Director, Communications Unit

Vacancy Notice No: PAHO/14/FT198 Title: Director, Communications Unit Grade: P5 Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment Duration of contract:  Two years, first year probationary period.	Date: 22 April 2014 Application Deadline: 9 May 2014 (8 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Washington, D.C., United States of America   Organization unit: AM Americas (AM) Deputy Director (DD)/Director (D)
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : The objective of the Communications Unit (CMU) of the Pan American Health Organization is to develop and implement PAHO's corporate communication strategy in support of the achievement of the organization's mission and strategic priorities, to advance the principles and practice of communication as fundamental to public health and a key component of technical cooperation and capacity building; and to strengthen and modernize the organization's communication capacities, using "best in class" communication approaches, tools and technologies to facilitate and position the organization as a leading authority on health in the Americas.
Description of duties: Under the general supervision of the Director and the direct supervision of the Deputy Director (DD), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties: a) Provide technical, policy, strategic and programmatic advice for the implementation of PAHO's corporate communication strategy and its issue-specific campaigns; ensure coherence between WHO's global communication strategy and PAHO's strategic positioning in the Americas; b) Ensure excellence in the content, design and delivery of PAHO's communication products; c) Provide strategic advice to senior management and technical staff on using communication effectively to support policy advocacy, technical and scientific cooperation, partnerships and resource mobilization; d) Institutionalize the use of contemporary communication methods to reach and expand PAHO's priority audiences to promote the Organization's work; e) Advise PAHO/WHO Representatives (PWR) and technical teams on the inclusion of communication components in project design and implementation; f) Provide communication advice and support to strengthen internal communication and staff engagement; g) Support the PAHO Foundation's advocacy and resource mobilization activities, and ensure brand integrity and positioning of PAHO and the Foundation; h) Identify and obtain financial resources to support the implementation of the Unit's work plan, in collaboration with other departments of the Organization; i) Identify, promote, establish, maintain, and coordinate partnerships with other United Nations organizations, the Inter-American System and with other partners in order to maximize programmatic integration, efficiency and effectiveness; j) Formulate and recommend policies, plans, and strategies, in support of the Governing Bodies' mandates related to the work of the Unit; develop and establish guidelines, norms, practices and procedures to improve the Organization institutional communications strategies; report to Governing Bodies on the status or results of the program of work; k) Develop, define and establish the objectives, strategy, plan and budget of the Unit; ensure that the strategy and objectives are aligned with the Organization's mission, vision, values, policies, strategies, and priorities; monitor the implementation of activities, implement corrections of any deviations and to incorporate feedback to redefine the objectives and/or strategies; ensure that results and products delivered by the Unit are aligned with the Organizational Strategy and make significant contributions to outputs and outcomes as defined in the Strategic Plan; l) Administer, allocate and monitor the implementation of the Unit's financial, and human resources; prepare, and justify the program and budget proposals; define the Unit's Human Resources Plan including the organizational structure, competencies and terms of reference; initiate and recommend approval of personnel actions for all staff and other personnel; m) Provide authoritative technical, managerial and policy advice to staff assigned to the Unit, Sub-regional and Regional Advisors located in the countries; review reports submitted by staff and provide constructive feedback; n) Provide leadership to guide staff and motivate teams in a multicultural environment, and ensure continuous training and development of staff; including guidance and monitoring of staff through setting of clear work objectives, use of performance reviews and feedback mechanisms, regular communications, and solving interpersonal or technical conflicts; o) Promote a culture of ethical behavior and integrity in accordance with the Organization's Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct in order to ensure a culture of respect, responsibility, accountability, and compliance; p) Provide a stable managerial framework that demonstrates credibility, trust and value to Member States, partners, while optimizing staff performance; provide advice, when called upon, to institutions of Member States in the area of expertise; q) Collaborate in the Organization's response to emergency situations; provide technical expertise in the development of effective communication campaigns in order to facilitate timely response as required; r) Direct and participate in the development of policies and their implementation and provide authoritative advice in relation to policy and procedures under the areas of responsibility; s) Perform other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A university degree in communications, marketing, social science or related field and a master's degree in marketing, communication or a related field.
