* Chief of Communications

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

1mo ago

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Government & Politics
Media & Journalism
Montréal, +1

AI generated summary

You must have a Master's degree, 10+ years in communications, team management experience, knowledge of international air transport, UN/system experience, fluency in English, and a working knowledge of French.
You will develop and implement communication strategies, oversee media relations, create communication materials, manage internal communications, and lead the Communications Section’s operations.

Requirements

An advanced-level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in public information, communications or journalism, or related field, is required. A first-level university degree, in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience in public information, communications or journalism, or related field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in progressively responsible professional positions in public information/relations, corporate or marketing communications, or a related area, and including staff supervisory and performance management responsibilities.
Experience in rapidly analysing and integrating diverse and technical information from varied sources to produce clear and concise communications products.
Experience developing global communications campaigns.
Experience in developing professional relationships with communications executives at key institutions.
Experience managing a communications team.
Considerable experience with the international air transport sector.
Communications or Public Information experience within the United Nations system organizations and/or Governments.
Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.
A working knowledge of French.
A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

Responsibilities

Plans, develops and implements ICAO’s Communication Strategy, which structures the priority topics of information, the events which illustrate them, the key messages ICAO will deliver, and identifies the audience, the objectives and the methods for using the different communication media, achieving results such as:
Design, implement and maintain strategic and operational communications plans with technical and content input from units within the Organization, which are related to programme or region-specific plans, support the adoption of new initiatives by decision-makers and ensure the effective delivery of the Organization’s information.
Identify, analyse, and evaluate the needs of the Organization in the field of communications, based on evaluation of the political, public, scientific, commercial and technical environments in which the Organization functions, as well as the priority needs expressed by Senior Management and the Governing Body.
Prepare and oversee the preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives.
Develop and/or review texts (articles, speeches, statements, press releases etc.) for the Secretary General and the President of the Council; support the Secretary General and the President of the Council in the preparation of executive communications including speeches, blogs, media outreach, and online messaging (including social media networks).
Externally promotes ICAO achievements and results for government, industry, and general public audience segments, emphasizing the distinction between the States who collaborate and make decisions through the Organization and the ICAO Secretariat of international civil servants which supports them, achieving results such as:
Draft a strategic communications plan for the Organization in coordination with other Bureaus and offices, including Regional Offices.
Make continuous contributions to the packaging and refinement of the speeches, articles, interviews, forewords, personal social media posts and PowerPoint presentations developed on behalf of ICAO’s Secretary General and Council President, in conjunction with the COM Officer and ICAO policy lead contributors.
Promote, in cooperation with lead Bureaus and Offices, ICAO’s Strategic Objectives and prioritized advocacy and focus areas for international civil aviation.
Establish effective media and trade media relations with relevant outlets and stakeholders.
Oversee the ICAO public website and guide site improvements.
Oversee the COM team’s prompt coordination of news products, editorial content, and social media publishing on all relevant ICAO developments, and contribute to their messages’ refinement and reach.
Coordinate and publish the Annual Report of the Council, in collaboration with other Secretariat business units.
Promote all non-revenue generating ICAO events and programmes, including the triennial ICAO Assembly, and supporting the coordination of major ICAO celebrations.
Maintain effective relations and partnerships in support of the ICAO Communications Strategy with relevant national groups, private sector supplier and industry organizations, educational organizations, UN sister agencies and international organizations, etc.
Review and re-specify ICAO’s primary external audience segments each triennium.
Continuously review Public Relations technologies and tools to assure ICAO is leveraging latest innovations to the full potential of its brand and messaging.
Organize press seminars at Headquarters for groups of journalists from Member States (in collaboration with the resident national delegations).
Undertake activities to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events. Build information networks, plan and oversee maintenance of publicly accessible information materials and plan and develop outreach activities.
Reinforces the presence, and creates the branding, of the Organization in the media, including establishing strong and active alliances with strategic partners with a view to enhancing understanding of the importance of the Organization’s contribution in international civil aviation, achieving results such as:
Timely disseminate media releases, press releases and editorials about the most significant topics and major events concerning the Organization’s programmes and activities.
Take the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns.
Undertake activities to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events.
Build information networks, plan and oversee maintenance of publicly accessible information materials and plan and develop outreach activities.
Leads ICAO’s internal communications strategy and planning, achieving results such as:
Develop and implement an internal communication strategy that aligns with ICAO’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
Work closely with other Bureaus and offices, including Regional Offices to ensure that internal communication efforts are cohesive and consistent across all levels.
Review and re-specify ICAO’s internal audience segments.
Develop an annual internal communications plan with the Office of the Secretary General, as well as other bureaus and offices.
Establish and maintain standardized communications structures and protocols, messaging templates, and best practices to ensure consistency in internal communications.
Evaluate and manage the internal communication channels, including emails, intranet, newsletters, and instant messaging platforms, ensuring that they are effectively utilized.
Oversee the creation and dissemination of internal communication materials, including newsletters, intranet content, and internal announcements.
Utilize metrics such as staff participation rates and feedback to assess the impact and efficiency of communication efforts.
Establishes the mechanisms required to increase and assure the quality and effectiveness of the Organization’s communications products and ensure that they meet the needs and fulfil the expectations of the Organization, achieving results such as:
Ensure that resources allocated to the communications programme are used efficiently to implement the communications plan and to accomplish assigned special projects.
Employ the most appropriate and effective tools and mechanisms including social media platforms to ensure that ICAO’s message is effectively and efficiently communicated to target audiences on a global basis.
Provide advice on communications initiatives to HQ and Regional Offices, to ensure effective coordination and consistent messaging and outreach.
Provides expert advice and up-to-date information to the Director LEB, Secretary General, President of the Council, Senior Management and other decision-makers on issues concerning communications and public affairs, achieving results such as:
Identify, analyze and manage major communications situations which could impact the work of ICAO by providing an early warning to senior management.
Anticipate and recommend actions to address or resolve communications-related issues and problems.
Prepare and revise policies and strategies in order to adjust the Organization posture on current issues, trends, and developments.
Develop and regularly update key and sensitive issue talking points.
Develop and manage crisis communication plans, ensuring that critical information is disseminated quickly and effectively during emergencies.
Collaboratively develops effective communications and change management capacities with ICAO business units and special project and programme teams, achieving results such as:
Oversee and monitor the training and support provided to business units, project and programs across the Organization on effective communication practices.
Support and guide strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns (e.g. public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject-specific issues, etc.); where appropriate; work with departments, and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns organization-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
Leads, manages and supervises the Communications Section, achieving results such as:
Develop, implement and monitor the progress of the Section’s annual internal and external communications operating plans, and oversee their reporting and administration using current internal systems.
Oversee the COM budget, including annual proposals for any contingency workforce or special project deliverables not covered by existing financial resources.
Mutually agree on individual annual work plans with COM staff members and consultants, engaging with each and managing their performance throughout the year as per the requirements of applicable ICAO systems and policies.
Prepare reports and inputs as required to support the supervisor with any COM-related engagements with the ICAO Council or its Committees.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Chief of Communications at ICAO?

