Chief of Section, Press and External Relations Section, P5

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Geneva Information Service (UNIS) and the incumbent will report to the Director of UNIS and through him/her, to the Department of Global Communications and the United Nations Office at Geneva. The post entails supervision and management of a section and press and public relations services to the Director-General of UNOG, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the secretariat of the Conference on Disarmament.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Ensures that outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards such as the English and French press releases, the issuance of web and social media outputs on UN meetings and events of UNOG. This includes giving daily and long-term assignments to all press officers and GS staff, establishing work standards for quality and quantity of outputs and ensuring adherence to them;
• Serves as deputy spokesperson for UNOG and in the absence of the Director of the Information Service or as required, chairs the twice-weekly briefing. Chairs press conferences by high-level officials. Works closely with the Office of the spokesperson of the Secretary General;
• Oversees effective delivery of services to members of the press covering United Nations activities in Geneva, including accreditation and provision of office and meeting space. Monitors coverage of United Nations activities in local press. Liaises with the Association of Accredited Correspondents (ACANU);
• Coordinates communications related arrangements, including organization and transcripts of press conferences, press briefings and stake-outs during the visits of the Secretary General and other high-level officials in Switzerland;
• Provides policy guidance on education outreach efforts and preparation of communications products such as information programmes on the UN system’s activities and the annual two weeks “Graduate Study Programme” organized for post-graduate students coming from all over the world;
• Initiates, develops and implements promotional strategy in connection with conferences and special commemorative events such as special sessions of the UN, UN Days and Years, etc… Also develops and insures implementation strategies and policies;
• Maintains regular contacts with Permanent Missions, Host Country authorities, inter-governmental Organizations and civil society in the interest of better dissemination of UN information;
• Undertakes the administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section including preparation of budget, evaluation of staff performance as first reporting officer, interviews and evaluation of candidates for job openings within the Section.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of in the field of communications and external relations, and ability to address a range of issues related to the United Nations requirements. Ability to design and implement communications campaigns and to be pro-active in media relations. Knowledge of the United Nations Global Communications Strategy. Understanding of the United Nations system, organization and inter-relationships, including knowledge of the United Nations activities and mandates. Knowledge of public attitudes and of the local and international media. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear and concise style. Ability to use web and social media to communicate on UN Priorities. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing;
• 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;
• Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently;
• Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitor progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discussed performances and provides feedback and coaching of staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly;
• Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in one or more of the following: political science, international relations, communication, journalism, international public law or related discipline such as social sciences, business administration or management. A relevant combination of academic and professional experience in the relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, international relations, communication and external relations in large multicultural institutions, with extensive managerial experience is required;
• Experience in strategic communications, including multimedia campaigns and crisis communications is desirable;
• Experience in public speaking is desirable;
• Experience in the production of high-quality communications products and storytelling is desirable;
• Experience in the design and implementation of outreach programmes is desirable;
• Experience in working with traditional and digital media is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Application instructions

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