Deputy Director

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Position Title: director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director
Location: Washington DC
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington D.C. is a vital part of the United Nations system, established to serve as the principal source of information about the UN in the United States. The UNIC is dedicated to communicating the work of the United Nations to key stakeholders, including government officials, media, academia, and civil society. The center engages in outreach activities, facilitates visits of high-level UN officials, and promotes the UN's mission and values. The UNIC operates under the Department of Global Communication and is part of the Information Centres Service, Campaigns and Country Operations Division. The organization aims to foster understanding and support for the UN's work and initiatives across the United States, ensuring that the public is informed about global issues and the UN's role in addressing them.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Director position at the UNIC in Washington D.C. is a senior role that involves supporting the Director in the development and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies aimed at diverse audiences in the U.S. The incumbent will play a crucial role in shaping the UN's public image and enhancing its outreach efforts. This position requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex political landscapes and engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials, media representatives, and civil society organizations. The Deputy Director will also be responsible for leading a team of communications officers, overseeing their work, and ensuring that the UN's messaging is consistent, impactful, and aligned with its goals. The role demands a high level of professionalism, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to changing circumstances and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting and leading the conceptualization, design, and implementation of communication strategies and programs tailored for specific audiences in Washington D.C. and the broader United States.
• Assisting the Director in public speaking engagements and acting as a spokesperson when necessary, providing technical and policy advice on complex communications issues.
• Leading and directing a team of communications officers, including planning work assignments, coaching, mentoring, and evaluating staff performance.
• Overseeing the preparation of reports and documents that assess public perceptions of the UN among various audiences, including insights into executive and congressional views on UN-related issues.
• Conducting political liaison work with Congress and the Executive Branch, as well as national organizations and educational institutions to promote UN programs.
• Creating and maintaining networks with high-level communications contacts across media, governmental agencies, and civil society organizations.
• Contributing to the development of institutional communications and outreach policies, assessing the effectiveness of current strategies, and making necessary adjustments.
• Providing diverse materials for senior officials, including briefings and speeches, and overseeing the development of high-profile multimedia communications campaigns.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in communications, journalism, international relations, or public administration. The role requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in these fields, with at least three years at the international level. Candidates should have experience managing relationships with government officials, international organizations, and civil society, particularly in the U.S. A proven track record in strategic communications and public outreach is essential, along with experience in resource administration, including budget preparation and personnel management. Familiarity with digital media components, including social media, is desirable, as is experience working with the United Nations or similar international organizations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, demonstrating the organization's flexibility in considering candidates with diverse educational backgrounds.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including communications, journalism, international relations, or public administration. Candidates should have at least three years of experience at the international level, showcasing their ability to navigate complex global issues and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively. Experience in strategic communications and public outreach within the United States is essential, along with a background in managing relationships with government officials and civil society organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official UN language, is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile. Proficiency in additional languages could also be beneficial, particularly in engaging with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension. It is important to note that if the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The role is designed to provide the successful applicant with new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants from underrepresented Member States are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.