Public Information Officer – Human Rights Council

About the role

The Public Information Officer is based in the Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB), within the Human Rights Council and Treaty Mechanisms Division of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva. The post reports to the Chief of the Human Rights Council Branch and covers public information and communications for the Human Rights Council, its sessions, the Universal Periodic Review and other Council mechanisms.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as focal point for public information and communications on the Human Rights Council, its sessions, the Universal Periodic Review and other mechanisms, communicating through press briefings and online tools.
• Advise the President of the Council, senior officers and other public information staff on public affairs issues and resolve communications and public relations problems.
• Build strategic partnerships with key constituencies and act as spokesperson and liaison to media, governments, national groups, private and educational organisations and international organisations.
• Develop information networks, plan and oversee publicly accessible materials and outreach activities.
• Prepare news briefings, arrange interviews and expand the network of media actors.
• Evaluate the impact of communications activities, monitor the press and social media and report on trends and attitudes.
• Represent the Branch at meetings and conferences, give presentations, organise media coverage, seminars, lectures and public events.
• Lead the media team, covering managerial and administrative functions, planning and budget.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or a related field; a first-level degree plus two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or a related area.
• Experience managing media relations and public information for United Nations intergovernmental meetings or similar international settings.
• Experience leading or coordinating a team of public information specialists.
• Desirable: experience managing media relations for human rights mechanisms, commissions of inquiry, fact-finding missions or other investigative bodies.
• English required (UN Level III reading, writing, listening, speaking); French desirable (Level III).