Director of Communications

UNRWA, 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).

Develops 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.

UN 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.

- 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.

Not available.

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, 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.

English 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).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

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

This is a UN Regular Budget post. Type of Contract and duration: 2 years, with the possibility of further extension. Only applications that have been fully completed in UNRWA's online e-recruitment system inspira will be considered and no late applications will be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) should be completed with full work experience under the experience tabs as per the requirements in the Job Opening. All university degrees must also be stated, where applicable. UNRWA personnel must ensure adding their contract type and grade level. Given the large pool of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Providing incorrect or misleading information on an application form will result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate. UNRWA welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities. A roster may be created from the selection exercise, and successful candidates may become eligible for appointment to the same post or a similar post, when the need arises. Equivalency: A first level university degree in combination with 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 an acceptable combination. The Agency disqualifies applicants whose name appears on the UN Sanctions List or a UN database of staff separated for reason of misconduct or of staff who separated while a misconduct process was pending. UNRWA shares investigation and misconduct information with other UN Agencies, and past and prospective employers about staff members who have been separated for misconduct, or who have separated while an investigation and/or disciplinary process for misconduct is underway; and those individuals may be prohibited from employment with the United Nations. 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

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Commissioner-General of UNRWA and to assignment by him or her. UNRWA is committed to achieving gender parity at all levels of staffing under the current UN-wide gender agenda and strongly encourages applications from qualified applicants from under-represented groups. At UNRWA, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. UNRWA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. UNRWA Considerations UNRWA staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence, neutrality, impartiality and integrity. This includes respect for and commitment to human rights, diversity and non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. Candidates will not be considered for employment with UNRWA if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. The Agency may disqualify applicants who have separated for reason of misconduct, who left a UN Agency while misconduct processes were pending, or who appear on the UN Sanctions List. UNRWA is a non-smoking work environment. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST (UNRWA) DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE OR REQUEST MONEY FROM CANDIDATES AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT AND ONBOARDING PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING, ONBOARDING). UNRWA DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.