Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeDI1
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeProfessional
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Target Start Date2023-05-25
Job Posting End DateJune 26, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionHead of Global Communications Service Organizational Setting and Work Relationships As one of the most senior members in the Division of External Relations (DER) and under the direct supervision of DER Director, the incumbent leads the Global Communications Service (GCS) at Headquarters and is responsible for UNHCR's Global Communications strategy, from conception to public engagement, in line with the organization's strategic priorities and working in close collaboration with the Director of DER, and other relevant senior stakeholders across the organization. He/she handles highly sensitive communication issues/challenges and advises senior managers on important communication issues. He/she is expected to meet, interact and brief journalists, influential public audiences and opinion leaders. He/she has supervisory responsibility in the areas of news and media, multimedia content production, campaigns and events, Goodwill Ambassadors, Corporate and Internal Communications. He/she has functional supervision over field based communications staff and direct supervision over global communications hubs in New York and London and regional content production hubs in Beirut and Nairobi. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Serve as principal liaison with international media organizations. - Support the Principal Communications Advisor on profiling the High Commissioner on social media and other fora. - Direct and manage the formulation and implementation of a Global Communications Strategy to promote the goals of the organization and rally public and political support. - Support and advise UNHCR's global communication team in the development and implementation of regional, situational and country operation strategies; ensure that communication staff in the field is informed of developments and priorities around the world. - Develop and guide implementation of regional or thematic multi-media global media and advocacy campaigns in line with organizational priorities. - Oversee and coordinate the planning, development and distribution of UNHCR¿s multi-media content (communication materials and services), news production and dissemination and media relations. - Oversee stewardship of UNHCR's global social media accounts and strategy. - Closely liaise with relevant senior colleagues in the Division of External Relations to ensure the most effective global dissemination of UNHCR¿s communications and messaging; this includes determining the use of appropriate platforms, partnerships, and technologies for production and dissemination. - Supervise the Global Communications Service (GCS) and provide the team and the communications network - including communications and External Relations Officers around the world - with clear strategic direction, objectives and guidance to ensure cohesion in messaging and global impact in media and for campaigns. Foster teamwork and collaboration. - Monitor and evaluate UNHCR's global communications activities/initiatives to measure impact, effectiveness and alignment with the organizational strategy and compliance with UNHCR standards and priorities. - Formulate and manage the work programme of the Service, including the allocation of resources to ensure cost-effective use in line with UNHCR's communications priorities and objectives; this includes preparing and reporting on programmes and performance. - Through regular retreats and in collaboration with the Global Learning Centre, offer guidance and training to staff to ensure they keep pace with modern communications. - Maintain regular contact with the Office of the Secretary-General and the UN Department of Global Communications in New York which is responsible for the further dissemination news and information about UNHCR. - Hold overall responsibility for the Nansen Refugee Award, the Goodwill Ambassador programme, World Refugee Day and global campaigns. - Oversee team responsible for corporate communications which is responsible for UNHCR's branding, impact evaluation and internal communications. - Decide on UNHCR¿s global communications strategy and the resources required for related activities. - Decide on the organization¿s participation in UN inter-agency fora dealing with communication. - Decide on the organization¿s global media partnerships. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For D1 - 17 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 15 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Communication; Journalism; Public Information; International Relations; Public Relations; Political Science; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Not specified (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential: - At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communications, public relations, including 10 years in management in large multicultural institutions or international organizations. - Experience in dealing with the media, managing high-level contacts with civil society, organization, government officials, business groups, international/diplomatic organizations/entities. - Highly developed communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational) skills. - Demonstrated managerial experience, especially as direct supervisor of large teams (more than 40 staff). - Ability to work under very tight deadlines. Desirable: - Experience in resource administration, including budget preparation. Functional Skills CO-Public Information CO-International Media Contacts CO-Publication skills CO-Reporting, writing, editing for magazines, newspapers and websites CO-Strategic Communication CO-Spokesperson skills CO-Public Speaking CO-Media relations (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements Essential: Fluency in English Desirable: Good working knowledge of French and/or another official UN language All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communications, public relations, including 10 years in management in large multicultural institutions or international organizations. Experience in emergency and/or field operations. Experience in media, managing high-level contacts with civil society, organization, government officials, business groups, international/diplomatic organizations/entities. Highly developed communication (spoken, written, public speaking and presentation) skills. Demonstrated managerial experience, especially as direct supervisor of large teams (more than 40 staff). Ability to work under very tight deadlines and travel to field locations as needed.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Desired languagesFrench
,
,
Operational context
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
The Head of Global Communications Service (GCS), based in Geneva, Switzerland, manages the Service and reports to the Director of the Division of External Relations (DER).
S/he leads the Global Communications Service (GCS) at Headquarters and is responsible for UNHCR's Global Communications strategy, from conception to public engagement, in line with the organization's strategic priorities and working in close collaboration with the Director of DER, and other relevant senior stakeholders across the organization. He/she handles highly sensitive communication issues/challenges and advises senior managers on important communication issues. He/she is expected to meet, interact and brief journalists, influential public audiences and opinion leaders.
He/she has supervisory responsibility in the areas of Analytics, Brand, Crisis Communications, Events, the Global Communications Desk in NY, Goodwill Ambassadors, Multimedia Content (Arabic, French and English editors, Photo and Video units), News and Media and Social Media. He/she has functional supervision over field based GCS communications staff and direct supervision over global communications hubs in Nairobi and New York
The Global Communications Service (GCS) is one of four Services in the Division of External Relations (DER) at UNHCR.
S/he also has indirect supervisory responsibilities for UNHCR Communications Officers in the Organization's Regional and Country Offices worldwide. Given this, and the need to provide advice to and work closely with managers and Units across the Organization, qualities such as maturity and judgement, willingness to coach and mentor, plus a record of success in leading and managing large, diverse teams internationally are pre-requisites. S/he participates in the weekly Senior Management Committee (SMC) meetings.
The post is based at HQ in Geneva but requires extensive travel and flexibility with regard to working hours and missions and assignments on very short notice. Deadlines are tight and work load is considerable. He/she must be prepared to travel to UNHCR field operations, some of them in category D and E duty stations, including conflict zones.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Social media campaigns/community management
Education
Certifications
Work ExperienceAnnual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Policy research & development, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
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Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance