Program selection process is carried out jointly by USAID/BHA and UNDRR.  

To apply please send the following to BHA.JPOCoordinator@usaid.gov: 

• completed UN Personal History Statement (P11); 
• resume (CV) and;
• cover letter to explain your interest in this position. 

Please complete the UN Personal History Statement (P11) thoroughly. The P11 provides the opportunity to include all required information in one document, including your professional work experience and references. Please attach a cover letter to explain your interest in the position and interest in working with the UN, along with a general resume. The P11 has instructions on how to complete the profile; however, please be sure to also follow the additional instructions below:

• The P11 must be completed in English only. You can find the P11 form on the USAID/BHA Jobs website.
• You may leave the signature/date sections blank at this time. If selected for a JPO position, you will then need to submit a signed version.
• Do not submit a photograph.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

For more information please consult the USAID/BHA Jobs website.

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