Director, Communications, D1

UNAIDS - UN Programme on HIV/AIDS

Geneva, Switzerland

Main tasks and Responsibilities of the Position:

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of PAK, with a matrix line to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications is responsible for the development of media and communications strategies aligned with the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

He/she has the following key responsibilities:

Communications:
- Conceptualizes, designs and executes the overall UNAIDS communication strategy, initiatives and activities, coordinating all channels: traditional media, social media, multimedia, web and emerging channels, ensuring quality, consistency and impact of outputs;
- Facilitates each year a year-long communications arc on a specific theme. This includes leadership of the World AIDS Day report;
- Supports communications to convey the findings of UNAIDS data, to strengthen understanding of what is needed for sustainability in the HIV response, and to set out and secure support for UNAIDS advocacy objectives at key moments;
- Holds responsibility for the production of the Executive Director's flagship public communications, including speeches, videos, articles, and forewords to setting out the core narrative of UNAIDS;
- Provides support for communications to advance resource mobilization;
- Holds responsibility for crisis-prevention and crisis-management communications;
- Coordinates the provision of communication support to - or supports directly, as appropriate - UNAIDS senior leadership and subject matter experts at the global, regional and country level ensuring appropriate media presence. This includes the identification of key moments for media engagement such as launching of important reports and publications;
- Oversees the preparation of key communication products from research to publication. Ensures that these products maintain high-quality standards and are clear, objective and coherent with the organizational and the unit's strategic direction;
- Ensures punctual and ongoing dissemination across communication channels, including via overseeing the creation and maintenance of networks of high-level communications contacts. Maintains personal contact with key external communication stakeholders;
- Proactively builds a strong UNAIDS brand and helps develop key messaging that enhances the global narrative around ending AIDS as a public health threat and other pandemics. Works to ensures that the UNAIDS narrative is embraced and used by a wide range of strategic partners.
Management and leadership:
- Provides leadership, guides and supports staff of the communications department. Nurtures an equal, safe and empowering work environment and team culture. Ensures compliance with all corporate Human Resources processes and frameworks;
- Provides overall direction for its effective functioning and contributions to all corporate-wide processes such as development of the strategic plan, people, resource, time and financial management and performance monitoring;
- Engages senior leaders across the Joint Programme and the United Nations, to build collaborative communications strategies and global initiatives;
- Provides quality assurance to and coordinates the substantive work of the communications team. Carries out monitoring of the effective performance and use of resources;
- Proactively supports UNAIDS resource mobilization efforts;
- Leads the strengthening of UNAIDS reach, of key media and communications relationships, and of institutional capability in communications;
- Supports partners in civil society in their communications.
Other related functions as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Essential: Advanced university degree at Masters' level in communications, international relations, management, political science, public policy, public health or another area related to the duties and responsibilities. For internal candidates, a first university degree and 17 years of relevant work experience will be considered as equivalent.

Competencies:

UNAIDS Values

Commitment to the AIDS response;
Integrity;
Respect for diversity.

Core competencies

Working in Teams;
Communication with Impact;
Applying Expertise;
Delivering Results;
Driving Change and Innovation;
Being Accountable.

Managerial competencies

Vision and strategic thinking;
Leading Teams;
Building Relationships and Networks;
Developing and Empowering Others;
Managing Performance and Resources;
Vision and Strategic Thinking;
Exercising Sound Judgement.

Experience:

Essential: At least 15 years of experience at the international level in the field of communications, policy advocacy and campaigning, public information and/or journalism, a significant part of which dedicated to managing large-scale strategic communications or public relations. Demonstrated experience leading efforts that influence public/political opinion. Managerial experience commensurate with the key responsibilities described;
Desirable: Prior experience in HIV response, global health, human rights, international development or a related field. Experience in brand management.