Deputy Director, P5 at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

This position is located in UNEP’s global headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the supervision of the Director, Communication Division, and in close consultation with the Division's Head of Operations, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Lead and coordinate UNEP’s global strategic communication at corporate and programmatic levels.
2. Supervise the Communication Division’s Section Chiefs, nurturing innovation, creativity and ambition to reach new audiences with world-class, science-based communication and advocacy that is embedded within UNEP’s programmatic work.
3. Oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Communication Division’s work in the context of UNEP's Programme of Work and its Medium-Term Strategy.
4. Coordinate, manage, and administer the Communication Division’s work and budget in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
5. Mobilize resources for the Communication Division and forge partnerships that amplify reach and impact.
6. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director.

Competencies

1. PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to advise on high profile and sensitive communication challenges. Ability to assess world-wide communication environments, develop communication strategies and manage implementation of public information campaigns with various promotional and publicity techniques. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to present and defend difficult positions to senior officials. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
2. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
3. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
4. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
5. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

1. Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in communications, public/business administration and management or in a related field is required.
2. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

1. A minimum of ten years (10) of progressively responsible experience in journalism, communication and/or public-facing advocacy is required.
2. At least five years experience in managing communication teams is required.
3. Successful experience in fundraising is desirable.
4. At least three years communication experience primarily focused on the natural environment and/or other type of science-based sector is desirable.
5. At least three years of experience working for an international organization is desirable.

Languages

1. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

NOTE: ‘Fluency’ equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write and understand) and ‘Knowledge of’ equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Assessment

1. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

1. Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.
2. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
3. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the lateral move(s) requirements, or geographical move(s) to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral or geographical move(s) in their Applicant Profile (AP) and cover note.