Communication and Public Information Officer

Introduction

The position is located in the Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct unit (MULTI/RBC) of the Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition Department (ENTEPRISES).

The Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition Department (ENTERPRISES) has the overall objective to promote sustainable enterprises to achieve the ILO goal of social justice through decent work. Recognizing that sustainable enterprises of all sizes and forms are the principal source of economic growth, wealth, and decent work creation, the Department provides policy, advisory and capacity development services to the ILO’s tripartite constituents on promoting sustainable enterprises.

The Department is organized around four thematic priorities and units: Social and Solidarity Economy; Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct (RBC/MULTI); Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; and Social Finance. Technical Specialists on Sustainable Enterprises, Productivity and Just Transition are part of Decent Work Technical Support Teams in all regions and they are members of the wider Global Technical Team for ENTERPRISES.

MULTI/RBC leads the ILO’s work on aligning business policies and practices with decent work principles and priorities, using the guidance of the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration) as the basis for its support to governments and social partners and its direct engagement with enterprises. It works on enhanced policy coherence on foreign direct investment and operations of MNEs leading to more and better jobs, including through country level interventions and partnerships with other international organizations such as OHCHR, OECD, UNDP, UNCTAD, UNIDO, WAIPA, etc. The unit collaborates with many policy departments in the ILO and contributes directly to the implementation of the ILO strategy on decent work in supply chains. The unit also leads the key intervention on RBC of the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

The Communication Officer will be responsible for the production of knowledge products and advocacy/ awareness raising materials, communication and dissemination of messages and knowledge products. The position is also responsible for developing a draft communication strategy to promote the unit’s mission, interventions, activities and partnerships and documenting the impact in terms of more and better jobs. 

The Head of the unit provides the daily supervision while the position engages with all members of the team in Geneva and with project staff in the various regions. The position works in close collaboration with the ILO Department of Communication (DCOMM) and the communication lead of the ENTERPRISES department, including on the editorial process of communication materials listed below.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Analyse the current visibility of the unit’s work and prepare draft communication strategies and plans to enhance the visibility for the work, knowledge outputs, and results of the unit, in coordination with the department communication lead and DCOMM.
2. Draft and edit written communication material, including but not exclusively news items, press releases, stories, newsletters and scripts for clearance, publication and distribution to key audiences.
3. Manage, maintain and improve the unit’s web pages – ILO Helpdesk for Business, MNED webportal, MULTI unit site and ILO themetic webpages on multinational enterprises, responsible business conduct and supply chains  - using the global public website content management system.
4. Identify opportunities for the use of social media channels with a view to establishing and increasing audience size and engagement.
5. Draft and edit video scripts for producing or commissioning video material to showcase the work and key projects managed by the unit.
6. Draft, edit and finalize communication key messages on the range of topics covered by the unit,  for use in project implementation and engagement with partners, including development partners. .
7. Work closely with DCOMM on the preparation of communication materials to support the dissemination of research, project outcomes, and knowledge products to the media and other audiences.
8. Prepare communication materials – including presentations - in relation to events, including panel discussions, to highlight key issues covered, including for consideration for broadcast on ILO Live.
9. Analyze the effectiveness of communication initiatives and activities. Prepare detailed reports on media activity and communication outcomes and undertake active follow up to increase impact.
10. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

optional section 2 (only if needed)

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, journalism, social sciences, or business administration.

A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the required experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least five years of professional experience in communications, public relations, public information or related fields of work is required. Experience with the International Labour Organization or another international organisation is an advantage. Knowledge of digital content production and design software. Experience in management of social media platforms.

Languages

Excellent command of two working languages (English, French, Spanish) of the Organization, one of which must be English. Knowledge of the third working language (French or Spanish) of the Organization would be an advantage.

Knowledge and technical/behavioural competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical competencies 

Excellent English writing and editing skills. Good knowledge of the organization’s mandate and its programme of activities. Ability to evaluate information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly. Knowledge of audio/visual production techniques and methods. Experience in using website content management systems. Strong interpersonal and networking skills. Proficiency in using digital communication tools and social media platforms, as well as software packages to design, produce and schedule social media content. Good knowledge of Office’s policies, administrative procedures and practices.

Behavioural competencies

Ability to prioritize work and to meet strict deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to negotiate. Ability to take initiative. Ability to adapt messages to culturally diverse audiences. The ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.