Director, Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, D2, New York, USA

Contract

This is a D-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 16 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 270,944 USD and 326,557 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

The mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. There is growing evidence that investing in health, education and protection will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential and also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress for all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

For every child, a champion.

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, the main purpose of the role is to lead the global communications and brand management efforts in support of the global positioning of UNICEF as a key partner to deliver results for children and promote child rights. The incumbent will set policy direction in establishing and implementing communication priorities, ensuring co-ordination between relevant divisions/offices to reinforce synergy in communication, policy guidance, brand management and advocacy. The Director, Division of of Global Communication and Advocacy is responsible for:

• • Communication and advocacy policy papers
  • Written and oral briefs of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors
  • An overview of UNICEF's policies, Organization & Working Methods communication
  • Executive Directives

How can you make a difference?

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Advise and assist the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors on the global positioning of children's issues and UNICEF, through effective communications, advocacy and brand management.
2. Lead the development and implementation of a communication strategy with clear priorities to promote children's issues globally. In collaboration with related HQ Divisions, Regional Offices and National Committees, establish priorities and provide overall guidance and direction for the implementation of UNICEF's global communication plans. Coordinate with other divisions to maximize communication, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.
3. Support Regional Offices and Country Offices and ensure consistent messaging across the organization and with National Committees.
4. Ensure the effective communication and visibility of UNICEF's mandate through the use of integrated communication plans (media relations, Good Will Ambassadors, publications, digital and social media), and innovative communication platforms. Establish systematic monitoring systems to inform and strengthen UNICEF's global communication efforts. Provide oversight and quality assurance of communication products and services produced by the Division of Global Communications and Advocacy (DGCA).
5. Ensure a systematic approach to anticipate and manage reputational risks to the organisation and its leadership. Act as the organization's senior spokesperson.
6. As member of the Global Management Team, participate in key meetings and represent commünications. Represent the organisation in external events and bodies as relevant.
7. Ensure that functions and capacities in the division are aligned to promote an effective communications function and drive organisational priorities.
8. Direct and manage DGCA resources (including human, information technology, financial) in accordance with relevant rules, policies, procedures and standards. Foster a conducive working environment, ensuring a coherent, yell-motivated team leadership and direction.
9. Oversee global programmes of experience exchange, networking. and orientation/training of UNICEF field and National Committee staff in communication and advocacy.
10. Create communication and media partnerships with international media educational institutions and development foundations and others to advocate for and enhance international understanding of development issues and in particular child-related issues.
11. Work closely with counterparts in other UN agencies and identify opportunities for collaboration on joint communication and advocacy initiatives. Provide general policy advice on public information and communication matters of common interest and jointly plan United Nations public information operations, as warranted.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An Advanced University Degree in journalism, communication, international relations, or a related field of study is required. Training and broad knowledge of mass media and interpersonal communication is an asset.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, strategic communications, or international relations, of which at least five years in a leadership position in a large multicultural institution is required. Experience in leading a large team of diverse staff is required. Experience in leading and designing strategic communication programmes, initiatives and campaigns at global level is required. Experience and understanding of United Nations and UNICEF’s work in the field is desired. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. In addition, fluency in French is desired. Working knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.

Skills

• Recognized management skills in a multicultural setting, combined with ability to achieve results through motivating people and influencing partners.
• Results-oriented decision-making ability with an aptitude to address operational challenges and for developing practical solutions.
• Innovator with risk management ability and a proven track record as a successful agent of change.
• Rigorous analytical and conceptual thinking.
• High sense of integrity, trust and confidence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent analysis in presentations.
• Strong diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with clients and counterparts at the appropriate levels,
• Ability to represent UNICEF in international fora.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.