Public Information Assistant, G5

• Organisation: DGC - Department of Global Communications
• Location: Moscow
• Contract: R
• Deadline: 20 November 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Moscow within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Department of Global Communications (DGC). The UNIC Moscow is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in Russian Federation. The information centre is responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating UN information materials to a local audience in Russian and English; engaging local and regional partners; and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves. The incumbent is under the overall supervision of the Director in UNIC Moscow and the direct supervision of a National Information Officer in UNIC Moscow, ICS/DGC.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Assistant may be responsible for the following duties: • Provides general office support; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; processes, drafts and finalizes correspondence and other communications; sets up and maintains files/records, organizes meetings, monitors deadlines, etc. • Coordinates administrative services, including preparing, monitoring and processing various requisitions, service contracts and payment vouchers, coordinating special assignments and related travel authorizations, etc. • Provides specialized assistance to officers in the production and delivery of information communications products and services. • Manages and updates internal databases and contact lists; supports the maintenance of web pages and social media accounts and mobile applications, including drafting, editing and formatting content. • Researches, compiles and presents basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services. • Serves as photographic assistant by producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serving as back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos. Serves as a photographic and audiovisual assistant; produces and organizes digital photographs and videography materials, writes captions and maintains relevant archives. • Coordinates media coverage of important events; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates technical arrangements and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations. • Participates in the planning and coordination of major exhibits; liaises with relevant departments/agencies; drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of exhibits. • Creates and formats promotional and communications materials using relevant software, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign or comparable software, graphics, presentations, brochures, announcements, video, audio, website and social media content, ensuring consistency with UN communications standards. Ensures availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc. • Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes or website projects; tracks all production material; produces scripts, cue cards, etc., selects and catalogues sound and visual materials for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; coordinates scheduling of commercial and internal production facilities; directs studio recordings and/or evaluates audio quality of recordings for inclusion in programmes. • Monitors the performance of digital audio workstations and other computer-based editing systems with respect to proper digital file management; review entries, file storage, retention and deletion practices to ensure consistent application of basic guidelines; identifies problems/issues and liaises with appropriate personnel for their resolution. • Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc. • Provides guidance/training to junior staff. • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research information from a variety of sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in public information, journalism, public relations, international broadcasting or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to three for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience drafting and translating content for different publishing formats and/or platforms, including briefing notes, press releases, speeches, social media or website is required. Experience working with social media tools, video and photo editing tools and/or mobile applications is required. Experience working with government, media, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society organizations is desirable. Experience in graphic design and/or desktop publishing utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and/or comparable computer software is desirable. Experience working in an office of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in digital photography or videography is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Russian is required. Either Spanish or Arabic or French or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II

Russian UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

Spanish UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Arabic UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

French UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Chinese (Mandarin) UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I UN Level I

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-base interview.

Special Notice

• The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. • This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

United Nations Considerations