Press Secretary to the Executive Director

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Position Title: Press Secretary to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to environmental issues. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Job Overview:
The Press Secretary to the Executive Director plays a crucial role in managing communications for the Executive Director of UNEP. This position involves serving as the primary focal point for communications, including media relations and social media engagement. The incumbent will be responsible for researching and drafting various communications materials, such as speeches and video messages, and evaluating the impact of these communications activities. The role requires close collaboration with the UNEP Executive Office and involves managing media relations, coordinating interviews, and providing strategic advice on public affairs issues. The Press Secretary will also analyze data to identify trends and provide insights to support decision-making, ensuring that UNEP's core messages are effectively communicated to stakeholders and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Press Secretary include:

• Serving as the primary communications liaison for the Executive Director, managing all media relations and social media platforms.
• Researching and drafting speeches, video messages, and other communications materials for the Executive Director.
• Evaluating the results and impact of communications activities and reporting on developments and trends.
• Coordinating interviews and finalizing briefs for the Executive Director.
• Providing expert advice to senior officers and public information staff on public affairs issues.
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns, using data visualization methods to support decision-making.
• Mentoring and supervising junior officers on specific projects.
• Performing other duties as required to support UNEP's communication objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of public information and communication strategies. They should have the ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments and public attitudes. The ideal candidate should be able to conceptualize and implement major information campaigns, analyze diverse information, and handle sensitive situations diplomatically. Strong writing and oral presentation skills are essential, along with the ability to produce clear and concise communications products. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, or public administration is required. Candidates should have experience supporting high-level officials in the UN or similar international organizations, as well as experience in media relations. Experience working on environmental issues is essential, and two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is also considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions periodically. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants must ensure that their profiles are complete and up to date, as this information is crucial for the hiring manager's assessment. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.