Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is based in the Communications Unit of the Executive Office of the Secretary General (EOSG) of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston, Jamaica. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an international organization established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS shall, in accordance with the regime for the seabed and ocean floor and subsoil thereof beyond the limits of national jurisdiction (the Area) established in Part XI and the 1994 Agreement, organize and control activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. This position will contribute to increasing the understanding of ISA's mission and strategic objectives and increasing recognition of the value and impact of ISA's contributions to relevant global goals and processes. It will also strengthen ISA's organisational ability to communicate effectively through initiatives that foster a culture of and a capacity for communication including internal communications with improved systems for increased information- sharing and identifying opportunities for strengthening communications capacity.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Secretary General and the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary-General, and in close collaboration with the Special Adviser on Global Engagement and Media Relations, the Communications Manager will be responsible for the following duties, in coordination with relevant offices and units in the Secretariat: Communications • Developing, implementing and monitoring a global communications strategy and content plan, aligned with organizational priorities, project initiatives and key milestones. • Preparing and overseeing a diverse range of communications products and information materials that explain and showcase the work and initiatives of the ISA for a range of stakeholders, conveying complex issues with clarity, accuracy and relevance, including, high level speeches and statements, coverage in print and video of high level engagements, press releases, website content and stories, multimedia materials, infographics, data visualizations and report texts. • Ensuring the consistent use of communication products, design elements and the ISA brand through oversight, management and implementation of branding and editorial guidelines across the organization. • Building existing photo and public information material library; continual improvements to guidelines on communications activities. • Planning and overseeing maintenance of publicly accessible information materials distributed by ISA. • Proposing, editing, drafting and pitching opinion editorials and other written, digital and broadcast commentary. • Leading the conceptualization, organization and execution of special events that support the ISA programme of work with a focus increasing effectiveness of ISA Sessions and building relevance for ISA at key international conferences such an UN Ocean Conference. • Supporting the organization of conferences, seminars, webinars and public events being hosted by technical colleagues in the Secretariat. • Building networks and coordinating information sharing, intelligence gathering and dissemination for ISA campaigns and communication initiatives to optimize creation, distribution and amplification of messaging through both internal engagement and external multilateral institutions and partnerships. • Developing and maintaining strong strategic relationships with communications counterparts with Member States, multilateral institutions, partner organisations, civil society and other United Nations agencies related to deep sea mining or relevant domains. • Regularly monitoring and evaluating results and impact of communications activities, and reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding ISA. • Strengthening and coordinating internal communications through improved systems and initiatives for managing ISA digital assets (photo and video footage, graphics, etc.) and information sharing. • Conceptualizing, planning and executing outreach activities to support the goals and strategic directions of ISA. Digital • Updating and upgrading features and designs of the website as necessary, monitoring analytics and improving viewership and user experience. • Developing and organizing content creation. • Leading a full website 2.0 development and implementation plan in 2026-2027 to optimize user experience, increase organization and accessibility of both current and archival materials and ensure that ISA is fit for purpose to execute its mandate. • Managing social media accounts, suggesting and conceptualizing the implementation of social media campaigns and content. Publications • Managing the publication process to ensure timely delivery and streamlined approach to the production of high-quality publications, including copy-editing, layout and design, digital dissemination and printing. • Promoting, placing and disseminating ISA publications. • Increasing the reach and uptake of ISA publications by different target audiences. Management • Functioning as first reporting officer, in close consultation with supervisors, for staff members in the Unit, and consultants where assigned, across social media, publications, web, graphic design and other functions, managing timely workplans, e-pas submissions and consultant reports. • In collaboration with supervisors, managing budget to optimize effectiveness and impact and to ensure that activities remain within the allocated budget. • Identifying sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major communications campaigns. • Anticipating and resolving communications and public relations issues. • Performing other duties as requested by the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary-General, and Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Global Engagement.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, advocacy, engagement, media operations, message targeting. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to use a web content management system. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Solicits inputs by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. Ability to handle diplomatically sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, humanities, international relations, law, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

1. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, intergovernmental organizations, public administration or related area is required. 2. Proven experience in organising and running communications and outreach campaigns and initiatives for advocacy or intergovernmental organisations, on environment and sustainable development topics, is required. 3. A professional track record of developing and delivering internal and external communications for professional and public audiences in international settings is required. 4. Experience developing and managing digital channels (website and social media) in a professional context for a multilateral, intergovernmental or civil society organisation is required. 5. Experience in representing an international organisation in liaising and building partnerships with Member States, Corporate, UN agencies, international development partners, Foundations and NGOs is desirable. 6. Experience managing a team is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment is available for a fixed period of one (1) years, and renewal thereof is subject to the availability of the post, funds and satisfactory performance in the role. ISA reserves the right to not make any appointment to the vacancy, and/or to make an appointment at a lower level from the one advertised. At the ISA/ United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The ISA/United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The ISA/United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The ISA/United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Only nationals of ISA Member States are eligible for consideration.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.