Org. Setting and Reporting

With its 192 member countries, the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency of the United Nations, 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.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the coordinator for External Relations and Partnerships and as part of the Communication and Outreach Programme team responsible for both internal and external communications, the incumbent will take responsibility for institutional external and internal communications activities and events as described below, 1. Communication strategy and planning Contribute to the development, execution and evaluation of UPU communications strategy, as well as individual communication plans on UPU initiatives and projects and participate in their implementation, including: – Providing support on communication issues to internal clients with a view to developing appropriate-ate communication plans to reach key and relevant audiences and meet objectives – Developing key messages and identifying, conceiving and planning the production of targeted communication activities and materials – Identifying freelance suppliers to help create content and design, including assigning work, briefing them and monitoring their work – Identifying and planning activities and/or promotional materials to promote the UPU and overseeing their implementation among member countries and the public through special events and celebrations – Monitoring the creation and development of the UPU’s visual identity in order to project a modern and consistent image in all communication formats and support the organization’s communication strategy 2. Publications In collaboration with the members of the Communication and Outreach team, manage UPU publications to the general public, particularly as Editor in Chief of the quarterly magazine Union Postale: – Identifying topics, carrying out research, assigning and writing articles, editing copy and other material for dissemination – Selecting and briefing external contributors such as freelance staff, including journalists, photographers, translators, designers and printers, as well as monitoring their work – monitoring the production schedule including setting deadlines 3. Website and multimedia – Organize content planning for the organization’s various channels, in coordination with junior experts – Supervise the production, editing and publication of key news and developments for the purposes of updating and expanding the public information published across the UPU’s online communication channels – Propose and manage the implementation of strategies for using multimedia, i.e. audio-visual materials, to communicate key messages about the organization and inform member countries and the public about UPU activities – Ensure the organization’s visibility and information sharing using relevant digital communication tools, such as social media – Source and liaise with external consultants on the production of multimedia content 4. Press relations Lead media relations activities and act as the key media focal point on behalf of the organization, including: – Initiating and maintaining relations with local, international and specialized media – Responding to media requests for information about the UPU or the postal sector in general – Preparing press releases and other media relations support material – Planning and managing media arrangements during special events/conferences and organizing press conferences and briefings as required – Participating in press events held by the UN and partners, on behalf of the organization – Briefing the International Bureau Executive Management for the purposes of media interviews and appearances 5. Events – Ensure the development of communication strategies for key UPU outreach events such as World Post Day, the UPU International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, and other events involving the participation of the UPU (PARCEL+POST EXPO, strategy conference, Universal Postal Congress, etc.) – Monitor and collaborate on the design and dissemination of material needed to support the above events (circular letters, message from the Director General, design and dissemination of World Post Day posters, etc.) – Monitor and assist with the organization of specific events to mark important occasions (anniversaries, launch of official stamp, visits by dignitaries, etc.) – Lead the programme of visits to the UPU International Bureau (presentation of the UPU and guided tours of the premises) Ensure the resolution of requests for information received via info@upu.int, and see that they are properly followed up 6. Internal communications – Prepare and implement the organization’s internal communication strategy in coordination with the Human Resources Directorate – Contribute to the development of the necessary communication tools for informing staff about internal developments and projects 7. Team management Under the supervision of the Coordinator for External Relations and Partnerships: – Monitor and lead the daily work of a team of communication experts – Create an empowering and motivating working environment – Ensure the effective use of resources

Competencies

Professionalism: – Takes responsibility for own actions and decisions, and for the consequences of these; – Produces and delivers high-quality results; – Drives change and improvement, continually searching for new ways to position the organization for success; – Ensures that knowledge and learning is shared across the organization and encourages staff to learn from each other. Ethics: – Ensures that personal views and convictions do not compromise ethical principles; – Understands and behaves in accordance with the UPU’s professional, ethical and legal framework; – Does not abuse power or authority vested by functions; – Respects commitments and promises made to internal and external partners; – Promptly confronts unprofessional or unethical behaviours and takes immediate appropriate action; – Maintains confidentiality and treats sensitive information with discretion. Focus on results: – Quickly identifies issues and the right person to provide solutions, and shows strong client orien tation in business dealings; – Explores the options for finding innovative solutions to improve work processes and results; – Remains focused and keeps morale high when faced with adversity; – Reallocates resources quickly and effectively when faced with unforeseen events Teamwork: – Encourages cooperation among staff within the programme and directorate and across the organization; – Collects and assesses information on a broad range of issues related to the team’s work and seeks common solutions; – Encourages others to be innovative in order to improve outcomes. Team management: – Demonstrates the ability to delegate responsibility, motivate and lead, and provide effective coaching and performance feedback; – Coordinates the activities of the team; – Delegates work efficiently within the team and evaluates the team’s work in a timely and fair manner; – Clearly communicates work expectations and defines successful indicators; – Takes ownership of the team’s problems and seeks sustainable solutions; – Recognizes team participation and rewards individual contributions; – Ensures a good planning of work and regularly reassesses priorities to ensure delivery of the expected outcomes; – Motivates team members to strive for excellence. Job-related competencies: 1. Excellent communication skills 2. Management skills 3. Strategic thinking, good analytical skills and ability to make clear presentations 4. Enthusiasm, diplomacy and accuracy 5. Priorities management and ability to work against tight deadlines 6. Knowledge of other UN languages and German an asset

Education

First-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in communication, journalism or public relations

Job – Specific Qualification

1. Excellent writing and editing skills for print and electronic journalism is required 2. Ability to think strategically and develop communication plans, shape key messages and identify target audiences is required 3. Experience with audio and video media is required 4. Good project management skills are required 5. Good knowledge of modern public relations methods and desktop publishing tools is required 6. Good knowledge of the mainstream and specialized press is required 7. Good knowledge of new electronic tools and social media networks is required 8. Knowledge of the international communications environment is desirable

Work Experience

Five years’ work experience in communication or public relations or without bachelor’s degree or equivalent, minimum of eight years of relevant experience in an international organization or in the postal sector in the domains covered by the position is required

Languages

French and English. Fluency in one of the languages with a good working knowledge of the other.

Assessment

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for written test. Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.

Special Notice

Annual salary:(Net of tax) 64,121 USD Post adjustment: 93.5 % 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. Type of contract: Fixed-term (Core) appointment Duration: Three years Scheduled date for taking up appointment: 1 January 2025 French is the official language of the UPU. English and French are the working languages of the UPU International Bureau. Priority shall be given for an internal promotion. The UPU is committed to encouraging diversity within its workforce. Interested candidates from minority groups and/or with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated equally and in the strictest confidence. Candidates might be considered for other similar posts (for a period not exceeding one year). Candidates must ensure that they provide relevant contact details so that they can be contacted at any time, to prevent them from being excluded from the selection process. The UPU is committed to securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for its staff members. In this regard, candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to satisfactory background checks aimed at validating the educational and professional background records as indicated by candidates in their respective application forms. At the discretion of the UPU, such background checks may also be extended to include criminal records, disciplinary measures, sexual exploitation and abuse, and professional license check validation.

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.