Director of Communications

Org. Setting and ReportingUNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed personnel wishing to make a change. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference for one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, UNRWA would like to hear from you. The incumbent reports to the Director of External Relations and Communications (D2). ResponsibilitiesDevelops Agency-wide impactful integrated communications tailored for external and internal target audiences; such strategies will directly support UNRWA positioning and branding, advocacy, resource mobilization and communication with Palestine refugees and UNRWA staff. Leads, evaluates and regularly adjusts the implementation of external communications strategies, including the production and promotion of impactful content through the Communications Division and the communications teams across the Agency (fields and HQ programme departments). Serves as the head of media relations and the Agency's chief spokesperson, thus managing a pool of spokespersons in different languages, producing media lines, and managing the monitoring of media pick-ups and reputational risks, and suggesting ways to address them. In doing so, advises the Commissioner-General directly on his/her media engagement and strategy. Drives excellence in digital engagement, aligning closely with UNRWA efforts to gain digital traction, mirrors and supports digital engagement for fundraising; oversees the development, production and dissemination of content for use on institutional portals (websites and corporate social media in English and Arabic). Responsible for adequate storage of institutional historical images and products (photo archives and multimedia), and for ensuring their inclusion in Agency-wide measures to protect UNRWA’s historic archives. Protects the Agency's reputation by ensuring high quality standards for all communications products and activities, putting in place brand risk management plans as necessary. Leads efforts to combat mis/disinformation, including tracking, verifying and when agreed within ERCD and /or with the Executive Office, responding to unfounded claims. Ensures quality control of all communications products, in line with the corporate visual identity, corporate lexicon, and stylistic guidelines, and clears materials including accurate Arabic translation - before publication or sharing with the Executive Office. Represents the Agency externally within the UN through the UN Global Communications Group and provides communications support and dissemination of information about UNRWA to, UN agencies, INGOs, and other stakeholders; collaborates closely with and provides strategic support to the various functional units in the External Relations and Communications Department (ERCD) the Executive Office (EO), and Representative Offices in their resource mobilization efforts and general outreach. Leads and builds the capacity of a team of professional staff in the Communications Division and in field offices to maximize impact; develops and monitors the implementation of annual operational plans for the Communications Division and manages its resources, ensuring strategic alignment of Agency-wide communications efforts. CompetenciesUN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by defaultز Functional i. Adapting and Responding to Change ii. Formulating Strategies and Concepts iii. Persuading and influencing Leadership i. Leading and Supervising ii. Managing Complexity and Change Other Competencies not listed under Functional and Leadership Ability to manage the UNRWA brand, maximize its traction and position the Agency as a reliable, principled and impactful organization. Proven ability to engage in wide networks in media, think tanks and/or public policy forums. Education- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in media, journalism, international relations, public relations, communications or a related discipline. - Coursework or training in press relations management. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible and relevant experience, dealing with information and communication issues, including direct involvement with the international media and the regional media, in a senior capacity, and at least seven years at senior international level; unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System, a candidate for an international post must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA, and outside the country(s) of which the candidate is a national or holds citizenship, a passport or a national identity number is required. A strong public speaker and writer, able to articulate complex problems while generating support among target audiences. Experience in crisis communication and strategies linked thereof is required. Experience in digital engagement (web, social media, traditional media) is required. Experience in general management and international relations is required. Experience as a journalist, editor or in publishing is required. Experience in management a diverse team of professionals is required. The incumbent is required to travel frequently, particularly in the Agency’s area of operations. Full mastery of social media/digital communication is desirable. Excellent command of written and spoken English including specialized writing is required. Prior experience working with UN and excellent command of written and spoken Arabic is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. There are no specific desirable languages. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).