Head of Communications , UNU Centre, Tokyo, Japan

POSITION:

P-4/P-5

REFERENCE NO.:

2013/UNU/HQ/FTA/HC/17

LOCATION:

Tokyo, Japan

CLOSING DATE:

2013•05•15

Organizational Unit: UNU Centre, Tokyo, Japan

United Nations University objectives

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, its Peoples and Member States. It serves as a think tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity building particularly in developing countries, and serves as a platform for new and creative ideas and dialogue. In addition to the UNU Headquarters located in Tokyo, UNU has already established fifteen institutes and programmes worldwide.

UNU is searching for a new Head of Communications to be located at its Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. The Head of Communications, reporting to the Executive Officer, Office of the Rector, will have responsibility for the development and implementation of the University’s worldwide communication and dissemination strategy and for implementing a focused set of activities aimed at enhancing UNU’s media and communications outreach in the University’s main host country of Japan. 

Responsibilities

The Head of Communications will have responsibility for developing, coordinating and energizing UNU communications worldwide and for carrying forward the ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the University globally, but more specifically in Japan, the University’s main host country. A key responsibility relates to providing policy-bridging support to UNU institutes and programmes and helping to stimulate linkages between UNU and the substantive units of the United Nations in New York and elsewhere.

Specific responsibilities, to be undertaken in a coordinated fashion with communication personnel at the UNU Centre, Tokyo, and UNU institutes and programmes, will include:

• Raising public awareness of and promoting UNU activities and outcomes by informing the general public, the UN system, governments and NGOs, among others, through the use of traditional and electronic media, web products, audio-visual and print productions and publications as well as by way of promotional and special event activities;
• Developing University policies and strategies for strengthening internal and external communication and the dissemination of information;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with leading media internationally;
• Developing and implementing a focused set of ongoing public information and media activities to enhance the visibility of the University in Japan;
• Providing advice and assistance to the Rector, institute and programme directors, and other senior colleagues regarding public affairs and information/dissemination issues;
• Serving, when necessary, as the spokesperson for UNU, in cooperation with the Rectorate and the directors of the institutes and programmes. 

Required qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will have a highly collaborative style, the ability to lead a team in an open and positive manner, experience in developing and implementing communications strategies, excellent writing/editing and verbal communications skills, a strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently. The position requires high energy, maturity and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position 
communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.

The position also requires:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism and/or communications, or a first university degree with a relevant combination of academic and professional qualifications;
• Demonstrated communications experience of at least four (4) years, covering areas such as knowledge management and sharing, public policy support and advocacy, website content development and delivery, use of electronic and other media;
• The ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to the various target audiences through the best distribution channels;
• Fluency in English and Japanese required; knowledge of French or of other official languages of the United Nations would be desirable;
• The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse national, cultural and religious backgrounds and with political representatives and diverse communities in both industrialized and developing countries;
• Proven commitment to issues of human development and welfare. 

Remuneration

We offer a competitive net salary (tax-exempted) at P-4/P-5 level commensurate to level of experience and allowances, including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change.

The post carries the standard set of United Nations benefits and entitlements for international positions in the UN Common Systems, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant, removal expenses and home leave. For more information, please visitwww.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm. 

The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that is advertised.

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The period of initial contract would be for a two-year term with the possibility of renewal on the basis of excellent performance. The mandatory retirement age in the United Nations is 62.

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates and those from developing countries are particularly encouraged.

Starting date

As soon as possible.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online and should submit a UN University Personal History Form (P.11) accessible on the UN University website with:

a)      A letter of application

b)      Full curriculum vitae (with publications list)

c)       A covering letter setting out:  (1) what are the motivations for applying for the post and (2) how the candidate’s qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position.