Director of the Executive Office, Strategy and Communication

Vacancy Announcement No: UPU/13/D1/FT-C/20 Title: Director of the Executive Office, Strategy and Communication Grade: D1 Type of contract Fixed-Term (Core) Appointment Duration:  three years	Publication Date: 14 October 2013 Application Deadline: 17 November 2013 (24 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications   Organizational Unit: Executive Office, Strategy and Communication Directorate (DCSC) Duty Station:  Bern Switzerland Scheduled date for taking up appointment:  as soon as possible
Organizational Context: The Universal Postal Union (UPU), with its headquarters in the Swiss capital Berne, is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players. It helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. Under the overall guidance of the Director General the incumbent provides as the principal advisor to Director General and Deputy Director General authoritative advice and support on a wide range of services. The incumbent assists them in managing the International Bureau by coordinating the work of the different directorates with the overall aim to facilitate efficient and effective programme delivery and to enhance the reputation of UPU for technical excellence. He/she assists the DG and DDG in their contacts with Governments, delegations, non-governmental organizations, the press and the public. He/she provides leadership to a multidisciplinary team of professional and General Service staff resulting in optimal resource utilization in a positive climate of leadership.
Main duties: 1. Executive Office of the Director General (DG) and the Deputy Director General (DDG) 1.1 Management of the Executive Office and support for the Director General/Deputy General Director: - Directs and coordinates all the programmes and activities of the Joint Office of the DG and the DDG. - Provide authoritative advice and analysis to the DG and the DDG on matters related to strategy, policy, politics (UN and Governments) and management. - Assists in the coordination of the work of the various directorates to ensure the effectiveness of activities of the IB directorates by directing the follow-up of requests from the DG/DDG and coordinating the tasks assigned to all Directorates within the IB. - Oversees the preparation of official missions and public engagements of the DG and the DDG, as well as visits of high ranking officials to the IB. 1.2 International and external relations: - Oversees the implementation of the general policy with respect to UPU relations with the United Nations system and with other international stakeholder organizations. - Directs the interpretation/implementation of UN decisions and policies within the UPU and initiates/coordinates joint initiatives with other UN organizations. - Oversees the UPU's contribution to UN questionnaires, papers and meetings, including the Joint Inspection Unit; coordinates the DG's participation in the Chief Executives' Board (CEB), high-level meetings and conferences of UN agencies. - Establishes and maintains lines of contact with the Diplomatic Corps in Switzerland and Swiss authorities. 1.3 Internal coordination: - Helps in the coordination of the work of the different directorates with the overall aim to facilitate efficient and effective programme delivery and to enhance the reputation of UPU. 2. Communication Programme (internal and external) - Is responsible for the development and the implementation of the communication strategy and evaluates its effectiveness. - Prepares, coordinates and reviews speeches, statements, position papers, briefing materials and articles in external publications for the personal attention of the DG and the DDG. - Acts as spokesperson for the organization and the DG as needed. - Takes final decisions on public information and outreach activities. - Directs the internal communication with staff of the International Bureau, advises the Director General on internal communication. - Deals with protocol, liaison and representation, organizes official ceremonies and similar functions and makes arrangements for official receptions and other functions hosted by the DG and DDG. 3. Strategy entity - Designs, develops, formulates, implements, monitors and evaluates UPU's strategy in consultation with the other directorates and key stakeholders in member countries (e.g. Governments, Regulators, postal operators) and postal industry stakeholders. - Plans and manages the UPU Regional Straegy Conferences involving Governments and postal sector decision-amkers and stakeholders. - Plans and manages UPU strategy visioning sessions (think tank) involving research institutions and researchers. 4. Representation in internal and external bodies, committees and meetings - Secretary of the IB Management Committee - Manages the secretariat for the Coordination Committee (that is composed of DG, Chairs of the Council of Administration and Postal Operation Council). - Represents the organization/DG at meetings and conferences as needed. - Presents IB documents and papers on strategy and sensitive issues on behalf of the DG to member countries during plenary sessions of the UPU bodies as needed. - Vice-chair of the Congress Preparatory Committee; member of Strategy Conference Project team. - Member of other internal committees. 5. Events management As needed, takes on the responsibilities of leading in the preparation and organization of events, for example: Universal Postal Congress - Provides overall guidance and supervision for the organization of Congress: relations with the host government and other diplomatic relations, VIPs and protocol. - Acts as Secretary of the Plenary sessions of the Congress: agendas, documents, provides expert advice on political and strategic issues for the Chairman, reports, etc. - Manages the engagements of the DG/DDG: meetings, speeches, briefing papers, dossiers, etc. UPU mid-term strategy conference: relations with the host country and other diplomatic relations, protocol, programme UN bodies and groups: hosting sessions of bodies/groups such as the UN Chief Executives Board as the opportunity arises. UPU participation in external events: annual POST-EXPO conference and exhibition, conferences of the Restricted Unions, UN Conferences and Summits etc. Events to celebrate World Post Day: oversese the organization of receptions for diplomatic corps. 6. Resources and team management 6.1. Resources and administrative management - Oversees administrative matters necessary to the functioning of the Office, including the supervision of the preparation of the budget to ensure that the resources are channelled to achieving the objectives of the Office. 6.2. Team management & organization - Leads, manages and motivates staff for improved performance through setting of measurable annual work objectives, ensuring that evaluation of staff performance is done and work plan achieved, proposing training and career development measures and holding regular staff meetings. - Investigates and resolve crisis situations to ensure good relations and effectiveness of Office efforts.
QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in public administration, international relations, international business administration, economics, political sciences or equivalent.
Experience: Over 10 years of working experience in the postal sector at management level or one of the above-mentioned fields
Technical knowledge:  Good knowledge of: - the Universal Postal Union, its structure and bodies, mission, policies and strategies. - the International Bureau, its structure, working procedures, programmes and projects. - the United Nations system, its structure, mission and values, policies and decisions. - the international postal sector and current developments in the communication sector. - the economic and political status of the member countries of the UPU and developments in the news in general. - international protocol rules essential. - communication techniques: expression, written, spoken, presentation, public speaking essential. - solid knowledge of political and diplomatic relations and situations among member countries.
Skills and abilities / competencies: - Ability to defend and explain difficult and sensitive issues to staff, senior officials, member countries, the media and other external audiences. - Ability to communicate complex concepts orally and/or summarise it in a concise and clear manner. - Excellent diplomatic skills: negotiation, persuasion, dialogue, diplomacy, neutrality, objectivity, confidentiality. - Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate changes in circumstances, opinions and needs, often at short notice. - Proven managerial skills: strong leadership; decision-making authority; ability to set ambitious but realistic objectives; results-oriented and accountability; ability to lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff, deal with conflict situations and build a strong team-spirit; ability to delegate appropriate responsibility. - Proven organizational skills: management of large projects and events, good planning abilities, capacity to deliver quality work under pressure and against strict deadlines, efficient office procedures. - Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
Language skills: Perfect proficiency in English and in French. Knowledge of other languages, particularly those used in the United Nations, would be an asset.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) 95394 USD 103204 USD with primary dependants	Post adjustment: 104.9 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
The conditions of service are governed by the Staff Regulations and Rules of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. All applications must be received by the closing date as stated in the vacancy announcement. All applicants employed by postal entities and applying for a vacant position in the Professional (P) or Senior (D) category must be recommended and submitted through the competent postal authority. Applications not satisfying this criterion may not be considered. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Applications from women and member states are particularly encouraged. The UPU promotes diversity and work-life balance.
For further instructions regarding the online application process, please visit the UPU internet page at:http://www.upu.int/en/resources/vacancies