Chief of Section, Public Information

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Publications Section, which is part of the Outreach Division in the Department of Global Communications. The United Nations Publications Section is dedicated to promoting the UN's knowledge, communication, and outreach objectives through the publication, sale, distribution, and licensing of print and electronic publications, periodicals, and databases. This section has been established to serve the global community by disseminating valuable information and data produced by the United Nations. It operates two main business units: UN Publications and UN Bookshops, functioning as an income-generating operation that supports the UN's broader mission.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the UN Publications Section. This position involves providing policy guidance to the Division Director and contributing to the development of publishing policies and procedures within the UN. The incumbent will oversee the management of acquisition, product development, and sales of UN publications in both digital and print formats. This includes coordinating with various departments within the UN Secretariat to ensure the creation of high-quality products that meet market demands. The Chief of Section will also be responsible for managing the work program of the Section, ensuring that all operations align with the UN's communication strategy and objectives. This role requires a strong focus on programmatic and administrative tasks, including budget preparation, performance monitoring, and staff management, while also fostering teamwork and collaboration across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: providing policy guidance on the sale of UN publications; planning and overseeing product development and sales management; coordinating with author departments to identify and develop marketable products; managing the work program of the Section; preparing reports for intergovernmental bodies; promoting the dissemination of UN publications; contributing to budget and program performance reporting; preparing inputs for the Division's work program; conducting programmatic and administrative tasks; recruiting staff while ensuring geographical and gender balance; managing and developing staff; fostering teamwork; participating in book fairs and conferences; and performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in book publishing, including electronic publishing, product development, and international sales and marketing. Experience in managing digital platforms and program management, including financial, administrative, and human resources aspects, is essential. Additionally, experience in managing retail or commercial business operations, such as a bookshop, is desirable, as is experience in leading diverse teams in an international environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, marketing, communications, publishing, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, particularly in book publishing and digital platforms. Candidates should have a strong background in program management and project implementation, with experience in managing retail or commercial operations being an added advantage.

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 desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants from under-represented member states are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict ethical standards, and candidates with a history of violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or misconduct will not be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.