For every child, a champion.
Under the general supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, the Director of Global Communications and Advocacy shapes and leads global communications, advocacy and brand management efforts in support of the global positioning of UNICEF as a key actor and partner to deliver results for children and promote child rights in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Director is an effective yet kind manager and a bold, politically sophisticated communicator who sets the global influencing agenda on child rights and well-being, shapes narratives, and can form strong relationships internally as well as with senior external stakeholders.
The Director sets policy directions in establishing and implementing communication and advocacy priorities, ensuring co-ordination between relevant Divisions and Offices to reinforce synergy in communication, policy guidance, advocacy and brand management. S/he will lead the strategic development of UNICEF's brand positioning, identity and thought leadership - ensuring the organization is seen as a bold, credible and agenda-setting voice for children in global public and political discourse. The Director ensures that advocacy and communications is positioned as a key enabler for effective fundraising and partnerships, as well as program delivery.
In particular, the Director, Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, is responsible for:
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An Advanced University Degree in journalism, communication, international relations, or a related field of study is required. A first level degree (bachelor or equivalent) in journalism, communication, mass media, international relations, political affairs, may be considered in lieu of advanced degree with additional two years of relevant experience. Training and broad knowledge of mass media and interpersonal communication is an asset.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, strategic communications, or international relations, of which at least five years in a leadership position in a large multicultural institution is required.
Experience in building and maintaining diverse coalitions of champions and influencers, brokering unconventional partnerships, and finding new and innovative ways to raise awareness on the rights violations and plight of children, whilst highlighting evidence and track record of available, cost-effective solutions.
Experience in leading a large team of diverse staff in several global locations with a demonstrable track record of team elevation and effective delegation is required. Experience and understanding of United Nations and UNICEF’s work in the field is desired. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency settings is considered a major asset.
Experience in leading and designing strategic communication programmes in a fast-changing world is required. A proven ability to set a global influencing agenda and experience in establishing and leading campaigns is required, using sophisticated media differentiation strategies.
Demonstrated expertise in the contemporary information environment, including expertise in managing and mitigating mis- and disinformation.
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is considered an asset.
Skills
Recognized excellence of strategic management skills in a multicultural setting, combined with demonstrated ability to achieve results through delegation and empowerment of staff, delivered with care, respect and purpose.
Demonstrated political accumen and strategic insight, underpinned by rigorous analytical and conceptual thinking, with the ability to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, anticipate shifts affecting children’s rights, and make sound judgments in a highly constrained and competitive global funding environment.
Results-oriented decision-making ability with an aptitude to address operational challenges and for developing practical solutions.
Innovator with risk management ability and a proven track record as a successful agent of change built on experience and knowledge of current trends in the field of communication and advocacy.
A campaigning mindset with a track record of shaping public narratives and shifting opinion at scale, grounded in audience-centric testing, learning and rapid iteration.
High sense of integrity, trust and confidence, reinforced by proven experience in managing and motivating large and geographically diverse teams in high pressure and fast-moving environments.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent analysis in presentations.
Strong diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with clients and counterparts at the appropriate levels.
Ability to represent UNICEF in international fora.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.