This position is located in the Geneva Information Service (UNIS) and the incumbent will report to the Director of UNIS and through him/her, to the Department of Global Communications and the United Nations Office at Geneva. The post entails supervision and management of a section and press and public relations services to the Director-General of UNOG, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the secretariat of the Conference on Disarmament.

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties : – Ensures that outputs produced by the Section maintain high-quality standards such as the English and French press releases, the issuance of web and social media outputs on UN meetings and events of UNOG. This includes giving daily and long-term assignments to all press officers and GS staff, establishing work standards for quality and quantity of outputs and ensuring adherence to them. – Serves as deputy spokesperson for UNOG and in the absence of the Director of the Information Service or as required, chairs the twice-weekly briefing. Chairs press conferences by high-level officials. Works closely with the Office of the spokesperson of the Secretary General. – Oversees effective delivery of services to members of the press covering United Nations activities in Geneva, including accreditation and provision of office and meeting space. Monitors coverage of United Nations activities in local press. Liaises with the Association of Accredited Correspondents (ACANU). – Coordinates communications related arrangements, including organization and transcripts of press conferences, press briefings and stake-outs during the visits of the Secretary General and other high-level officials in Switzerland. – Provides policy guidance on education outreach efforts and preparation of communications products such as information programmes on the UN system’s activities and the annual two weeks “Graduate Study Programme” organized for post-graduate students coming from all over the world. – Initiates, develops and implements promotional strategy in connection with conferences and special commemorative events such as special sessions of the UN, UN Days and Years, etc… Also develops and insures implementation strategies and policies. – Maintains regular contacts with Permanent Missions, Host Country authorities, inter-governmental Organizations and civil society in the interest of better dissemination of UN information. – Undertakes the administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Section including preparation of budget, evaluation of staff performance as first reporting officer, interviews and evaluation of candidates for job openings within the Section.

Professionalism: Knowledge of in the field of communications and external relations, and ability to address a range of issues related to the United Nations requirements. Ability to design and implement communications campaigns and to be pro-active in media relations. Knowledge of the United Nations Global Communications Strategy. Understanding of the United Nations system, organization and inter-relationships, including knowledge of the United Nations activities and mandates. Knowledge of public attitudes and of the local and international media. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear and concise style. Ability to use web and social media to communicate on UN Priorities. 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 the 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. Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitor progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discussed performances and provides feedback and coaching of staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. 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.

Advanced university degree (Master”s or equivalent) in one or more of the following: political science, international relations, communication, journalism, international public law or related discipline such as social sciences, business administration or management. A relevant combination of academic and professional experience in the relevant discipline may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Not available.

At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, international relations, communication and external relations in large multicultural institutions, with extensive managerial experience is required. Experience in strategic communications, including multimedia campaigns and crisis communications is desirable. Experience in public speaking is desirable. Experience in the production of high-quality communications products and storytelling is desirable. Experience in the design and implementation of outreach programmes is desirable. Experience in working with traditional and digital media is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. 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. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30th April 2025, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People”s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People”s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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.

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.