United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Chief of Section, Public Information - Jobs in Ethiopia

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Chief of Section, Public Information - Jobs in Ethiopia

Org. Setting and Reporting
ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063.

The mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions, which are: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues.

This position is located in the Communications and Media Relations Section (CMRS) in the Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The incumbent reports to the Director of the Division.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority the Chief of Section will be responsible for the following duties:

• Take the lead in implementing ECA's communications strategy; Develop and supervise the production of a range of communications products that will help increase ECA's visibility to its external audiences;
• Develop and ensure the effective branding of ECA and its knowledge products in enhancing ECA's global image and profile; ensure effective packaging and dissemination of ECA's publications and research outputs;
• Deploy the use of both traditional and modem information media technology including the social media to promote ECA's outreach programme;
• Develop the external relations activities of ECA with particular attention to building strong and continuous engagement with governments, international organizations and other stakeholders. Identify and increase key external contacts for strategic partnerships;
• Develop and implement an effective strategy for better understanding of the Commission's role, mandate, initiatives and work; monitor and periodically report on the implementation of the advocacy/communications strategy and campaigns on key operations and issues.
• Conceptualize, design and execute the overall public information strategy, programme and activities for a discrete unit.
• Serve as lead spokesperson for the public information programme; provide technical and policy advice on highly complex public information and communications issues; develop and disseminate best practices.
• Lead and direct a team of public information officers; plan and allocate work assignments; coach, mentor, and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs.
• Oversee the preparation, from research to publication, of UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
• Conduct sensitive political liaison work; create and maintain networks of high level communications contacts with broadcast media, the press, governmental agencies, international institutions and other groups and organizations in civil society (non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, community organizations, women’s groups, etc.); represent the organization in important meetings, conferences, events, etc.; promote joint public relations ventures.
• Contribute to development of institutional public relations policies.
• Assess the overall effectiveness of the public information strategy and programmes and make needed changes in approach and technique.
• Provide diverse materials (briefings, speeches, questions and answers) for use by senior officials, develop or overall see development of high profile multi-media communications campaigns; set quality and production standards for information dissemination.

Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to advise on high profile and sensitive communication challenges. Ability to assess world-wide communication environments, develop communication strategies and manage implementation of public information campaigns with various promotional and publicity techniques. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to present and defend difficult positions to senior officials. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.


Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.

Experience with crafting and leading large-scale advocacy activities aimed at policy influence and adoption at the international level, especially on social and economic transformation issues, is desirable.

Experience managing professional social media presence in an international setting is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in either language is required; and knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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

How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Chief of Section, Public Information - Jobs in Ethiopia

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