Closing date: Friday, 8 May 2015
1 Director, Office of Communications D2
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill the position of Director, Office of Communications at the D2 level, based at our Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting to the Assistant Executive Director, Partnership, Governance and Advocacy Department, the Communications Director's key responsibilities will include:
- Drive, plan and implement global communication strategies and policies to support WFP's mandate and strategic objectives;
- Develop clarity and focus on WFP's messaging, image and branding to strategically position the organization amongst key stakeholders and the general public;
- Leverage proactive communication to manage issues impacting on WFP's reputation and crisis situations;
- Provide expert advice and support to senior executives for all internal and external communication opportunities and issues;
- Build broad internal communications strategies that are aligned with corporate priorities to ensure effective messaging are delivered to employees and create engagement;
- Develop tools, capacity building activities and resources to equip WFP employees to tell WFP stories and advocate for its mission;
- Craft and disseminate key corporate messages and press materials on behalf of the Executive Director;
- Provide functional leadership to WFP's communication officers across the organization;
- Manage the performance of the Division and its human, financial and other resources.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Education
- University degree in communications, journalism, international relations or other relevant fields.
Experience
- Proven track record (at least 15 years) of communications leadership deploying a broad range of applied communication strategies and translating messages across a variety of mediums;
- Experience in global development and working across multiple markets;
- Experience in using strategic communications to achieve the highest possible impact related to significant international events and milestones;
- Experience in public outreach, especially through social media channels;
- Experience in managing content production and storytelling for broadcast and digital media, including for placement on external media platforms;
- Experience in positioning senior management figures in global media and on public stages;
- Established and active network of international journalists.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of cutting edge communications and media approaches and tools;
- Ability to strengthen WFP's position amongst stakeholders and general public to increase brand awareness;
- A strong public speaker and writer, able to articulate big problems while generating empathy and support among target audiences;
- Knowledge of all the tactics of media relations.
Competencies
- Excellent strategic thinking, negotiation and communication skills;
- Ability to provide leadership to a large and diverse communication function. Constructive, open and able to develop and empower staff to communicate strategically and effectively;
- Creative and enthusiastic about WFP's mandate and mission;
- Demonstrated political awareness and sound judgement in resolving issues/problems and managing WFP's reputation;
- Strong networking and strategic partnership building skills;
- Outstanding interpersonal skills to effectively work with colleagues across the organization at different levels in a multicultural environment;
- Effective use of resources and budgets.
Language
- Excellent English. Knowledge of another WFP working language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Portuguese) is an asset.
Terms and Conditions
Selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. He/she will be required to travel abroad sometime to remote and difficult locations. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days' annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org
Application Procedures
Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/15-0017674
Step 1: Register and create your online CV.
Step 2: Click on 'Description' to read the position requirements and 'Apply' to submit your application.
NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
Deadline for applications: 8 May 2015
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are encouraged to apply. No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint 3 Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
REF: 15-0017674
Fighting Hunger Worldwide www.wfp.org
