UNRWA is the largest United Nations programme in the Middle East. It provides education, health care, relief assistance and social services to 4.2 million registered Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Location: occupied Palestinian territory (Jerusalem) Closing date: 28 Apr 2008
Job Description
Reporting directly to the Spokesperson/CG Office, the incumbent will: (a) Assist UNRWA Spokesperson in conceptualizing, planning, developing, managing and implementing the public information and communication strategy of the Agency, and produce information products: study and analyze communication needs and develop strategies; provide information about the work of the Agency to the international community, the media, educational institutions, NGOs and the business community; (b) Supervise the professional and technical staff in Headquarters, and assist in technical supervision over Public Information staff in the fields, identify the need for and manage the production of public information materials for Field use; produce and distribute public information and communications programme to targeted audiences, to advocate and promote Agency goals utilizing a variety of information media; (c) Give speeches and conduct seminars for groups and organizations with an interest in the Agency’s activities in the Middle East; prepare and edit Arabic press release and other public information materials for use by visual, radio, and print media and on the internet, and conduct press and visitors briefings in Arabic and English; assist the External Relations Department in messaging and public information work with Arab donors; (d) Supervise the operation of Agency translation and interpretation services and manage the Agency’s Arabic website and assist Spokesperson in maintaining and updating English language website (and other languages); provide advice on the content of information materials and activities of the Information Office; (e) Identify and develop new approaches and methodologies for monitoring and evaluation of information and communication activities; collect and analyze data and prepare reports on information and communication activities in all the fields of operation, for reporting and information purposes; (f) Oversee Arabic communication activities within the Agency area of operations, work with the Executive Office on internal communication with staff, and coordinate on behalf of the Executive Office all HQ senior visitors to the WB field of operations; (g) Attend inter-Agency meetings and functions related to advocacy and public information, and attend external official, business, social and other functions in order to provide information about the Agency; review present and proposed activities of the Agency (or events which affect the Agency’s operations); represent the Agency on information matters and advise senior staff on the communication policies aimed at promoting understanding and support for the Agency’s activities; (h) Monitor the budget of PIO/HQ; (i) Performs such other duties as may be assigned.
PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE (a) Advanced university degree in journalism, public relations, communications or a related discipline; (b) Course work or training in press relations management; (c) At least 10 years experience in dealing with information and communication issues including direct involvement with the international media, in a senior capacity; (c) Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic including specialized writing.
COMPETENCIES (a) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others in a team environment and with people of diverse backgrounds, culture and nationalities; (b) High degree of organizational and political awareness in the Middle East; (c) Ability to draft and edit written materials and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise style in English and Arabic; (d) Knowledge of the internal workings of the United Nations; (e) Knowledge of development, humanitarian and refugee issues; (f) Knowledge of modern communication technology for web publication; (g) Ability to exercise a high degree of professional discretion.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (a) Training or experience in general management and international relations; (b) Working knowledge of written and spoken French; (c) Experience as a journalist, an editor or in publishing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The incumbent will be required to travel regularly in the Agency’s area of operations in the Middle East as well as to other locations.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE UNRWA offers an attractive compensation package including annual salary starting at USD 106,907 (net tax free $81,197 with dependants or USD 75,432 single) plus 47.6% post adjustment (subject to change). Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include education grant, dependency allowance, home leave, pension fund, health insurance and 6 weeks of annual leave. Initial contract is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and the continuing need for the post. Vacancies Contact To start the application process, applicants are required to register by creating a personal profile and completing UNRWA Personal History Form at Please note that only applications received through will be considered. Reference Code: RW_7DH7QZ-34
