Chief of Section, Public Information

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the iSeek and Design Section of the Outreach Division in the Department of Global Communications at the United Nations. The Department is dedicated to informing the public, civil society, and Member States with reliable information and effectively communicating the UN story globally through its extensive networks and Information Centres. The iSeek and Design Section focuses on analyzing, packaging, displaying, and sharing information, particularly through visual means, and comprises three components: the Graphic Design Unit, the iSeek Team, and the Web Group. The Chief of Section reports directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of the Outreach Division.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Section, Public Information, is tasked with providing policy guidance and managing the implementation of strategies and policies within the iSeek and Design Section. This role involves leading and planning the activities of the section, which includes overseeing the management of iSeek, the intranet for the global Secretariat, and ensuring quality control in web design and graphic design activities. The Chief of Section is responsible for conceptualizing strategies to enhance iSeek as the primary internal communications tool of the Organization, serving as Chief Editor to ensure the relevance and authority of posted materials. The position also requires liaising with various UN Departments to develop internal communication campaigns and managing the daily operations of the Member States portal, deleGATE. Additionally, the Chief of Section will oversee the development of websites for the Outreach Division and ensure that technical support staff deliver quality outputs in a timely manner. This role also includes administrative responsibilities such as budget preparation, performance monitoring, and staff management, fostering teamwork and cooperation within the section and across the division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Section will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing policy guidance to the Chief of Branch on strategy development and implementation of policies.
• Leading and managing the activities of the iSeek and Design Section, including overseeing the management of iSeek and graphic design activities.
• Ensuring quality control for iSeek and conceptualizing strategies for its development.
• Serving as Chief Editor for iSeek, ensuring the posting of authoritative and relevant materials.
• Liaising with UN Departments for the development of internal communication campaigns.
• Overseeing the daily management of deleGATE, the Member States portal.
• Managing the development and technical support of websites for the Outreach Division.
• Overseeing the work of technical support staff and the Graphic Design Unit.
• Contributing to reporting on budget/programme performance to intergovernmental bodies. 1
• Carrying out administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit/Section, including budget preparation and performance monitoring. 1
• Recruiting, evaluating, and managing staff, fostering professional development and teamwork. 1
• Overseeing the use of financial resources allocated to the Section to maximize impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or a related area. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, including strategy development, design, and website management. Experience managing an internal communication platform for a large organization and leading a diverse team is essential. Familiarity with administration, budget, finance, and human resources management is desirable, as is experience working in an international organization.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or related areas. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with qualifying experience, indicating that candidates should have a strong academic foundation relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, particularly in developing strategies, designs, and managing websites. Candidates should have experience in managing an internal communication platform for a large organization and leading a diverse team. Experience in administration, budget management, finance, and human resources is desirable, as well as experience in an international organization, which would provide valuable context for the role.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required at UN Level III, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable at UN Level II, indicating that while it is not mandatory, it would be beneficial for candidates to have a working knowledge of French to enhance communication within the UN environment.

Additional Notes:
The job opening does not specify a deadline date for applications. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may involve periodic movement to different duty stations as part of career development, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.