PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT (PIA-1)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position (Public Information Assistant - PIA I) Tour Guide, is located in the Guided Tours Unit, Visitors Services Section, Outreach Division within the Department of Global Communications at UN Headquarters in New York. Visitors Services encompasses guided tours, public inquiries and the speakers' bureau/briefings at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The incumbent (Tour Guide) reports to the Chief of Unit and the Chief of the Section. This temporary position is available as soon as possible through 31 December 2025, with the possibility of an extension. Responsibilities• Conduct one-hour lecture tours, four to five times a day, on the history and work of the United Nations in the areas of peace and security, development, and human rights. This includes showing visitors the various Council Chambers and thematic exhibits while explaining the functioning of its Main Organs and recent developments in the field. • Participate in daily briefings, as well as special briefings on different topics, such as peacekeeping, disarmament and human rights. Study and research UN materials in English, in order to stay abreast of current activities related to the UN system. • Partake continuous learning and skills development on how to use tact and diplomacy in handling probing questions or comments from visitors regarding politically sensitive or controversial issues involving the work of the Organisation. • Tailor language and information to different audiences (e.g. children, students, senior citizens, VIPs, UN Mission staff and media representatives) and respond to politically sensitive questions in an accurate and effective manner. • Communicate and handle effectively sensitive client-service situations by showing emotional intelligence and solid client orientation skills. • Develop positive work relationship with peers, tour coordinators and supervisors based on mutual trust and respect. • Undertake other assignments to facilitate the smooth running of the guided tour operation, which include, assist the Tour Coordinator in dispatching groups of visitors on tour, monitor the closure of chambers and liaise with tour coordinators, cashiers and UN Security while assigned as tour route monitor, and help out with crowd control issues and any visitors’ needs requiring escorting or wheelchair assistance while on tour. • Assist other UN offices when the tour operation is suspended during the General Debate of the General Assembly in September, or other assignments as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationA recognized first level degree is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceExperience in public speaking/presentation skills in front of an audience is required. Demonstrated interest in political and international affairs and keeping abreast of current events is required. Ability to tailor language and information to different audiences and respond to politically sensitive questions in an accurate and effective manner is required Exposure and sensitivity to cultural diversity is desirable. Experience interacting with children is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Korean are required. 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).