Chief of Communications

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Position Title: Chief of Communications
Location: Montreal
Country: Canada
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• Its mission is to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. ICAO has 193 member states and works with various stakeholders in the aviation industry to establish global standards and regulations. The organization is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to enhancing global aviation safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Communications is a senior leadership position within the Communications Section of the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau at ICAO. This role is pivotal in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with ICAO's mission and objectives. The Chief will oversee both internal and external communications, ensuring that ICAO's messaging is clear, consistent, and effectively reaches its target audiences. This includes managing media relations, public information campaigns, and internal communications initiatives to foster staff engagement and alignment with organizational goals. The Chief will also be responsible for supervising the communications team, making strategic decisions, and ensuring the effective delivery of ICAO's information to its stakeholders, including member states and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement ICAO’s communication strategy, identifying key topics, audiences, and communication methods.
• Create and maintain strategic and operational communications plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Prepare a variety of communication products, including articles, speeches, and press releases for senior leadership.
• Promote ICAO’s achievements to government, industry, and the public, emphasizing collaboration among member states.
• Establish and maintain effective media relations and oversee the ICAO public website.
• Lead internal communications strategy, ensuring cohesive messaging across all levels of the organization.
• Manage the communications team, overseeing performance and providing guidance on best practices.
• Provide expert advice on communications issues to senior management and develop crisis communication plans.
• Collaborate with other business units to enhance communication practices and support organizational initiatives. 1
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust strategies as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced-level university degree in public information, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in public information, corporate communications, or a related area, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven ability to analyze and integrate diverse information to produce clear communications.
• Experience in developing global communications campaigns and managing a communications team.
• Strong professional relationships with communications executives in key institutions are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced-level university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in public information, communications, journalism, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of experience in progressively responsible roles within public information, corporate communications, or related fields. Candidates should have experience in managing communications teams and developing global communications strategies. Experience within the international air transport sector or the United Nations system is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English are essential. A working knowledge of French is also required. Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of three years, with the first year being probationary for external candidates. ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards of conduct for international civil servants. The organization offers an attractive benefits package, including a competitive salary and post adjustment. The statutory retirement age for staff entering service after January 1, 2014, is 65 years. Interested candidates must apply through the ICAO Careers website, and it is important to note that ICAO does not charge any fees during the selection process.