Head of Global Communications Desk (New York)

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 Desk (NY)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Head of Global Communications Desk (New York) leads the work of the Desk, engaging on a daily basis with the Director and staff of UNHCR's New York Office for expert input and reporting to the Chief of Section (News & Media) in Geneva. As head of an "integrated" communications desk comprising experts in digital engagement, goodwill ambassador programmes, multimedia content production and media relations, she/he is also expected to maintain close relations with the various parent units in the Division of External 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 Desk and in advancing UNHCR's global communications agenda, especially in Americas time zones. The Head of Desk is expected to maintain strong working and coordination links with country and regional offices including the Regional Office Washington, the Canada Office, and UNHCR's communications entities in Latin America.   

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- A programme of regular, high quality, high-impact communications outputs from the Desk is established and maintained.
- Successful establishment in New York of an effective, professional, responsive UNHCR global communications team serving the needs of UNHCR and its key communications stakeholders including media, social media, private sector and others.
- UNHCR's global media relationships with Digital and Media partners in New York and elsewhere in the Americas are strengthened, including broadcasters, major online and social platforms, international and reginal news agencies and newspapers, and others.
- UNHCR's leadership, authority and positioning relating to matters under its mandate is underpinned and enhanced through regular high quality, high impact communications outputs.
- Integrated work arrangements involving staff on the Desk from different parent entities within the Division of External Relations are pioneered and developed, including through joint planning wherever possible, mutual support, joint initiatives, regular feedback to DER and with a view to identifying future best practises.
- UNHCR has capacity to plan and launch in the Americas major news-campaigns around issues and events, and is positioned to react at short notice to developments in the public domain, including circumstances that can have a bearing on UNHCR's operations and reputation.

Responsibility
- Lead the work of rapidly establishing and consolidating the UNHCR Global Communications Desk (New York), working closely with the head of the NY Office, reporting to the Head of News & Media in Geneva, and liaising directly with other CPIS and DER units involved in communications including Content Production, GWA operations, Digital Engagement, Strategic Communications, PSP, Events & Campaigns etc.
- 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 these oversee the establishment a programme of media and social media relations and outreach in New York, complementary to that of UNHCR's Regional Office in Washington DC, and geared around UNHCR¿s global communications agenda.
- Map, prioritize and initiate media partnership and outreach opportunities in New York, including by building media relations with key media players, including 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 other actors).
- Develop an up to date media contacts base for the Global Desk, including for the purposes of disseminating media products.
- Establish daily/weekly coordination mechanisms with the Regional Office 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 position to mutually support as needed.
- Establish a regular monthly/weekly work agenda for the Desk, including within it 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 Global Desk & NY Office (ie, to ensure the Desk and UNHCR offices in the Americas can issue timely news-releases, statements, and create media messages outside Geneva office hours).
- Map the regular daily and weekly output possibilities and expectations for the Global Desk (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 Head of Comms / Head of News & Media and members of DER's Strategic Communications Group on progress. This should include identifying areas where the "integrated" approach to communications is working well or can be better maximized.
- Organize periodic communications meetings as needed with ROW, 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 desk, including where needed by identifying candidates for recruitment, encouraging creativity while maintaining a strong strategic focus, and working to build a reputation for the Desk as a center of excellence in communications.

Authority
- Ensure high standards of news outputs including that they are properly considered and strategically aligned with UNHCR's wider priorities and goals.
- Decide on tactics and approaches for news launches, events, media outreach, etc., with a view to maximizing impact and reach.
- Provide communications-related advice to DER, the New York Office Director, and visiting UNHCR Officials.
- Support UNHCR communications staff and partners in the Americas.
- Make recommendations on resources, staffing and recruitment matters in consultation with the Chief of Section (News & Media) and other heads of DER units in Geneva, Copenhagen, and London.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Communications, Public Information, International Relations or related fields.
- Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience, of which 8 years should be at the international      level, 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.
- Sound management skills and strong judgement.
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
- Demonstrated Spokesperson experience working at a senior level.
- 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.
- Proven multi-tasking skills and the ability to think creatively and analytically.
- 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.
- Fluency in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- 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.
- Working knowledge of another UN language would be an asset. 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
M002L4 - Managing Performance 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
X005L4 - Planning and Organizing Level 4
X002L4 - Innovation and Creativity Level 4
X007L4 - Political Awareness Level 4

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

¿ High-level strategic communications expertise, including experience of having developed and implemented major media campaigns at global level.
¿ Experience of having managed successful communications teams.
¿ A proven record of having worked effectively as a spokesperson, evidenced by either clips of interviews or quotes showing ability to be quoted on message.
¿ Lobbying and advocacy skills and expertise.
¿ Message development skills.
¿ Advanced writing skills.
¿ A record for creative thinking and interest in exploring new approaches.
¿ Extensive experience of working in media relations, and in newsrooms.
¿ Tactical media relations expertise.
¿ Expert understanding of social media platforms, and a demonstrable history of successful engagement on social media.
¿ Substantial experience of working in sensitive and fast-moving news, communications, advocacy and/or fundraising contexts.
¿ Proven ability to manage multiple priorities within specified timeframes.
¿ Proven skills in communication, networking, strategic thinking, advocacy, negotiation, and ability to relate to different audiences.
¿ Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
¿ Strong diplomatic skills, highly developed political skills and judgment, understanding of UNHCR¿s external relationships, solid grasp of the news business, and ability to discern when the organization¿s credibility is at stake.
¿ English mother tongue or equivalent level of fluency required. Spanish, French or Arabic desirable.
¿ A detailed understanding of UNHCR¿s Division of External Relations and working relationships between the various components of the Division. ¿ The Global Communications Desk in New York is a new development for UNHCR, comprising an integrated team of communications personnel with specializations including in media, social media, digital engagement and goodwill ambassador programmes.
¿ With the exception of the Senior Communications Officer, who leads on media relations and reports directly to the Head of Global Desk, other members of the Desk report to their parent units in DER. As such the Head of Global Desk is looked to for identifying opportunities for synergies and close coordination among all members of the team, and in pioneering joined up approaches to UNHCR¿s communications work.
¿ The Head of Global Communications Desk represents DER in the Americas and works as an extension of UNHCR¿s global communications team at headquarters. She/He maintains close working relations with UNHCR¿s New York Office and UNHCR communications offices elsewhere in the US and Americas.
¿ The Head of Global Communications reports to the Head of News & Media in Geneva. Duty station is New York. Travel as required to Washington DC, to other UNHCR offices in the Americas, and to Headquarters and other stations. Not applicable. Not applicable.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).