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UNICEF Director, D-2, Division of Communication, New York


If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.
UNICEF, the world’s leading organization working for the rights of children, seeks a Director, D-2, Division of Communication, New York.

Purpose:
The Director Division of Communication (DOC) will 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.
S/He will provide strategic leadership and vision in the area of communications at a global level, oversee the management and administration of the division and enhance partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders. Main responsibilities include:
Leadership, Vision and Strategy:
• Advise the Executive Director and Senior Management on the global positioning of children’s issues and UNICEF, through effective communications, advocacy and brand management.
• Lead the development and implementation of a communication strategy with clear priorities to promote children’s issues globally. In collaboration with related HQ divisions 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.
• 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.  Provide oversight and quality assurance of communication products and services produced by DOC.
• Act as a senior spokesperson for the organization and oversee a systematic approach and manage media relations throughout the organization.
Management and Administration:
• Ensure that functions and capacities in the division are aligned to promote an effective communications function and drive organizational priorities
• Direct and manage the division’s human, financial and IT resources while fostering a conducive working environment, to ensure a coherent, well-motivated team through clear leadership and direction.
Partnerships:
• Enhance international understanding of development issues and in particular child-related issues through partnerships with international media, educational institutions, development foundations and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with counterparts in other UN agencies on policy and communication matters of common interest, and also identify opportunities for collaboration on joint communication and advocacy initiatives.
Minimum Requirements:
• Advanced university degree and training in journalism, communication, international relations, or a related field of study is desirable.
• At least 15 years of relevant international and/or developing country experience, including at global levels. At least half of this in senior positions leading communications and advocacy programmes.  Demonstrated managerial experience, including in leading large/complex teams.
• Fluency in English and a second UN language. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Person Profile:
• Extensive experience managing teams, with senior technical professionals, in high- pressure contexts
• Proven co-ordination, organizational and interpersonal skills that motivate and mobilize staff and stakeholders across different organizational units to collectively drive for results
• Demonstrated ability to reach out and partner internally and externally; and comfortable working in a decentralized organizational culture
• Well developed understanding of current global issues
• Well developed communication and public relations skills
• Well developed strategic and conceptual skills

If you have got experience of working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae in English, AND a duly completed United Nations Personal History form, to recruit.ssr@unicef.org  by l5 October 2012. 
UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.