Org. Setting and Reporting

This position of Chief of Unit, Information Service is located in the Radio and Television Section, United Nations information Service Geneva, Strategic Communications Division of the Department of Global Communications. The incumbent will report to the Chief of the Radio and Television Section.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Unit, Information Service is responsible for the following duties: Manages, produces, edits and implements multi-lingual news and multimedia content production in the UN Geneva hub, overseeing and coordinating the work of other producers and consultants; coordinates and mentors, as needed, other contributors in the Europe, Middle East and North Africa time-zones, to achieve the outputs, quality assurance and timeliness of UN news coverage activities across various media (print/web, audio/radio, video/tv), establishing work plans, ensuring deliverables and timelines compatible with global news cycle and the UN’s communications priorities. Leads news and content production in English and oversees such production in French, managing the day-to-day operations of the News Unit in the UN Information Service Geneva, including participating in the coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the Unit, project management, interpreting policy and providing editorial and best practices advice, and spearheading improvements in reporting and audience engagement. Represents the UN Information Service in Geneva at daily planning meetings of the News and Media Division/DGC, and works with other UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways for UN News and other UN digital destinations to spotlight UN information and expertise and to incorporate top-line messages and themes into relevant events and news products. Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff of other UN entities on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. Takes responsibility for the direct publishing of sometimes politically sensitive content on UN platforms (seeking advice from the Chief of Section and/or Director of Service as needed) and for the distribution of such multimedia content to international news media, taking care to oversee the timely correction of errors and inaccuracies should they occur. As Chief of Unit, assists in the broader day-to-day operations of the Section, as needed, including with the moderation of press briefings. May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers on specific projects. Monitors launches and reports of organizations, funds and programmes within the UN System, liaising with substantive departments and other relevant sources on topical issues for programming. Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN. Builds partnerships, leading efforts to gain political and financial support for multimedia news coverage out of the UN hub in Geneva.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Proven ability to research, write, edit and publish high quality news content on tight deadline. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. JUDGEMENT/DECISION- MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

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

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in international journalism is required. Experience in managing a daily news/multimedia team is required. Experience in live productions environments is required. Experience in writing/editing of published news articles in English for major news organizations is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English, with a record of published professional news output, is required. Fluency in French, in order to oversee and advise on French-language news and content production, is also required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.