Director of Communications, D-1, Jerusalem At UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Org. Setting and Reporting UNRWA, the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East with over 28,000 staff working across five areas of operation, is looking for highly committed professionals 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.

As Director of Communications, in coordination with the Commissioner-General’s Office (CGO), you will be responsible for leading the Agency’s efforts in communication by managing the UNRWA institutional platforms and digital engagement (web, social media, traditional media) that promote Agency-wide positions and the UNRWA brand. You will be in charge of delivering institutional campaigns, in line with the strategic communications objectives set by the Executive Office (EO) towards different audiences.

Responsibilities

Develops Agency-wide impactful integrated communications strategies, jointly with the CGO, to reach different external and internal target audiences; such strategies will directly support UNRWA positioning and branding, advocacy, resource mobilization, fundraising 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 Department and the communications teams across the Agency (fields and HQ programme departments);

Drives excellence in digital engagement, aligning closely with UNRWA efforts to gain
digital traction, and raises funds from the general public; oversees the development,
production and dissemination of content for use on institutional portals (websites and social
media), and ensures adequate storage of institutional historical images and products (photo
archives and multimedia);

Is responsible for protecting the Agency’s reputation by ensuring high quality standards for all communications products and activities and by putting in place brand risk management plans as necessary; is responsible for clearing materials – and quality translations in Arabic – before they are published or shared with the EO;

Represents the Agency (externally) through the provision of communications support and dissemination of information about UNRWA to the media, UN agencies, INGOs, and other stakeholders; collaborates closely with and provides strategic support to the various functional units in the External Relations Department (ERD) to help them achieve their fundraising targets;

Leads and builds the capacity of a team of professional staff in the Communications Department and in field offices to maximize impact; develops and monitors the implementation of annual operational plans for the Communications Department and manages its resources, ensuring strategic alignment of Agency-wide communications efforts;

As a member of the Agency’s Senior Management team, the incumbent may have specific responsibilities related to internal governance structures, as established by the Executive Office.

Competencies UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity, and Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results apply by default.

• Leading and Supervising – Managing Complexity and Change – Adapting and Responding to Change – Formulating Strategies and Concepts – Persuading and Influencing – Ability to manage the UNRWA brand, maximize its traction and position the Agency as a reliable, principled and impactful organization For guidance on how to prepare for competency-based interviews: https://careers.un. org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI

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.

Job Specific Qualifications Coursework or training in press relations management.

Work Experience A 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.

At least seven years of relevant work experience at senior international level.

A minimum of 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.

A strong public speaker and writer, able to articulate complex problems while generating support among target audiences.

Experience in digital engagement (web, social media, traditional media).

Experience in general management and international relations.

Experience as a journalist, editor or in publishing.

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in media, journalism, international relations, public relations, communications or a related discipline.

Languages Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic, including specialized writing.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. The Director of Communications is required to travel frequently, particularly in the Agency’s area of operations. Applicants have to complete the Personal History Profile (PHP) in inspira in order to be considered. The PHP should be completed with full relevant work experience as per the requirements in the Job Opening, in order to be considered. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for an appointment to the same post or a similar post. Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. NB: Work experience alone or formal qualifications with no relevant work experience are not considered anacceptable combination. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations and individual contributions. The mission of UNRWA is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development under the difficult circumstances in which they live. For more details on UNRWA, please visit: https://www.unrwa.org/