Chief of Section, Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Youth Office is a dedicated office within the United Nations Secretariat that focuses on youth affairs. It aims to promote meaningful engagement of youth and youth-led organizations in the work of the UN. The office operates under the guidance of the Assistant Secretary-General on Youth Affairs and is committed to fostering partnerships and advocacy for youth-related initiatives. The UN Youth Office plays a crucial role in addressing the needs and contributions of young people globally, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section, Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications, will serve as a key advisor to the Assistant Secretary-General on Youth Affairs. This role involves strategic oversight of the UN Youth Office's partnerships, advocacy, and communication activities. The Chief of Section will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote youth engagement and participation in the UN's work. This includes fostering innovative partnerships, leading advocacy initiatives, and ensuring effective communication that resonates with youth and marginalized communities. The position requires a proactive approach to managing diverse projects, coordinating with various UN entities, and ensuring that the office's mandate is fulfilled in a timely and effective manner. The Chief of Section will also be involved in preparing reports and position papers for intergovernmental bodies, contributing to the overall strategic direction of youth affairs within the UN.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing policy guidance on the development and management of the Office's mandate; overseeing the planning and execution of activities related to youth advocacy and engagement; managing the work programme of the Section; ensuring high-quality outputs and compliance with UN standards; preparing budgets and monitoring performance; participating in recruitment processes; fostering teamwork and communication among staff; representing the UN Youth Office in various meetings and discussions; and contributing to the overall strategic direction of youth initiatives within the UN system. The role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to manage performance effectively, and a commitment to gender balance and diversity in staffing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, social science, communications, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of youth advocacy and engagement strategies, as well as experience in managing partnerships and communications within a UN context.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of youth affairs and the operational framework of the United Nations.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, finance, human resources management, or related fields is required. Candidates should have at least five years of experience at the international level in youth-focused programmes, with a proven track record in formulating and implementing youth-specific advocacy campaigns. Experience in leading resource mobilization efforts for youth initiatives and managing public partnerships within a UN agency is highly desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of either French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, or Russian is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of geographical diversity and encourages applications from under-represented member states. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to ensure their applications are complete and accurate. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.