Communication Specialist, P-4, CMO, New York

Purpose of the Position
In November 2013, the UNICEF Executive Director announced his decision to launch a process that will lead to the formation of a single Global Shared Service Centre (GSSC). This GSSC is expected to carry out transactions including: invoices, payments, payroll, some HR administrative services and global IT support. Based on the current project plan, transactions for offices will begin to be phased into the newly established GSSC from early 2015 onwards in order for the Centre to be fully operational and carry out transactions for all offices by mid-2016.

In relation and under the supervision of the GSSC Project Manager / Change Management Office (CMO), the incumbent of this post will be responsible for the conceptualization, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of: (i) an advocacy and communication strategy; and (ii) a corporate behavioral change strategy to promote better understanding and facilitate the implementation of organizational improvement objectives in relation to the GSSC Project.

Key Expected Results

1. In collaboration with the GSSC Project Team and relevant stakeholders, develops a communication strategy and implements a communication plan of action to raise awareness about the Project at all levels of the Organization and strengthen support among management and staff for Project objectives.
2. In collaboration with the GSSC Project Team and relevant stakeholders, develops a communication strategy and implements a communication plan of action to facilitate exchange of feedback and knowledge between UNICEF offices at Country, Regional and Headquarters levels in relation to the Project.
3. Collaborates with the GSSC Project Team and GSSC Implementation Group (Field and Headquarters) to identify and put in use appropriate communication channels, messages and tools. Proactively supports managers and staff representatives at Country, Regional and Headquarters levels in their communication to and with staff regarding the Project, including during global and regional meetings in which the Project is discussed.
4. Monitors and evaluates communication action plans, and their impact on UNICEF management and staff.
5. Advises the GSSC Business Owners Committee, Project Team and Implementation Group on the effective use of communication tools to achieve Project objectives.
6. Identifies, recruits and supervises technical resources and consultants as necessary.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• An advanced university degree (Master's) in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a directly-related technical field(s) is required.*

*A first level university degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant technical field (as identified above), in conjunction with ten (10) years of relevant work experience, at the national and international levels, in communication, print, broadcast, new media and/or other directly-related technical fields, may be taken in lieu of an advanced university degree (Master's).

• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in communication, print media, Broadcast media, new media, interactive digital media, programme communication and/or other directly-related technical fields is required.
• Previous hands-on experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity is required.
• Prior work experience in field duty stations is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English (written & verbal) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking
• Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment
• Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget
• Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear
• Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise
• Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives
• Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities
• Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission

How to apply:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children's rights organization, would like to hear from you.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies. Applications must be received by 02 June 2014.

Vacancy position link:
https://careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PA...

Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply