Chief of Staff, UN-Habitat

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, aiming to reduce inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, focusing on advancing adequate housing and sustainable urbanization through research, data-driven insights, and advocacy. The Global Knowledge and Advocacy Division plays a crucial role in this mission, while the Communications and Advocacy Branch (CAB) is responsible for catalyzing global action for housing and basic services through effective messaging and advocacy platforms. UN-Habitat also leads the World Urban Forum, a significant global platform for sustainable urban development.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Staff position at UN-Habitat involves overseeing the substantive work programme of the Communications and Advocacy Branch. The incumbent will manage activities, ensuring timely execution and coordination within the Division and with other UN organizations. Responsibilities include formulating and implementing the work programme, preparing budgets, and ensuring high-quality outputs. The Chief of Staff will also lead communications for global advocacy platforms, organize meetings and seminars, and act as a spokesperson for UN-Habitat. This role requires a strategic approach to data analysis and communication, ensuring that the organization’s achievements are effectively communicated to various stakeholders. The position is pivotal in fostering collaboration and ensuring that human rights and social inclusion are integrated into UN-Habitat’s programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Staff will be responsible for formulating and implementing the work programme of the Communications and Advocacy Branch. This includes overseeing the management of activities, ensuring timely execution, and coordinating work across different areas within the Division and with other UN organizations. The incumbent will lead the work programme on communications, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and human rights. They will prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies, ensuring high-quality standards in outputs. The Chief of Staff will also organize meetings and seminars, represent UN-Habitat at various levels, and manage media relations, including press briefings and interviews. Additionally, the role involves recruiting and managing staff, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective communication strategies are in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in communications and advocacy, with a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in leading and managing related functions. A minimum of seven years of experience in delivering strategic communications and media initiatives is required, along with five years of experience in managing a team of at least six staff members. Experience in mobilizing partnerships with major groups and stakeholders, as well as leading human rights and social inclusion initiatives, is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in leading global advocacy campaigns for policy action and have experience in data analytics or related fields.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public administration, social sciences, or a related area is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in communications and advocacy functions. Candidates should have at least seven years of experience in strategic communications and media initiatives, along with five years of experience in managing a team of six or more staff members. Experience in mobilizing partnerships and leading human rights initiatives is also essential, as is experience in leading global advocacy campaigns for policy action.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and proficiency in French is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed-Term Limited (FTL) position for an initial period of one year, subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period of one year. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted.