Communications Specialist

Job Description

Vacancy Code VA/UNOPS/NAO/AoC/2 Post Title Communications Specialist Post Level A4 (equivalent ICS 11) Project Alliance of Civilizations Duty Station New York, NY, USA Duration ASAP through 31 December 2007 (initially) **Closing Date 9 July 2007** **Project Background** The Alliance of Civilizations, launched by the Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and co-sponsored by the Prime Ministers of Spain and Turkey, responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and to mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions and polarization that militate against such a consensus. The Alliance hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society. The AoC project whose Secretariat is based in New York, NY, is funded by multiple donors and executed by UNOPS. **Duties and Responsibilities** The Alliance of Civilizations requires a Communications Specialist to manage the public image of the initiative, including outreach and public relations, the development and distribution of promotional and descriptive materials about the Alliance of Civilizations and its activities (including the AoC web-site), the drafting of talking points and speeches on the AoC for the High Representative of the AoC and the UN Secretary-General, and the development and management of the AoC Clearinghouse and of the AoC Rapid Response Media Mechanism. The Communications Director will be expected to work closely with the AoC Secretariat Director in the conceptual development of AoC activities and projects with a view to the impact they may have on the credibility and viability of the broader AoC initiative. The candidate will be representing the AoC frequently in meetings with organizations at the local, regional and international level and through public speaking. He/she will be responsible for hiring and managing a small communications team, including a Website/Clearinghouse Manager, Communications Officer, interns, and, possibly, research staff to be seconded by Member States to assist in the development of the AoC Clearinghouse and/or the Rapid Response Media Mechanism. **RESPONSIBILITIES** - Refine and implement all aspects of the strategic communications plan as approved by the High Representative - Develop and manage the systems for regular updating of web-site content as well as possible restructuring of the website (including possible engagement of a web-design firm for this purpose) - Manage the development of the Rapid Response Media Mechanism, including an international network of prominent spokespersons, an international network capable of influencing print media editors and TV/radio program producers, and a rapid translation and dissemination service, in coordination with relevant UN agencies (i.e. DPI and UNDP) and outside partners and volunteer agencies - Manage the development of the AoC Clearinghouse, ensuring it becomes a broadly accessible interactive on-line site providing access to practical tools and best practices drawn from a broad diversity of regions and integrating both government policies and civil society initiatives relevant to each clearinghouse theme - Prepare talking points for the HRSG and the UNSG as required - Represent the AoC in international conferences and meetings and in public speaking events - Work with the AoC Secretariat Director in the conception and development of AoC initiatives, with a view to the impact they may have on the credibility and viability of the broader AoC initiative - Contribute to the development of the AoC Youth and Annual Forums with particular responsibility for public relations and outreach related to those events **Required Competencies & Knowledge** - Excellent management skills, ability to lead and motivate a team - In-depth understanding of the world of media and public affairs - Superior presentation, communication and influencing skills - Excellent writing skills - Ability to effectively communicate cross functionally with all levels of management within the AoC - Excellent networking, mobilizing and advocacy skills - Ability to set and maintain deadlines. Ability to multi-task effectively. Strong attention to detail - Ability to resolve issues quickly and effectively - Ability to work in a multicultural and international environment - Excellent knowledge of intercultural issues and ability to appreciate all sides of the argument in highly polarized cross-cultural debates Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language - Masters Degree in journalism, communications, international relations, or other related field - Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in developing and managing communications at an international level, within various sectors, and in high visibility arena - Significant experience in working to develop partnerships at national, regional and international level - Oral and written fluency in English - Ability to speak multiple languages preferred (preferably French and/or Arabic) **Submission of Applications** Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form ( template may be obtained from ), to **Mr. Oscar Hernandez**, via e-mail to . **Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying** (in the subject line by e-mail). **Additional Considerations** - Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. - Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified. - Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. - UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.