Skills:  -- Intrainstitutional Action: Displays, through leadership and decisions, understanding of the political systems and underlying drivers. Plans and evaluates both unit and individual results to achieve the PAHO's mission. Requires that projects be grounded in scientific evidence and that they be consistent with PAHO's vision, mission and values, and appropriate for the setting in which they will be carried out. Demonstrates a full commitment to the mission and values of the Organization by aligning the area of work with the strategic direction of the Organization. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization. -- Communication: Instills a culture that encourages effective communication in multicultural environments. Models effective dialogue that seeks all opportunities of conversation with key players by displaying or underlying drivers. Seeks to align the area of work with a strategic direction of the organization by displaying underlying values. -- Information Management: Leads and encourages the use of information as a strategic tool. Initiates, leads and participates in activities to improve systems for the presentation and dissemination of information. Verifies that information from the area of work is handled objectively and presented clearly and equitably. Develops new strategic forms to be more effective and concordant with the dissemination of the information. -- Performance Management: Evaluates the performance of subordinates in terms of the organizational strategy, provides feedback offering measurable suggestions and promotes their professional development. Develops and implements realistic and achievable work plans--including tasks, priorities, resources and schedules. Adjusts goals and courses of action to meet changing needs. In a systematic way develops people through demanding and challenging projects utilizing each employee's competencies. Effectively uses the Organization's official performance evaluation processes and systems. Provides constant and positive feedback to focus development efforts. -- Teamwork: Develops a high performing team in one's operational area and also encourages teamwork across the Organization. Establishes and models the standard for teams and teamwork. Provides significant contributions when participating in internal and external work teams. Initiates and leads mutually beneficial productive interpersonal relationships based on trust, both inside and outside the Organization. -- External Action: Develops and maintains mutually beneficial working productive partnerships. In the area under one's charge, monitors all activities, using transparency in the execution of all processes. Verifies that the conditions and deadlines set for turning in the product are met, and can objectively report on the results. Leverages external actors to actors to accomplish strategic goals. -- Resource Mobilization: Establishment of an internal Culture that supports the Organization's strategic direction program of work and the organizational results to enable effective resource mobilization. Supports and makes all efforts to increase the level of resources that are considered necessary for operations. Is capable of negotiating with different types of organizations. Uses the financial and non-financial resources with objectivity. Technical Expertise - Technical: Expertise in market research and audience analysis; writing and editing for several audiences in various styles, in multiple languages; knowledge of public health and international development; ability to lead and mentor cross-functional communication teams to ensure brand coherence and positioning; ability to provide advice and guidance on communication standards and strategy to medical and public health professionals. Wide and varied knowledge of communication sources and systems; innovative use of the web and social media; ability to monitor and report on program performance. - Managerial: Extensive expertise in senior, progressively responsible positions in corporate communications, public health agencies or international development organizations; administration of matters requiring sensitive negotiation and high level intervention and in managing change; management of communication products and services; knowledge of relevant international norms, standards and legislation. Demonstrated ability to provide professional leadership to strategic, organizational, managerial and analytic work; resourcefulness, initiative, highly developed judgment and interpersonal skills to deal with difficult situations, sensitive issues, establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different professional levels, discipline, nationalities, and cultural background. - Administrative: Skills in resource mobilization (including fundraising and partner collaboration) and financial management for the delivery of expected results. IT Skills Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook. Demonstrated understanding of an experience with scientific, web-based and open source information system as well the ability to operate desktop, web related applications, other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio and Project will be an asset.
Experience: Essential: Thirteen years of combined national and international more progressively responsible experience designing, planning, implementing and evaluating communication and marketing campaigns. Desirable: Experience developing and leading policy advocacy and social marketing campaigns related to public health or international development in Latin America and the Caribbean region; demonstrated experience supporting social policy advocacy, social marketing and fund-raising strategies highly desirable.
Languages: Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
Additional Information: PAHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), dependency benefits, pension plan, health insurance scheme, and 30 days annual leave. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, assignment grant, rental subsidy, and home leave. ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN ON-LINE PERSONAL HISTORY FORM TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST. CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED ONLY IF THEY ARE UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. A WRITTEN TEST AND/OR INTERVIEW WILL BE HELD FOR THIS POST. THE POST DESCRIPTION IS THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION FOR ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) US $80,887 at single rate US $87,069 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 50.3 % 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.
This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.