Media Assistant

Details

Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; enhancing equality and countering discrimination; combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; widening the democratic space; and early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity.

Context

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is the Secretariat Department responsible for strengthening international human rights mechanisms; Enhancing equality and countering discrimination; Combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; Integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere; Widening the democratic space; and Early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence, and insecurity. This announcement broadcasts an UN Volunteer vacancy with the Media and Public Positioning Section. Located in the External Outreach Partnership Service (EOPS), which was established in 2013 and works to create synergies between the different external relations services, the Media and Public Positioning Section focuses on engaging with the media and promoting the messaging of the High Commissioner and the Office through speeches, news releases, press-briefings and other media products and activities. In addition, in aim of maximizing the impact of the work of the Section, thematic media officers are also dedicated involved in publicizing the work of the Special Procedures and Treaty Bodies. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Section/Spokesperson, the UN Volunteer reports to the Public Information Officer in the assigned work unit. This assignment may be offered for a period of three (6) months - from May to November 2024.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Media Section and an assigned Media Officer the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Supporting researching current human rights issues to aid media and public information outreach and, in particular; 2. Assist the media monitoring and compiling daily media clippings of news coverage of the work of the Office, the Treaty Bodies and Special Rapporteurs; 3. Helping with preparation of material for press conferences and bi-weekly press briefing by the Spokesperson; 4. Assist with setting up and running events; 5. Participates in the research and providing material for a range of media platforms; 6. Assist in researching material for speeches; 7. Perform other related duties requested by the supervisor, as appropriate. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/Expected Outputs • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.