Deputy Director, UNIC Washington

Position description

This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington D.C., within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Campaigns and Country Operations Division (CCOD), Department of Global Communication (DGC). The UNIC Washington D.C. is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in the United States of America and is responsible for communicating the work of the United Nations to key stakeholders; engaging a range of partners in academia, media and think tanks; and facilitating visits of high-level UN officials to Washington D.C. The incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Director of UNIC Washington.

Within delegated authority the Deputy Director may be responsible for the following duties: • Support and lead the conceptualization, design and implementation of overall communications strategies, programmes and activities for specific audiences in Washington, DC and the United States. • Support the Director in his/her role as spokesperson and in outreach and public speaking engagements; provide technical and policy advice on highly complex communications issues; develop and disseminate best practices. • Support the Director in leading and directing a team of communications officers; planning and allocating work assignments; coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff; and participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs. • Oversee the preparation of reports, books and other documents relating to perceptions of the United Nations among various audiences in the United States, including reporting on executive and congressional branch views on UN issues. • In consultation with the Director, conduct political liaison work with Congress, the Executive Branch, national organizations, educational, research and cultural institutions to promote programmes related to the UN; create and maintain networks of high level communications contacts with broadcast media, the press, governmental agencies, international institutions and other groups and organizations in civil society (non-government organizations (NGOs), businesses, community organizations, women’s groups, etc.); represent the organization in important meetings, conferences, events, etc.; promote joint communications and outreach ventures. • Contribute to development of institutional communications and outreach policies. • Assess the overall effectiveness of the communications strategy and programmes and make needed changes in approach and technique. • Provide diverse materials (briefings, speeches, questions and answers) for use by senior officials, develop or oversee development of high-profile multi-media communications campaigns; set quality and production standards for information dissemination.

Qualifications

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area is required, including 3 years at the international level. Experience in managing with Government officials, international organizations, civil society organizations and other target groups, particularly in the United States is required. Experience working on strategic communications and/or public outreach in the United States is required. Experience in resource administration, including budget preparation and personnel management is desirable. Experience working on activities with complex digital media components, including social media, is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Application instructions

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