Chief of Service, Public Information and Strategic Communication

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO was established to support the Congolese government in maintaining peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in the region. The mission operates with a focus on promoting stability, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian assistance. MONUSCO employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various international and local partners to achieve its objectives. The organization is committed to upholding the principles of the United Nations and ensuring that its operations align with global standards of human rights and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Service, Public Information and Strategic Communication is a senior leadership role within MONUSCO, responsible for overseeing the mission's public information and strategic communication efforts. This position requires a strategic thinker who can formulate and implement an integrated communication strategy that addresses both internal and external audiences. The Chief of Service will serve as the principal advisor on communication matters to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and will lead a team dedicated to enhancing the mission's visibility and credibility. The role involves managing various media channels, including digital platforms, and ensuring that the mission's messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with its objectives. The Chief of Service will also be tasked with mitigating reputational risks and responding to misinformation, thereby safeguarding the mission's integrity and public perception.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Service will lead the substantive work program of the Public Information and Strategic Communication Division (SCPID) and will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serve as the principal strategic communications adviser to the Mission and the SRSG, reporting on communication activities and media strategy.
• Formulate and manage the Mission's integrated public information strategy, covering all media types, including multimedia, and ensuring effective outreach to key audiences.
• Develop and implement the Mission's digital media strategy, overseeing all digital channels and promoting a multidisciplinary storytelling approach.
• Ensure strategic communication alignment with other Mission components and external partners, overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of communication strategies.
• Identify strategic issues and risks, promoting proactive engagement in communications.
• Supervise the Chief of Radio Okapi and manage the radio's transition strategy post-MONUSCO.
• Oversee the administration of SCPID, including budget management, recruitment, and procurement processes.
• Build partnerships with media outlets, government entities, civil society, and UN agencies to support Mission objectives.
• Represent the Mission in public forums and organize media events. 1
• Advise Mission leadership on strategic communication matters and ensure high-quality standards for public information products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in strategic communications, public information, or media management, particularly within large multicultural institutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading communication strategies and managing teams effectively. They should demonstrate a deep understanding of digital media environments and possess the ability to produce high-quality reports and papers on technical issues. Familiarity with UN rules and regulations is essential, as is the ability to manage change and foster teamwork within diverse teams. The candidate should also exhibit strong client orientation, judgment, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to lead and inspire others.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in strategic communications, communications, public relations, international relations, broadcasting, new media, or relevant disciplines such as social sciences, political sciences, business administration, or management is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public information, or media management, particularly in large multicultural institutions. A minimum of five years of experience in implementing crisis communications techniques and strategies is required. Demonstrated experience in managing digital and social media tools is essential, along with experience in partnerships and securing funding for proposals. Familiarity with UN administrative procedures and experience in providing strategic communications services in a UN field operation or comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both English and French is required, with candidates expected to meet the minimum required level for each skill according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify the contract duration or seniority level. However, it is implied that the position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.