Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information

Post Number : CI 001 Grade : ADG Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI) Duty Station: Paris Job Family: Communication and Information Type of contract : Fixed Term Duration of contract : 2 years Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-NOV-2020

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Communication and Information Sector’s mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. Its mission within the Organization is particularly crucial at a time of rapid shifts that have transformed the ways in which populations communicate, express themselves and interact with information. Under the authority of the Director-General, the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information is responsible for providing leadership and strategic vision for the Communication and Information Sector, particularly in line with the Organization’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2014-2021 (37 C/4), and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information is also responsible for the overall implementation of the Communication and Information Programme, as approved by UNESCO’s governing bodies. The Communication and Information Programme focuses on:

fostering freedom of expression online and offline, promoting the safety of journalists, advancing diversity and participation in media, and supporting independent media;
building inclusive knowledge societies through digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and by enabling universal access to, and preservation of, information and knowledge;
establishing partnerships with public and private entities to support the implementation of the Sector’s overall programme.

The incumbent will also be responsible for guiding the future development of the Programme to ensure it effectively responds to the evolution of its areas of focus in recent years. For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website: http://www.unesco.org, and/or the following documents: 37 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy, 2014–2021), 40 C/5 (UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2020-2021).

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Strategic thinking (M)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Work Experience Extensive and relevant professional experience from senior leadership/executive positions in the areas directly related to UNESCO’s Communication and Information Programme, including assignments at the regional and/or international levels, for example within government, the private sector or civil society. Skills/Competencies

Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities.
Excellent knowledge of the ongoing technological transformations impacting the communication and information space around the world and the responses needed.
Leadership capacities, a sense of objectivity and neutrality, strong analytical skills and intellectual capabilities, professional integrity and diplomacy.
Ability to exercise well-founded and balanced authority, as well as to provide and manage advisory services and functions.
Sound knowledge of general management practices, including results-based management and budgeting principles, governance and accountability.
Demonstrated ability to lead and direct change processes at the substantive and management levels.
Excellent advocacy and communication skills with strong representational abilities.
Proven ability to interact effectively at the highest government levels, as well as with the private sector and/or civil society, and to build collaborative partnerships and networks with and between a wide variety of stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills with strong representational abilities.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage relationships at all levels of the Organization.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of at least one of the two working languages of UNESCO (English or French).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Education PhD level degree in the fields of communication and/or information or one of its sub-disciplines. Work Experience Several years of exposure to the requirements of international and inter-governmental cooperation, for example within the United Nations system. Skills/Competencies

Skills in administration and the management of financial and human resources.
Skills and knowledge should include a solid understanding of global operational risk.
Experience in guiding staff and motivating teams in a culturally diverse environment.

Languages

Working knowledge of the second language (English or French).
Knowledge of other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc. For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. UNESCO applies a zero tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. APPLY HERE

Tags: UNESCO