DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

In the context of its strategic transformation, UNESCO strengthens the Organizations’ communication function. At times when multilateral work is more important than ever, the objective is to reinforce multilateralism and put UNESCO in the center of a global exchange on ideas and solutions contributing to the challenges of the 21st century to build a more human future.

The aim to modernize the communication function and its structure will result in a more visible mandate of the Division providing strategic advice on matters of communication.

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Director of Cabinet (DIR/CAB), the incumbent will accompany this major strategic transformation of UNESCO’s communication function in conjunction with the Office of the Director-General, the Assistant Director Generals, the Directors/Heads of Field and Regional Offices and the respective communication teams at the United Nations Headquarters.

He/she will lead the Division of Public Information and manage the work of the Division in its various areas of responsibility (media relations, web services, audio-visual, publications, special events and outreach, social media, brand management, internal communication), to lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications and outreach strategy.

Specifically, the incumbent will\:

• Ensure the launch and implementation of the new communication strategy and the coordination of its communication within and outside the organization

• Publicize UNESCO’s goals and achievements through a variety of activities and messages designed for specific audiences.

• Oversee the management of the activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that they are carried out in an effective and timely fashion, and that all outputs produced by the Division meet measurable results.

• Develop a culture of communication within the Organization, conduct ongoing analyses of UNESCO’s image and of the impact of its communication activities, as well as coordinate the development of in-House communications and training.

• Protect and develop awareness of UNESCO’s brand, including through innovative campaigns, public engagement initiatives and partnerships

• Ensure cooperation among the Organization’s various Sectors and Field Offices in order to strengthen synergies between the various information and communication channels and make the most of the new information technologies.

• Oversee the administration and management of the budget, preparing annual cost estimates and monitoring budget allocations and expenditures; manage, guide, develop and train staff under his/her supervision\: foster teamwork and communication among staff and across organizational boundaries; ensure that the communications strategies and public information campaigns are harmonized with overall goals and objectives of UNESCO.

Education

• Advanced university degree(s) in communications, international and/or public relations, or related fields.

Work experience

• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in key areas of communication acquired at an international level.
• Extensive experience in at least one of the following areas\: external communication, media relations, public relations, special events and outreach, digital and social media presence.
• Experience in strategic planning, change management and leading a large team.
• Professional experience with media matters and in-depth understanding of geopolitical events.

Skills/competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision and priorities.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, excellent interpersonal skills and capacity to lead and engage with teams in a multicultural environment to implement change successfully. 
• Ability to accompany and lead change initiatives and persist in times of challenges.
• Good knowledge of main international medias and opinion formers and ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partnerships and to participate effectively in high-level negotiations.
• Strategic and operational leadership capacity and high sense of objectivity and integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, orally and in writing, and to deliver speeches in public fora.
• Ability to develop conceptual, analytical and innovative problem solving and identify areas for improvement.
• Ability to advise on high profile and sensitive communication challenges.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English and French) and good knowledge of the second language.