The primary responsibility of the Chief of Communications is to lead and manage the Communications Section, developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy and program that demonstrates ICAO’s leadership in international civil aviation matters.

What educational qualifications are required for this position?

An advanced-level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in public information, communications, journalism, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, along with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

How many years of professional experience are required for this role?

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public information/relations, corporate or marketing communications, or a related area is required, including staff supervisory and performance management responsibilities.

Is experience within the UN system considered desirable for this position?

Yes, communications or public information experience within the United Nations system organizations and/or Governments is considered desirable.

What languages are essential for this role?

Fluent reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English are essential, along with a working knowledge of French.

Are female candidates encouraged to apply for this position?

Yes, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for ICAO positions, especially in the Professional and higher level categories.

What are some key competencies required for the Chief of Communications position?

Key competencies required include professionalism, teamwork, creativity, planning and organizing, managing performance, and judgment/decision-making.

What is the nature of the employment offered for this post?

The post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years, with the first year serving as a probationary period for external candidates.

Does ICAO charge any fees during the application process?

No, ICAO does not charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the selection process.

How does the Chief of Communications contribute to internal communications at ICAO?

The Chief of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing an internal communication strategy that aligns with ICAO’s mission, values, and strategic goals, ensuring cohesive communication efforts across all levels.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Government

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Mission & Purpose

The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. DISCLAIMER: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) does not guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of any comments posted to its social media outlets (blogs, social networks, message boards/forums, etc.). Users must not post any content that is obscene, defamatory, profane, libelous, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful or embarrassing to any person or entity. UNDP reserves the right to delete or edit any comments that it considers inappropriate or unacceptable, and to delete off-topic comments in order to foster conversations about the topics shared on this page.