Under the overall supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator, acting in his/her capacity as Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in [Khartoum], and under the guidance of the Director of the Strategic Communications Division (SCD) and the Chief, Information Centres Service/SCD, the incumbent, as National Information Officer, will assist in the implementation of a coordinated communications strategy in the country/countries of his/her responsibility.
The main duties are as follows:

• Assumes responsibilities for the day-to-day running of the UN Information Centre.

• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the UN Country Team (UNCT) by convening and/or serving as the secretariat for the UN Communications Group at the country level in consultation with the Department of Public Information (DPI) at UNHQ.

• Develops and implements a communications strategy for the country/countries of responsibility by adapting the global UN message for local audiences, in consultation with the UNCT and/or UN partners.

• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises DPI (UNHQ) and the UNCT on appropriate action/responses.
• Conducts media outreach, including development of media strategies and action plans, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts; maintains contacts with national and regional media in the country/countries of responsibility, disseminates information materials to the media, places op-eds and arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, monitors press coverage of UN issues; consults with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertakes appropriate follow-up action and analyzes and reports on the impact of coverage;

• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies in the country/countries of responsibility.

• Maintains a web site in the language or languages of the country/countries of his/her responsibility.

• Assumes overall responsibility for the administration of the UNIC by ensuring full and efficient operations; supervises Centre personnel; oversees the planning and management of the UNIC’s overall activities and its operational requirements, including its budget, equipment and information material; monitors the output of the Centre and reports to DPI on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
• Performs other functions and special duties as required by the UN Resident Coordinator, the Director of SCD or the Chief of ICS/SCD; including representing the UN at conferences; and undertaking speaking engagements and participating in seminars as required.

Competencies:

* Professionalism - Theoretical background and good understanding of approaches, tools and methodologies related to planning, executing and monitoring public communications campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation, etc.; good communications research and analytical skills; understanding of relevant internal policies and business activities and of related current events, topics and issues; strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style and effectively interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections.
* Planning & Organizing – Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
* Judgment/Decision-making - Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.
* Technology Awareness – Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, PowerPoint or equivalent, graphics software, internal databases, Internet, etc.
* Communication – Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public in communicating information and building/maintaining effective business connections.
* Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Qualifications:

Education:
A university degree (Bachelors of Arts or equivalent) preferably in communications, journalism, public information or a related field.

Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible experience, including extensive experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, NGOs, Government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. Demonstrated experience in public information and/or public relations, experience as part of a strategic communications team and proven skills in public speaking are required. Experience in journalism highly desirable. Experience with the UN Country Team in the region is also highly desirable.

Language:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Fluency in the language(s) of country/countries covered by the UN Office is also required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Other Skills:
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) with good typing skills in English; Experience in handling of web-based management systems.