Public Information Officer

Host entity: OHCHR Cambodia

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Information technology and telecommunications

Application deadline: 27/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The mission of OHCHR is to work for the protection of all human rights for all people; to help empower people to realize their rights; and to assist those responsible for upholding such rights in ensuring that they are implemented.

Assignment context

The OHCHR Cambodia Country Office is the oldest field presence of OHCHR. In fulfilling its mandate to promote and protect human rights, the Office works on three core areas: the Rule of Law Unit supports the development of a legal and institutional framework that protects the exercise of human rights, monitors the implementation of laws and policies, and assists the Government in fulfilling its treaty obligations; the Economic and Social Rights Unit promotes the implementation of laws and policies protecting people’s right to an adequate standard of living, including the right to social security; and the Civil Society and Fundamental Freedoms Programme helps to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations and individuals in the exercise of their rights to freedom of association, expression and assembly. The Public Information Officer will work directly with the management of the office under the responsibility of the Representative, and in close coordination with the programmatic units at country level and relevant sections at headquarters level.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Country Representative and in close coordination with the programmatic and administrative units of the Office, the Public Information Officer will have oversight over the communications activities of the office and assist with public communications, campaigns and also monitoring media for internal purposes. In particular, the Public Information Officer will undertake the following tasks:
• Establish and maintain regular contact with local and, ideally, international media;
• Undertake communications tasks and campaigns as needed and in coordination with programmatic units and country representatives;
• Draft press releases and draft/edit media responses where needed;
• Prepare daily media review of relevant news for distribution amongst a select address list.
• Participate in meetings and missions where required, provide photographic support and draft social media posts.
• Work in coordination with other members of the United Nations Communications Group.
• Develop strategy and implement campaigns on critical calendar days, such as Human Rights Day, working with external contractors where necessary.
• Provide advice to the unit heads and management on issues, developments or trends within the media that intersect with the mandate of the office.
• Draft human interest web stories and social media posts to illustrate human rights success stories or needs within the country office mandate.
• Liaise with the communications/media counterparts at OHCHR Headquarters in Geneva on all necessary matters.
• Carry out such other related tasks as requested by the Country Representative.

Furthermore, Public Information Officer are required to:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Skills and experience

- Excellent communication skills, experience working within the media industry, understanding of international humanitarian context, some multimedia production skills.
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in public information, communications, journalism, media relations, or a related field is required. Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, including public outreach campaigns, media engagement, and advocacy initiatives aligned with organizational priorities is desirable.
- Computer skills: Experienced user skills of MS Word, Excel, and appropriate Presentation software required. Experience and deep understanding of social media approaches for organizational advocacy. Graphic design and photo/video editing skills are desirable.

Additional Requirements for Area of Expertise:
- Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Portfolio of previously published work
- Multimedia skillset, including some audio-visual competency
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Proven understanding of media operating environment and prior experience with the media (either as counterpart or within the media)
- Previous work experience in developing countries and with the UN or other international organisations desirable.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living conditions

The climate of Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal and is characterized by heat and humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the hot, dry season from November until April.

Based on the UN Security and Safety Department, Cambodia is categorized as security level 1, which is the lowest risk level.

Houses and apartments are available to suit most budgets and preferences. House hunting is not difficult in Phnom Penh. The usual means of locating suitable accommodation is through estate agents/realtors.

The cheapest, fastest and most frequent mode of travel for daily transportation is by tuk-tuk (a motor-powered rickshaw). Some UN volunteers chose to purchase their own mode of transportation, be it a car, a motorbike or a bicycle. They are strictly recommended by UN security to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when traveling on motorbikes or bicycling.

In terms of health, common diseases in Cambodia are those that exist in other tropical countries like diarrhoea, dengue and seasonal flu. Most serious cases have been reported to be contracted in hilly, rural and densely forested areas. City dwellers can also be at risk due to poor disposal of waste. Generally, in cities, people use purified water for drinking and cooking. The recommended vaccinations are those against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis.

While medical facilities in Cambodia are sufficient for the treatment of most routine ailments and minor accidents, illnesses and accidents of more serious nature require medical evacuation, usually to Bangkok or Singapore.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.