Deputy Director (Media, Digital Strategy, and Internal Communication), Division of Communication (DOC), D-1, New York, USA

Under the supervision of the Director, DOC, the incumbent will provide strategic guidance, quality assurance and ensure overall management of DOC to promote the global visibility of, and support for children’s issues and UNICEF’s work. The incumbent will use cutting edge expertise in media and new media (including web, social media, and multi-media) and tech partnerships to move UNICEF’s voice, reach and engagement on external and internal platforms to the level required by the shifts in UNICEF’s communication and public advocacy emerging in the new Strategic Plan (2018-2021). In particular, the incumbent will guide and manage teams for Media, Digital Strategy and Internal Communication to ensure the timely identification, implementation, and monitoring of divisional priorities. S/he will establish a systematic approach to identify issue of strategic importance for UNICEF and also ensure the effective coordination of DOC in support of global priorities. S/he will also be the DOC lead on Emergencies and crisis management in very close support to the Office of the Executive Director. Emphasizing team-building, s/he will promote the alignment of functions and capacities for the Media, Digital and Internal Communication teams with the Public Advocacy and Brand teams for an agile, effective and efficient communication team. The incumbent will also maintain working relations with key stakeholders in the organization – including HQ divisions, Regional and Country Offices and National Committees – to leverage and maximize the impact of organizational assets to promote children’s issues on the global agenda. The incumbent will oversee the budget, personnel/staffing and daily administrative operations attached to the teams under his/her supervision. S/he will represent the Director within and outside UNICEF and the UN system as required.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the post:

Under the supervision of the Director, DOC, the incumbent will provide strategic guidance, quality assurance and ensure overall management of DOC to promote the global visibility of, and support for children’s issues and UNICEF’s work. The incumbent will use cutting edge expertise in media and new media (including web, social media, and multi-media) and tech partnerships to move UNICEF’s voice, reach and engagement on external and internal platforms to the level required by the shifts in UNICEF’s communication and public advocacy emerging in the new Strategic Plan (2018-2021).

In particular, the incumbent will guide and manage teams for Media, Digital Strategy and Internal Communication to ensure the timely identification, implementation, and monitoring of divisional priorities. S/he will establish a systematic approach to identify issue of strategic importance for UNICEF and also ensure the effective coordination of DOC in support of global priorities. S/he will also be the DOC lead on Emergencies and crisis management in very close support to the Office of the Executive Director. Emphasizing team-building, s/he will promote the alignment of functions and capacities for the Media, Digital and Internal Communication teams with the Public Advocacy and Brand teams for an agile, effective and efficient communication team. The incumbent will also maintain working relations with key stakeholders in the organization – including HQ divisions, Regional and Country Offices and National Committees – to leverage and maximize the impact of organizational assets to promote children’s issues on the global agenda.

The incumbent will oversee the budget, personnel/staffing and daily administrative operations attached to the teams under his/her supervision. S/he will represent the Director within and outside UNICEF and the UN system as required.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist the Director in coordinating the work of the Division in close collaboration with the Deputy Director (Public Advocacy and Campaigns) and in planning, administration and execution of the work plans for Media, Digital Strategy and Internal Communication. Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Division work plan, ensure follow up on Division activities and commitments and coordinate with other Divisions, Regional Offices and country offices on global communication activities and plans.

As assigned by the Director, assume lead role in planning, organizing and implementing specific communication activities, including Emergency Communication and Crisis Management, in direct support of the Office of the Executive Director and liaising as needed with other divisions and other parts of the UN system.

Supervise the sections coming under Media, Digital Strategy and Internal Communication, helping ensure effective, coordinated and strategic communication activities within and among these sections as appropriate.

Create and maintain collaboration and partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders, including, among others, UNICEF HQ Divisions and National Committees. Assist the Director in fulfilling and enhancing internal reporting mechanisms and operational monitoring and evaluation.

Deputize for the Director during his/her absences from the office and assist in all divisional management activities, including staff matters. Represent the Division as necessary at meetings, conferences, etc.

Minimum Requirements:

Advanced University degree in journalism, communications, international relations or related field (or University degree paired with more than 15 years of extensive proven experience on media, communication, campaigning and advocacy for successful organizations.)

Thirteen years excellent professional work experience in media and new media, cutting edge expertise in web, social media, multimedia and new media and tech partnerships, coupled with extensive management experience.

Extensive experience required in the development and implementation of corporate communication policies, strategies and programmes. Proven experience to translate programmatic and advocacy content and strategies into best communication packages for the increasing fragmented media and digital channel, especially targeting TV and multimedia digital channels as key targets to expand our global new audiences.

Fluency in English. Any other official UN language is considered asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate: 

Post requires excellent management, organization and communication skills to manage a large staff in diverse occupations.

Excellent writing skills in English for media and digital, with strong focus in storytelling, multimedia and design as it will lead all our digital channels.

SSR competencies

• Delivering results
• Managing complexity and change
• Impact and partnership
• Innovation and risk taking
• Leading, engaging and nurturing
• Self-awareness

Applications will be considered only if accompanied by an updated Cover Letter and CV, as well as the two most recent PERs (for internals) / Evaluations (for externals). Regret letters will only be sent to shortlisted candidates.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.