Chief of Unit, Public Information

Job Posting Organization:
The job is located within the Guided Tours Unit of the Visitors Services Section, which is part of the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. The Outreach Division aims to enhance public understanding of the UN's role and work, encouraging the exchange of ideas and information to support the organization's goals. The Guided Tours Unit specifically focuses on conducting tours for visiting groups and the general public, covering the history and current issues of the UN. The organization is committed to promoting transparency and engagement with the public, and it operates in various countries around the world, emphasizing its global mission.

Job Overview:
The Chief of the Guided Tours Unit is responsible for managing the workflow of the guided tours operation, which includes overseeing the performance of tour guides, coordinators, and reservationists. This role involves designing and structuring the guided tour experience to ensure that information is conveyed clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. The Chief must stay updated on current UN issues and guide staff on incorporating relevant news into their presentations. Additionally, the Chief is tasked with producing promotional materials to attract visitors and initiating special tour-related events. The position requires a strong focus on public relations and the ability to maintain high-quality tour experiences through regular checks and customer feedback.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of the Guided Tours Unit has several key responsibilities, including:

• Designing and structuring guided tours to ensure clarity and engagement for various audiences.
• Keeping informed about current UN issues and advising staff on how to integrate these into tours.
• Ensuring that displays along the tour route are current and visually appealing.
• Conducting regular quality checks on tours and gathering customer feedback to improve services.
• Producing promotional materials, including articles for media outlets, to enhance the UN's visibility as a tourist destination.
• Recruiting and managing staff, ensuring diversity and adherence to UN values.
• Planning and executing training programs for tour guides.
• Managing the budget for guided tours, ensuring it operates as a self-sustaining activity.
• Preparing budget narratives and monitoring expenditures to optimize resource use.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, management, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted. The role requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information or public relations within an international context. Experience as a full-time tour guide in an international organization is essential, along with experience managing a diverse team of over twenty staff members. Candidates should also have experience in producing public information materials and in conflict resolution within large teams. Desirable qualifications include experience in marketing, advertising, and budget management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, management, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public information and the operational needs of the UN.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information or public relations, particularly in an international environment. Candidates must have experience as an official tour guide within an international organization and managing a team of more than twenty multinational staff. Experience in producing public information materials and handling conflict resolution is also necessary, along with desirable experience in marketing and budget management.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II. Proficiency in both languages is beneficial for effective communication within the UN and with diverse audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 202

• If the selected candidate is a current UN staff member, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post and budgetary approval. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to maintaining a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.