Director, Information Centre

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Global Communications (DGC) is a vital part of the United Nations, responsible for disseminating trusted information to the public, civil society, and Member States. Established to enhance the UN's communication efforts globally, the DGC operates through a network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs) and services. The UNIC in Pretoria serves as the primary source of information about the UN system in South Africa, promoting public understanding and support for the UN's aims and activities. The organization emphasizes the importance of effective communication in fostering relationships with local and regional partners and ensuring that the UN's messages resonate with the communities it serves. The DGC is committed to transparency, inclusivity, and the dissemination of accurate information, reflecting the UN's mission to bring the organization closer to the people it serves.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Information Centre in Pretoria will lead and manage the centre's operations, ensuring that the UN's communications strategy is effectively implemented in South Africa. This role involves overseeing the development and execution of high-profile multimedia strategic communications campaigns, managing digital and social media content, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including media, governmental agencies, and civil society organizations. The incumbent will be responsible for adapting and localizing UN global communications and advocacy priorities to align with the local context. The Director will also provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in designing and implementing a joint communications strategy that promotes the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. This position requires a proactive approach to crisis communications, ensuring that the UN's messages are communicated accurately and effectively during challenging situations. The Director will also be tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of communications strategies and ensuring that the outputs produced by the Information Centre meet high-quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will lead the work programme of the Information Centre, overseeing both programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for its functioning. Responsibilities include preparing budgets, reporting on performance, recruiting and evaluating staff, and fostering teamwork among staff members. The Director will conceptualize and execute communication programmes in line with the UN's Global Communications Strategy, ensuring the integrity of information dissemination. Key duties include managing multimedia campaigns, overseeing digital content strategies, liaising with national and international media, and providing technical and policy advice on complex communications issues. The Director will also supervise the organization of meetings and seminars related to communications, represent the Information Centre at various forums, and ensure that communications activities are evaluated for impact. Additionally, the Director will lead coordinated UN system communications and provide crisis communications support as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in journalism, communication, public information, international relations, or related fields. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, or international relations, with at least four years at the international level. Candidates should have experience in developing and executing strategic communications, including multimedia campaigns and crisis communications, as well as experience in resource administration and human resources management.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in journalism, communication, public information, international relations, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, or international relations is required, including four years at the international level. Candidates should have experience in developing and executing strategic communications, including multimedia campaigns and crisis communications, as well as experience in resource administration and human resources management. Supervisory experience within the UN system or a comparable international organization is desirable.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, or Spanish are desirable languages, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time, with a minimum service requirement of two years in the initial assignment before being eligible to apply for another position. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are expected to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.