Chief Communications And Spokesperson, Un-habitat, (Fixed-term Appointment Limited), D1 at UN-Habitat

Responsibilities

• Leads and coordinates media relations including: Giving on-record and background press briefings and interviews to national and international media; conceptualizing, developing, updating and executing a media strategy and work plan, including utilizing digital and multimedia platforms as part of the strategy; advising Executive Director and senior leadership on media strategy and approach; developing and implementing a system of daily media monitoring and bulletins to meet the needs of UN-Habitat and senior leadership; drafting and issuing press statements and press releases as necessary; establishing and maintaining a cooperative relationship with local and international journalists; arranging interviews and/or background briefings with senior officials and facilitating the daily work of journalists covering the work of UN-Habitat; facilitating media visits; responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception of UN-Habitat and/or its leadership; conceptualize and implement timely communication strategies in reaction to various situations.
• Oversee the quality and coherence of all communication materials and documents submitted for the Executive Director by serving as the central coordination point for reviewing and clearing drafts from different offices, and, where appropriate, preparing communication directly on behalf of the Executive Director.
• Ensures that, in addition to traditional media sources, messages are distributed utilizing digital and social media to disseminate information and engage in digital communications, including such platforms as websites, Facebook, Twitter and emerging interactive platforms.
• Liaises with counterparts in the Government and diplomatic community, local authorities, civil society, media associations and other key constituencies to ensure key messages are conveyed and support communications campaigns.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Recruits staff, including interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates, taking due account of gender parity and geographical balance. Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under their supervision and conducts evaluation of staff performance (PAS). Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch and across organizational boundaries.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public administration, social sciences or related area is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in leading and managing communications and advocacy functions, or related field is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience delivering strategic communications and media initiatives and results is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in managing and leading a team of at least six (6) staff members at the professional level is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in mobilizing and partnering with major groups and stakeholders is desirable.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in leading human rights and social inclusion initiatives and programs is desirable.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in leading global advocacy campaigns for policy action is desirable.
• Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.