Head of Strategic Communications and Global Engagement

Result of ServiceTransformative efforts towards elevation of awareness of ISA's vital mandate and groundbreaking achievements. Amplified recognition of the Authority’s significant contributions to global objectives, particularly those articulated in Agenda 2030. Work LocationKingston Expected duration8 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis consultancy is based in the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. Purpose 1. Act as a trusted advisor to senior management on all communications-related matters, offering strategic insights that drive success. 2. Tackle complex public relations challenges head-on, providing innovative solutions that align with The Authority’s strategic priorities. 3. Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Secretary-General, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to the organization’s mission. Under the overall guidance and the direct supervision of the Secretary General and within delegated authority, the Head of Strategic Communications and Global Engagement will be responsible for the following duties: Strategic Communications: 1. Strategically lead and coordinate The Authority’s global communications strategy, ensuring it robustly reflects our mission and is firmly anchored in scientific data and evidence. 2. Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global communications strategy, featuring targeted initiatives and ad hoc projects in partnership with relevant Secretariat offices and units. 3. Provide visionary direction and oversight for both internal and external communications, guaranteeing consistency, transparency, and alignment with industry-leading practices and cutting-edge technologies. 4. Enhance The Authority’s visibility and thought leadership by actively participating in significant global events and strategically engaging with key stakeholders. 5. Oversee the creation of compelling content for ISA’s website, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels to foster meaningful engagement. 6. Ensure the seamless implementation of communications guidelines, design principles, and brand identity across all ISA outputs. 7. Prepare and supervise the development of a diverse array of impactful communications materials, including multimedia products, infographics, and data visualizations, to powerfully convey ISA's mission and activities. Outreach and Engagement: 1. Cultivate and sustain dynamic strategic relationships with Member States, multilateral institutions, civil society, and other key stakeholders, including communications counterparts within the UN system. 2. Lead the planning and execution of impactful outreach initiatives that align with and advance the strategic objectives of The Authority. 3. Oversee the management of The Authority’s website, leveraging analytics and implementing cutting-edge SEO strategies to maximize reach and effectiveness. 4. Identify and engage with relevant platforms, networks, and partnerships to powerfully amplify The Authority’s messaging and materials. 5. Strategically manage The Authority’s social media accounts, crafting and supervising innovative campaigns that significantly enhance visibility and foster meaningful engagement. Media Relations: 1. Serve as The Authority’s foremost point of contact for media inquiries, fostering robust relationships with media professionals to amplify our presence. 2. Craft and continually refine strategic media messaging that aligns seamlessly with The Authority’s objectives, effectively mitigating any reputational risks. 3. Vigilantly monitor media coverage of The Authority’s activities, offering proactive guidance to address and navigate potential reputational challenges. 4. Create and disseminate compelling press releases, op-eds, and communications that powerfully communicate The Authority’s achievements and priorities. 5. Organize dynamic media briefings, interviews, and engagement opportunities to elevate The Authority’s visibility and influence in the media landscape. 6. Empower staff to communicate persuasively and effectively with diverse audiences, enhancing our outreach and impact. Publications: 1. Lead the comprehensive process of The Authority’s publications, ensuring timely delivery, exceptional quality, and strict adherence to editorial standards that resonate with our audience. 2. Strategically promote and expand the visibility, reach, and relevance of The Authority’s publications through targeted marketing and innovative distribution efforts. 3. Drive the production and dissemination of high-quality publications and bulletins, ensuring they are accessible and resonate with a wide audience for maximum impact. 4. Investigate and implement cutting-edge platforms, including online marketplaces, to maximize the accessibility and impact of The Authority’s publications. Evaluation and Resource Management: 1. Strategically plan, monitor, and evaluate activities to ensure they not only align with The Authority’s goals but also maximize the efficient use of resources. 2. Deliver insightful reports on the impact and outcomes of communication initiatives, pinpointing trends and identifying key areas for improvement. 3. Oversee all communication activities, ensuring strict compliance with The Authority’s policies and regulations. 4. Proactively recruit, mentor, and lead a talented team, cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence in communication. 5. Ensure that every communication effort embodies The Authority’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Strategic Communications: 1. Strategically lead and coordinate The Authority’s global communications strategy, ensuring it robustly reflects our mission and is firmly anchored in scientific data and evidence. 2. Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global communications strategy, featuring targeted initiatives and ad hoc projects in partnership with relevant Secretariat offices and units. 3. Provide visionary direction and oversight for both internal and external communications, guaranteeing consistency, transparency, and alignment with industry-leading practices and cutting-edge technologies. 4. Enhance The Authority’s visibility and thought leadership by actively participating in significant global events and strategically engaging with key stakeholders. 5. Oversee the creation of compelling content for ISA’s website, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels to foster meaningful engagement. 6. Ensure the seamless implementation of communications guidelines, design principles, and brand identity across all ISA outputs. 7. Prepare and supervise the development of a diverse array of impactful communications materials, including multimedia products, infographics, and data visualizations, to powerfully convey ISA's mission and activities. Outreach and Engagement: 1. Cultivate and sustain dynamic strategic relationships with Member States, multilateral institutions, civil society, and other key stakeholders, including communications counterparts within the UN system. 2. Lead the planning and execution of impactful outreach initiatives that align with and advance the strategic objectives of The Authority. 3. Oversee the management of The Authority’s website, leveraging analytics and implementing cutting-edge SEO strategies to maximize reach and effectiveness. 4. Identify and engage with relevant platforms, networks, and partnerships to powerfully amplify The Authority’s messaging and materials. 5. Strategically manage The Authority’s social media accounts, crafting and supervising innovative campaigns that significantly enhance visibility and foster meaningful engagement. Media Relations: 1. Serve as The Authority’s foremost point of contact for media inquiries, fostering robust relationships with media professionals to amplify our presence. 2. Craft and continually refine strategic media messaging that aligns seamlessly with The Authority’s objectives, effectively mitigating any reputational risks. 3. Vigilantly monitor media coverage of The Authority’s activities, offering proactive guidance to address and navigate potential reputational challenges. 4. Create and disseminate compelling press releases, op-eds, and communications that powerfully communicate The Authority’s achievements and priorities. 5. Organize dynamic media briefings, interviews, and engagement opportunities to elevate The Authority’s visibility and influence in the media landscape. 6. Empower staff to communicate persuasively and effectively with diverse audiences, enhancing our outreach and impact. Publications: 1. Lead the comprehensive process of The Authority’s publications, ensuring timely delivery, exceptional quality, and strict adherence to editorial standards that resonate with our audience. 2. Strategically promote and expand the visibility, reach, and relevance of The Authority’s publications through targeted marketing and innovative distribution efforts. 3. Drive the production and dissemination of high-quality publications and bulletins, ensuring they are accessible and resonate with a wide audience for maximum impact. 4. Investigate and implement cutting-edge platforms, including online marketplaces, to maximize the accessibility and impact of The Authority’s publications. Evaluation and Resource Management: 1. Strategically plan, monitor, and evaluate activities to ensure they not only align with The Authority’s goals but also maximize the efficient use of resources. 2. Deliver insightful reports on the impact and outcomes of communication initiatives, pinpointing trends and identifying key areas for improvement. 3. Oversee all communication activities, ensuring strict compliance with The Authority’s policies and regulations. 4. Proactively recruit, mentor, and lead a talented team, cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence in communication. 5. Ensure that every communication effort embodies The Authority’s unwavering commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in in international relations, political science, communications, management, or other relevant field is required. A first-level university degree in combination two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required Experience managing digital channels (website and/or social media) in a professional context for a multilateral or intergovernmental organisation is required. Experience in developing and implementing global and multi-stakeholder communication and engagement strategies in international multilateral sector organisation is required. Proven ability to design and implement impactful communications and marketing campaigns and events on behalf of complex international organisations are required. Experience in representing an international organisation in liaising and building partnerships with Member States, corporations, UN agencies, and international development partners. Foundations and NGOs are desirable. A professional track record of developing and delivering creative internal and external communications for professional and public audiences in local, national and international settings are desirable. Proven experience in organising and running communications and marketing campaigns for advocacy or intergovernmental organisations, preferably on environment and sustainable development topics, is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of ISA. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Additional InformationDue to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.