Chief of Section, Public Information

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UN Information Service (UNIS) in Geneva and the incumbent will report to the Director of UNIS and through him/her, to the Department of Global Communications (DGC) and the United Nations Office at Geneva. The post entails supervision and management of the Radio, Television and Webcast Section.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Director, Geneva Information Service (UNIS), the Chief of the Radio, Television and Broadcast Section is responsible for the broadcast and webcast of the main meetings, media activities and events at the UN in Geneva; for the planning, production and distribution of multimedia news coverage; for maintaining highest editorial standards in all multimedia production by the Section (UNTV, UN Web TV and UN News); and for administering the section. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: - Plans, co-ordinates and supervises UNIS's multimedia (video, audio, text, photo) coverage including news items, live broadcast feeds and webcasts of meetings as well as the production of feature stories and other content for UN platforms and for distribution to external media. - Manages the Section through assigning staff, facilities and resources among the items of the work programme, while balancing competing demands, preparing production budgets, and requirements for external assistance; draws up internal procedures based on UN and departmental mandates, monitors expenditures on capital equipment and production and ascertains that productions remain within their proposed budgets. Develops, formulates and executes the procurement plan for capital equipment for the section; assists the Director in preparation of annual budgets and reports as required. - Plans, co-ordinates and supervises UNIS contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) , as well as to UNifeed and other UN DGC platforms and programme strands. - Plans, co-ordinates and supervises UNIS contribution to UN News, including production of audio/radio/podcast/vodcast news programmes, text, interviews and features in English and French. - Plans and supervises the photographic coverage of selected United Nations activities in Geneva, and other extra-budgetary multimedia production. - Coordinates and supervises select social media communications projects - especially as they relate to news and current affairs - including the production of tailor-made audiovisual products specifically for social media other digital platforms. - Initiates programme ideas and develops/reviews proposals for co-production of multimedia/ video / film projects with other United Nations offices, specialized agencies, funds and programmes or with national and international broadcasters, or with Member States, and liaises with media channels to distribute United Nations material. Engages with potential funders of such programming and manages projects on extra-budgetary funds. - Supervises logistical arrangements for visual coverage of major events by liaising with the visual media and arranging and managing access, including the organization or photo opportunities. - Ensures the provision of efficient and effective multimedia services to producers, accredited correspondents and the information services of specialized agencies. - Collaborates with relevant sections of the Divisions of Administration and Conference Management to harmonize the operations of the technical facilities. - Deputizes for the Director of the Service in her/his absence, including to serve as UN Geneva Spokesperson when required. - Represents the Service at inter-agency meetings, seminars, and other meetings relevant to communications, news and multimedia content producers’ community of practice.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Has thorough knowledge of challenges and trends in communication and for broadcast and online journalism in an international context. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of multimedia production and distribution. Demonstrates skill and vision in leading and motivating a talented multilingual production team. Understands political sensitivities in international relations and multilateral diplomacy and leverages this understanding to provide editorial guidance to news and content production from the UN in Geneva. Understands the United Nations system, its activities, and its mandates. Demonstrates ability and experience in managing budgets, procurement and human resources issues. Demonstrates ability to raise and manage financial support for audiovisual content production. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology; broad technical knowledge of audio-visual media, including new and emerging technologies. 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; monitor progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discussed performances and provides feedback and coaching of staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. JUDGEMENT/DECISION-MAKING: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

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

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in broadcast journalism or multimedia communications, including at least five years at the international level, is required. Experience in supervision, team management and assignment planning is required. Experience in writing and editing news and reports for international audiences on tight deadlines is required. Experience with live news production and live-streaming is required.

Languages

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereofare subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. At the 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 United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The 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. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 28 February 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must meet the applicable geographical or lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy, taking into account that selection to the post may itself constitute a qualifying move, in accordance with the relevant administrative issuances. Staff members are encouraged to ensure that all qualifying geographical or lateral moves are accurately reflected in their applicant profile. Please refer to ST/AI/2025/2 on the Staff selection system for more details.

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.