Public Information Officer

Under Resolution 2677 (2023), the Security Council determined that the situation in South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region.

The Council extended the UNMISS mandate until 15 March 2024. It also emphasized that the Mission should continue advancing its three-year strategic vision defined in resolution 2567 (2021) to prevent a return to civil war, build durable peace and support inclusive, accountable governance as well as free, fair and peaceful elections in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, UNMISS is therefore authorized to use all necessary means to implement its mandate which includes:

(a) Protection of civilians
(b) Creating conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance
(c) Supporting the Implementation of the Revitalised Agreement and the Peace Process
(d) Monitoring, investigating, and reporting on violations of humanitarian and human rights law

The overall ceiling for uniformed personnel is maintained at 17,000 troops and 2,101 police, including 88 corrections officers.

Please refer to https://unmiss.unmissions.org/mandate for more information.

The position is located in the Communications & Public Information Section, CPIS, within the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) in Wau. Wau is classified in the "E" category and as a non-family duty station. The PI Officer reports to the Head Office, Wau and Chief of Service, Public Information.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, Wau and Chief Communications and Public Information, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Plan and organize well-focused awareness-raising events by employing drama, dance, music, sports and other entertaining methods (e.g. peace concerts, football tournaments, quiz competitions, school debates on peace and reconciliation) to promote the goals and priorities of UNMISS and garner better understanding of the Mission among the people of South Sudan;
• Conceptualize a PR plan and formulate effective key messages to maximize visibility of UNMISS and its priorities, and produce on-point promotional materials such as posters, fliers, banners, photo panels, PowerPoint slides, t-shirts, and cartoons;
• Organize celebratory events for UN-related “International Days” (e.g. International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May, International Day of Peace on 21 September, and United Nations Day on 24 October) and assist other partners in organizing other "International Day" events;
• Create and maintain networks of effective contacts with high-profile officials and influencers in South Sudan, including national ministers, undersecretaries and directors-general at the government, civil society groups, faith-based groups, women and youth organizations, academia, local media outlets and other relevant actors, and contact them directly at a moment’s notice;
• Screen and analyze local newspapers and radio stations in English and produce informative media monitoring reports for the Mission leadership;
• Supporting a team of field CPI officers and ensuring efficient use of resources and time;
• Travelling within the state, and on occasions to other states, to cover stories and events;
• Organizing and supervising the efficient physical distribution of CPI print products (e.g. calendars, leaflets, brochures) within UNMISS and to other stakeholders;
• Mentoring and assisting in the capacity building of CPI national staff at Wau;
• Write and edit content on UNMISS outreach activities, and contribute to the UNMISS Web site, Facebook and other platforms, as well as research and generate content for outreach-related promotional materials;
• Design clear, engaging graphic materials catered to target audiences, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign (e.g. logos, branded promotional materials, web site and social media graphics, posters, flyers, publication layout and other marketing materials as needed);
• Performing other duties as assigned by CPI Section Chief, Head of Outreach, Chief of Radio and Head of Multimedia.