Writer Jobs at United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya

Position: Public Information Officer (Head Writer) at the United Nations Environment Programme

Responsibilities

The Public Information Officer – Head Writer will be doing the following jobs at the United Nations Office at Nairobi

Program Implementation

• Design, plan, develop and implement large, complex communication campaigns (e.g. story harvesting, global promotion initiatives, public information programs, broad-reaching environment-specific issues, etc.).
• Plan and manage the work to ensure smooth coordination, the accuracy of the information and compliance with the content strategy.
• Provide advice as well as expertise to managers, senior officers and public information staff on a range of public information issues, methods, and approaches.
• Similalry, anticipate and resolve communication/public relations issues/problems.

Content Preparation 

• Prepare a diverse range of information communication products in support of UNEP’s major campaign initiatives.
• Write complex materials for various UN Environment newsletters, periodicals, reports, and other publications.
• Similarly, write texts to be issued in the name of UN Environment’s senior officials as well as writing speeches, speaking notes, media advisories, and other content for the use by media.
• Draft and edit the UNEPannual report. Similarly, edit press releases, media advisories and other written outputs drafted by junior officers.
• Work closely with the communication team in developing key messages and themes for major UNEP events to promote a relevant policy or science messages.

Capacity Building

• Evaluate results and impact of communication activities and report on developments, trends, and attitudes regarding UNEP.
• Build information networks, plan and also oversee the maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on UNEP.
• Plan and develop outreach activities including capacity building for journalists through workshops and training.

Requirements 

The ideal appointee will have the following qualifications

• Advanced University Degree in Journalism, Communication, Social Sciences or other related fields. However, candidates with a bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience can also apply.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communication, program management or related field, some of which at the international level.
• Experience as an English writer with a focus on environmental and also sustainable development issues is desirable.
• For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Furthermore, knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.