Head of Global Comms Hub

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Head of Global Communications Hub

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Head of Global Communications Hub leads the work of the Global Communication Hub in New York and reports directly to the Head of Global Communications Service, while having regular contacts with the Director of the Division of External Relations (DER) and with various parent units within the Division.

The "integrated" Communications Hub comprises of staff in digital engagement, goodwill ambassador programmes, multimedia content production and media relations. The position is among the most senior in UNHCR's global communications network, reflecting the expectation that the incumbent would play a prominent role in defining the strategic objectives of the Hub and in advancing UNHCR's global communications agenda, especially in the Americas region. The incumbent is expected to maintain strong working and coordination links with Headquarters as well as Country,- and Multi-Country Offices including the MCO in Washington, the Canada Office, and UNHCR's communications entities in Latin America.  


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
- Lead the work of the rapidly establishing and consolidating UNHCR Global Communications Hub.
- Lead cross-divisional communication projects drawing in the DES, GWA and PSP leads as required, calling upon the GWA and Digital Engagement teams for strategic support for new projects, and encouraging collaboration and joint planning where possible.
- Direct strategies and to achieve implementation of them, oversee the establishment of a media and social media relations programme and outreach in New York, complementary to that of UNHCR's MCO in Washington DC, and geared around UNHCR¿s global communications agenda.
- Map, prioritize and initiate media partnership and outreach opportunities, including by building media relations with key media players, editorial boards, influential journalists and others in digital media.
- Map and prioritize opportunities for wider amplification of UNHCR messaging and content relating to refugees by both UN and non-UN actors (eg, UN Spokespersons Office, UN Foundation, UN Information Offices, DPI, SG's Office / Digital Partners / NGO and others).
- Develop an up to date media contacts base for the Hub, including for the purposes of disseminating media products.
- Establish daily/weekly coordination mechanisms with the MCO in Washington DC in order to maintain good working relationships and clarity of roles, to keep close awareness of each other's communications priorities and related sensitivities, and for the two offices to be in a position to mutually support each other, as needed.
- Establish a regular work agenda for the Hub, including within its maintenance of the necessary support systems for routine daily information, handover notes, and message guidance sharing among UNHCR offices in the Americas and to and from CPIS in Geneva.
- Working with relevant units at UNHCR HQ, develop protocols for self-clearance by the Hub & NY Office (ie, to ensure the Hub and UNHCR offices in the Americas can issue timely news-releases, statements, and create media messages outside Geneva office hours).
- Map the regular output possibilities and expectations for the Hub (eg, media relations, social media, media interviews, press statements, briefing notes, development of media lines, web stories, drafting of global briefing notes for the Palais briefings in Geneva or inputs to the UNHQ Spokespersons Briefings).
- Provide media and social media relations support during missions to New York of UNHCR senior officials, and support communications of the New York Office to achieve its strategic objectives.
- Provide regular written feedback to the supervisor and other members of DER's Strategic Communications Group on progress.
- Organize periodic communications meetings as needed with MCO in Washington, other UNHCR and UNHCR-related actors in the Americas, and DER to promote knowledge sharing, planning, and strategic goals.
- Ensure strongest possible staffing of the Hub, encourage creativity while maintain a strong strategic focus, and work towards building a reputation for the Hub as a center of excellence in communications.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level

For P5 - 12 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 11 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 10 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
*Communication;
*Journalism;
*International Relations;
*Media;
*Film / Video;
*Public Information;
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified;

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Minimum 8 years of professional work experience, in communications, journalism, news editing, including video/TV production, graphic design, photojournalism, print and production methods as well as electronic media. Solid grasp of social media and proven experience in social media engagement. Experience in preparing key messages, press statements and talking points on tight deadlines and delivering them to a targeted audience. Experience in developing and implementing global media campaigns. Strong grasp of international issues and media landscape. Developed understanding of UNHCR's work and mandate and its challenges assisting, protecting and advocating on behalf of refugees, IDPs and the stateless. Experience leading communications operations in a global context.
Desirable
Experience of working with UNHCR or other parts of the UN in field operations, plus experience working at UN or UNHCR headquarters. Familiarity with UNHCR operations and protection norms, gained through direct experience or UNHCR learning programmes study. Experience in conducting or facilitating communications training. Experience working in sensitive political or human rights contexts.

Functional Skills
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics);
CO-Digital content production;
CO-Graphic design, website design;
CO-Editing;
CO-Video production for digital platforms (including news organizations);    
CO-Strategic Communication;
CO-Experience with digital analytics including third party tagging, Google analytics;
CO-Spokesperson skills;
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.


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. C001L4 - Accountability Level 4
C002L4 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 4
C003L4 - Communication Level 4
C004L4 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 4
C005L4 - Client & Result Orientation Level 4
C006L4 - Organizational Awareness Level 4
M001L4 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 4
M006L4 - Managing Resources Level 4
M005L4 - Leadership Level 4
M003L4 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 4
M004L4 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 4
X003L4 - Technological Awareness Level 4
X002L4 - Innovation and Creativity Level 4
X007L4 - Political Awareness Level 4

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Please note that the closing date for advertisements in the Add.4 March 2020 Compendium is Monday 24 August 2020 (midnight Geneva time).