National Information Officer, NOB

The National Information Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a communications strategy for Japan, adapting the global UN message for local audiences, and managing media outreach and digital communications. The role involves coordinating communications tasks within the UN Information Centre in Tokyo, liaising with partners, and supporting public understanding and support for the United Nations in Japan.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a communications strategy for Japan by adapting the global UN message for local audiences, including producing and overseeing production of various contents in Japanese for digital communications and platforms.
• Proposes topics, undertakes research, prepares production plans, writes drafts, obtains clearances, finalizes texts, edits, coordinates design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Ensures implementation of communications strategy on the local level to publicise United Nations priority issues and major events, including coordination with partners, monitoring and reporting on progress, and analysing outcomes.
• Coordinates and oversees communications tasks conducted by the Centre’s Communications team under the guidance of the Director.
• Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion, press coverage, and social media analytics to identify issues and trends and advises on appropriate actions.
• Conducts media outreach, develops media strategies and action plans, maintains contacts with national and regional media, disseminates information materials, places op-eds, arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, and monitors press coverage.
• Maintains and enhances websites and social media accounts in Japanese and English, applying technology to appropriate tasks.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to develop and deliver joint outreach and advocacy activities to advance UN priorities, including media engagement and coverage.
• Contributes to development of campaign strategies, creative campaign concepts, content and materials, managing campaign implementation including timeline, budgeting, resource planning, and coordination with external vendors or partners.
• Assists in monitoring and evaluating campaign performance, providing reports and insights.
• Identifies key contacts and opportunities for strategic partnerships and maintains working relationships.
• Contributes to research methodologies to monitor, collect, analyse and report on risks to information integrity across various sources.
• Maintains contacts with key partners including Government of Japan, civil society, business, creative and academic communities and undertakes joint initiatives.
• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the UN system in Japan by convening and/or serving as secretariat for the United Nations Communications Group at country level.
• Contributes to data collection and analysis, providing draft insights through data visualization methods for planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other functions and special duties as required by senior managers and during Japan visits.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, public information or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Japan is required.
• Experience in strategic communications; in addressing a diverse public audience (e.g. general public, Government officials, special interest groups) is desirable.
• Experience in journalism is desirable.
• Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization in Japan is desirable.
• English and Japanese at UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking are required.
• Knowledge of either French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian at UN Level I is desirable.

Skills

• Strategic Communications
• Media Relations
• Networking with NGOs
• Government Liaison
• Public Information Management
• Digital Communications
• Communications Strategy Development
• Media Outreach
• Journalism
• Bilingual Communication
• UN Communications Experience
• Stakeholder Engagement

Languages

English, Japanese, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian