Senior Global Communications Officer (NY)

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.

Senior Global Communications Officer (NY)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Global Communications Officer (NY) will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Global Communications Desk who in turn reports to the Chief of Section (News & Media) within the Division of External Relations in Geneva (HQ). S/he works closely with other Communication Officers on the Global Communications Desk (New York), Geneva Headquarters and field, and will have extensive contact with a wide variety of external audiences - media personnel, public-at-large, diplomats, scholars and staff from other UN organizations - in the context of disseminating information and gathering support for UNHCR¿s global activities.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- UNHCR's Global Communications Desk (New York) is strongly positioned among international media and foreign desks globally and in New York as a leading source for news, information, comment and interviews about issues under UNHCR's mandate.
- UNHCR is recognized as the leader in protecting, assisting and finding solutions for the world's forcibly displaced and stateless persons.
- UNHCR¿s public positioning and reputation are enhanced through robust, timely, and effective media relations.
- UNHCR¿s authority and expertize are supported by knowledgeable media interactions and interviews on global and regional news channels.

Responsibility
- Serve as UNHCR¿s Global Spokesperson in New York on all issues of concern to UNHCR (with the exception of those led by the UNHCR Regional Office in Washington DC).
- Develop and implement communication strategies and initiatives that support a high media profile for UNHCR, increase exposure of UNHCR and mobilize public, political, and financial support.
- Advise other UNHCR communication staff to ensure the delivery of coordinated messages to key audiences taking into account global and operational strategies and policies.
- Liaise with the bureaus and divisions on operational issues and key message frameworks.
- Undertake frequent media interviews in support of UNHCR global news output and reputation, respond to media enquiries on deadline, and build dialogue with individual journalists. 
- Produce frequent and regular new outputs. These may be briefing notes, press releases, fact sheets, press lines and 'if-asked' guidance notes, social media outputs, etc. working closely with experts in the New York Office, other parts of DER, HQ Bureaus and Divisions, country and regional public information staff, subject experts, and regional and country representatives.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of UNHCR's wider global operations, policies and issues, including through regular contact with HQ communications counterparts.
- Build and maintain for UNHCR a database of journalists, media organizations and communicators from partner agencies and organisations.
- Identify opportunities for media amplification of UNHCR messaging, including through the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, DPI and other channels.
- Offer editorial guidance and coordinate training activities for field based communication staff.
- Ensure highest standards of accuracy and editorial content in all external outputs.
- Assist in the recruitment/selection of field-based communications staff as needed.
- Undertake short-notice field missions to humanitarian emergencies and other situations as needed.
- Work closely and in an integrated manner with other communications colleagues in the Global Communications Desk NY and other parts of DER on assigned projects.

Authority
- Assess interview requests and information questions and formulate appropriate responses.
- Answer media queries including on issues of political sensitivity.
- Devise messages, propos news and advocacy positions, develop new products.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) preferably in Communications, Political Sciences, Public Information, or International Relations.
- At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, marketing, 6 of which are at the international level.
- Expert knowledge of the media environment in New York and North America, including an understanding of key publications, programmes, knowledge of media influencers and their areas of interest.
- Extensive media contacts with key foreign news editors, news planning editors, influential journalists and writers covering international affairs/human rights/refugee issues.
- Advanced professional spokesperson skills, with a well-established knowledge of communications tactics and know-how, ideally gained through having worked in a major press office.
- Expert professional news-writing and editing.
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
- Experience of working in a news room or press office.
- Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Experience in preparing key messages, speeches, talking points and delivering them to a targeted audience.
- Working knowledge of French. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3

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. 

¿ Extensive experience of working in media relations, and in newsrooms.
¿ Tactical and strategic communications expertise, including experience of having developed and implemented major media campaigns.
¿ Sophisticated understanding of the New York and North America media environments, including an extensive array of media contacts, including news and planning desks, and at news shows.
¿ Lobbying and advocacy skills and 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.
¿ Demonstrable outstanding writing skills.
¿ Experience of working as a spokesperson on major news stories. ¿ UNHCR is a strong supporter of the media, and works closely with news and media organizations worldwide on a wide range of projects in support of the refugee cause.
¿ Our Spokespersons are vital members of our communications team, bringing human faces to our work, championing our cause, developing messages and news products, and engaging face to face with the world¿s media.
¿ UNHCR¿s Global Desk in New York serves as an extension of the communications team at headquarters. The Senior Communications Officer works closely with other parts of the Division of External Relations, fellow communications staff, UNHCR Bureaus, Representatives, and field communications officers, in particular UNHCR¿s Washington DC office and those in other UNHCR offices in the Americas. Outside of Geneva office hours and during the hours of the Global Communications Desk, the Senior Communications Officer in the Global Desk would be expected to lead UNHCR¿s global media engagement work answering media queries and doing interviews.
¿ The Senior Communications Officer is expected to work in partnership with other members of the Global Communications Desk and report to the Head of Global Communications Desk. Duty station is New York, New York, with some travel -- as required -- to meet with colleagues, editors and influencers, and to the field to train key UNHCR communicators. 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).