DIRECTOR, INFORMATION CENTRE, P5
Overview
Lead and manage the work programme of the Information Centre, conceptualize, design and execute programmes and activities, and provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator in South Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise and carry out the work programme of the centre; undertake or oversee programmatic and/or administrative tasks including preparation of budgets, reporting, recruitment and evaluation of staff.
- Manage, guide, develop and train staff; foster teamwork and communication.
- Conceptualize, design and execute programmes and activities; promote information integrity; lead and supervise the development and implementation of multimedia strategic communications campaigns; oversee digital and social media content; develop outreach to key target audiences.
- Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator in adapting and localizing UN global communications and thematic advocacy priorities.
- Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint communications strategy.
- Serve as UN spokesperson in South Africa; liaise with national and international media; organize and chair press briefings; issue press releases and media statements.
- Plan and facilitate the development and implementation of a digital content strategy for UNCT South Africa website and social media.
- Provide materials, technical and policy advice on communications issues to the Resident Coordinator and UN senior officials.
- Liaise with government authorities; lead and supervise activities to promote and coordinate the communications aspect of visits by UN senior officials.
- Ensure outputs maintain high-quality standards and comply with mandates; report to intergovernmental bodies.
- Lead coordinated UN system communications by serving as Chair of the UN Communications Group in South Africa; manage promotion of joint communications activities.
- Lead and provide crisis communications support.
- Supervise the organization of meetings, seminars, and other fora related to communications.
- Ensure appropriate tools and methods are in place to measure and evaluate the impact of communications activities.
- Build and strengthen synergies with other DGC field offices, RCOs and UNCTs.
- Perform other duties and special functions as required.
Required Experience
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience, including four years at the international level, in communications, journalism, international relations or related area is required. Experience developing and executing strategic communications, including multimedia campaigns and crisis communications, addressing mis and disinformation, public speaking, and working in and/or with traditional and digital media is required. Experience in resource administration, including budget preparation, human resources management and/or conflict management and resource mobilization is required. Experience supervising an office, unit or section within the United Nations common system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience with the political, social, and economic context of South Africa and the sub-region of responsibility is desirable. Experience working in communications in the United Nations common system or a comparable international organization is desirable.
Qualifications
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in journalism, communication, public information, international relations or related fields is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.