Head of Events Unit - Global Communication

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 Events Unit

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Head of Events Unit reports to the Deputy Head of Service or other more senior staff and directly supervises the Events team, responsible for the Nansen Refugee Award and co-leads on World Refugee Day (with the New York Global Communications Desk), among other things.
The incumbent will manage a programme of forward-looking and issues-based communications planning in support of major events, and advocacy activities of UNHCR and will build and manage relationships with UNHCR officials at all levels, at headquarters and in the field to prepare and implement major events such as for World Refugee Day. S/he will develop contacts with external stakeholders, including among opinion leaders and influential public figures, to garner better recognition of UNHCR¿s mission and goals and bring about more support and tolerance for the people UNHCR serves.
The Events Unit aims to reinforce other core communications of the Division of External Relations. All activities are aimed at amplifying the effect of UNHCR¿s corporate messaging and increasing our impact and credibility with the overall goal of harnessing more support for UNHCR and the refugee cause.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Lead, plan and manage the work programme of the unit including formulating strategies to optimize the exposure of UNHCR strategic priorities through special events, global multi-media events and campaigns (including World Refugee Day and the Nansen Award) using traditional and multi-media, celebrity advocacy and thematic outreach activities.
- Conceptualize, design and execute specific events in collaboration with the supervisor.
- Identify and evaluate opportunities for partnerships with external entities - public or private, Government or non-Government ¿ in conceiving or organizing events or collaborations that will expose wider audiences to UNHCR issues and messages.
- Set clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for key events and measure impact according to them. Assess the overall effectiveness of the unit¿s work and adjust approach and techniques if required.
- Prepare and present analysis of events after they take place to help inform future iterations.
- Work in close collaboration with other organizational entities in DER to deliver on the objectives.
- Develop and manage the unit¿s work plans and budget, ensuring that managerial and decisions are strategically and economically sound and appropriately focused on results and impact.
- Manage resources and coordinate with relevant entities within UNHCR for Nansen Refugee Award, World Refugee Day, and other events.
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4 - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
International Relations; Journalism; Public Administration;
Communication;         Marketing   or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in developing, managing and evaluating high impact events and campaigns for international audiences.
Experience in managing communication teams and coordinating information and roles.
Understanding and/or experience in Fundraising and/or Advocacy Communications.
Demonstrated high-level public speaking experience.
Extensive experience using a wide range of modern communication tools to reach target audiences. Profound understanding of the news media including trends in new media.
Strong track record of managing, leading, and coaching individual staff and teams, promoting decision-making by building consensus among involved players.
Proven ability to achieve results and implement strategies in a highly organized and action-oriented manner. Strong administrative capabilities.
Excellent diplomatic skills, and highly developed political skills and judgment, and understanding of UNHCR¿s external relationships.

Desirable
Knowledge of UNHCR and refugee issues an asset.

Functional Skills
CO-Editing
CO-Journalism (incl. print, broadcast, photography, video, layout & graphics)
CO-Media relations
CO-Preparation of key messages/talking points/speeches
CO-Strategic Communication
MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. 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
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Please note that the closing date for vacancies advertised in this addendum is Tuesday 2 February 2021 (mid-night Geneva time).