Director, UN Information Centre (UNIC)

Job Description

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Chief of the Information Centres Service of the Strategic Communications Division of the Department of Public Information (ICS/SCD/DPI) and the Director of SCD/DPI, the incumbent plans, develops and implements a communications strategy for the UN in Yemen. He/she provides support and advice on public information and communications to the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) and chairs the UN Communications Group (UNCG) in Sana’a. In addition, the incumbent coordinates joint communications programmes and activities with the Director of the UN Information Centre in Cairo and other UN Information Centres in the region. He/she will develop strategic partnerships with key constituencies to gain support for and maximize the impact of communications initiatives and develop and maintain networks of contacts with UN entities, media organizations, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society entities in the work area. The incumbent will oversee the preparation of a diverse range of information/communications products in support of major campaign initiatives in the local languages; evaluate results and impact of communications activities; report on political trends and public attitudes regarding the UN. He/she will oversee the day-to-day operations of the UN Information Centre; guide, develop and mentor staff under his/her supervision and prepare annual evaluations of staff performance (PAS). He/she will carry out other duties as requested from UN Headquarters.

Competencies

• Professionalism – State-of-the-art knowledge in the field of communications and public information and ability to address a range of issues related to UN public information requirements, including taking the lead on major public information campaigns; and proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement major campaigns; demonstrated ability in pro-active media relations; in-depth knowledge of political trends, public attitudes, local conditions and developments; in-depth understanding of the UN system, its organization and interrelationships, including knowledge of UN activities and mandates in the region. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work.

• Judgment and Decision Making – Discretion and sound judgment in applying expertise to complex and/or sensitive issues, which are typically broad in scope.

• Communication – Highly developed communication skills (oral, written, and presentation), including ability to present sensitive issues/positions.

• Managing Performance – Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment, including ability to effectively lead, supervise, coach, mentor, develop and evaluate staff.

• Planning and organizing – Demonstrated ability to effectively develop a work programme and ensure timely delivery of results; planning and organization skills to coordinate the work of others, work to tight deadlines and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communications or related discipline in international relations. A first-level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, communications or public relations, including experience at the international level is required. Experience in public relations and/or as part of a strategic communications team is required. Experience in analyzing political trends, events and culture of the work area is required. Experience in public speaking is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Other Skills

Good knowledge of the media, NGO community and other civil society partners in Yemen is required. Knowledge of UN activities and mandates in the region is highly desirable.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

How to apply

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Because applications submitted by United Nations (UN) staff members are considered first, provided the eligibility requirements set out in ST/AI/2002/4 are met and the application is submitted in a timely fashion, staff members should apply within 15-day or 30-day mark.

Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please go to “My UN” page and check the status of your application by clicking on “View Application History”, and resubmit the application, if necessary.

1. To start the application process, applicants are required to register by opening a "My UN" account. Go to Login, and Register as a User. Fill in the form and choose a User Name and Password.

2. After opening the account, applicants may apply for vacancies using the Personal History Profile (PHP) provided. Once the PHP has been completed for a particular vacancy, it can be saved and used for future applications. The PHP may be up-dated, when necessary, for future applications.

3. In completing the PHP, please note that all fields marked with an asterisk must be completed.

4. UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the appropriate Human Resources Office (HRO)/Personnel Office (PO) to the email address below, clearly indicating the vacancy announcement number. In case you have no access to the digitizing equipment, please submit hard copies of the two latest PAS reposts to the relevant HRO/PO via fax.

E-mail: Fax: +

Please click to apply online.