DIRECTOR, INFORMATION CENTRE

The Department of Global Communications (DGC) is responsible for informing the public, civil society and Member States with trusted information and communicating the UN story around the world through its global networks and United Nations Information Centres and Services. This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Pretoria, within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Outreach Division (OD) of DGC. The UNIC Pretoria is integrated with the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in South Africa since the operationalization of the United Nations development system reform on 1 January 2019. The UNIC is part of the global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), and UNIC Pretoria is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in South Africa and is responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating UN information materials to a local audience in local languages; engaging local and regional partners; and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves. The incumbent is under the general supervision of the Chief of ICS and reports directly to the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa.

Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: • Lead, supervise and carry out the work programme of the centre; undertake or oversee the programmatic and/or administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Information Centre, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, recruitment of staff and evaluation of staff performance. • Manage, guide, develop and train staff under his or her supervision in South Africa and the work region; foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Information Centre and across organizational boundaries. • In line with the Global Communications Strategy for the United Nations, conceptualize, design and execute the programmes and activities in South Africa; promote information integrity; lead and supervise the development and implementation of high profile multimedia strategic communications campaigns as well as oversee digital and social media content and activities in multiple languages and in coordination with DGC UNHQ teams as needed; develop a network of effective digital influencers and opportunities for cross promotion on issues of common interest; develop outreach to key target audiences, including youth; set quality and production standards for information dissemination; approve the preparation, from research to publication, of UN information products; supervise the creation and maintenance of networks of high level communications contacts with members of the media, governmental agencies, international organizations, civil society, educational institutions, and members of the creative community in the work region; and lead and supervise the assessment of the overall effectiveness of the communications strategy and programmes. • Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator in South Africa in adapting and localizing UN global communications and thematic advocacy priorities. • Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT) in South Africa in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint communications strategy, promoting the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) as a key instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities, in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. • May serve as UN spokesperson in South Africa on highly complex communications issues in coordination with the Resident Coordinator; liaise with national and international media on UN activities and programmes related to South Africa as well as on global UN issues and campaigns; organize and chair press briefings and media stakeouts; issue press releases and media statements; assist the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team members with their media engagements. • Plan and facilitate the development and implementation of a digital content strategy for UNCT South Africa website and social media and contribute to the development of key UNCT communications and advocacy products. Oversee the UNCT South Africa digital communications platforms such as the website and official social media accounts. • Provide diverse materials (briefings, speeches, questions and answers, etc.), technical and policy advice on highly complex communications issues related to the operation of the Information Centre and/or related to the work region to the Resident Coordinator and the Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications and other UN senior officials; provide UN Headquarters with media reports regarding highly complex conditions and public attitudes towards the UN in the work region; ensure that the policies and activities of the UN are communicated accurately and promptly, within highly complex political, substantive and/or operational situations, to the national authorities. • In close coordination with the Resident Coordinator, may liaise with government authorities in South Africa and the work region; lead and supervise activities to promote and coordinate the communications aspect of visits by the Secretary-General, UN senior officials, and/or UN delegations to South Africa and the work region. • Ensure that the outputs produced by the Information Centre maintain high-quality standards and comply with the relevant mandates of DGC and that reports are clearly written, timely, objective and based on comprehensive data; report to intergovernmental bodies on programmatic and/or substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in annual reports; and contribute to position papers and reports to intergovernmental bodies, as appropriate. • Lead coordinated UN system communications by serving as Chair of the UN Communications Group (UNCG) in South Africa; manage the promotion of joint communications activities between DGC and UN System entities in South Africa and the work region; and conceptualize a strategy for strengthening the communications impact of the UN in South Africa; as well as monitor and address information integrity risks. • In coordination with the Resident Coordinator, lead and provide crisis communications support to the RCO, the UNCG and other UN system entities in South Africa. • Supervise the organization of meetings, seminars, and other fora related to the communications aspects of thematic issues in the work region; in matters related to communications, lead international, regional or national meetings, supervising programmatic and/or substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions; represent the Information Centre at international, regional or national meetings and at UN interagency meetings, seminars on thematic issues. • Ensure appropriate tools and methods are in place and used to measure and evaluate the impact of communications activities with timely reports to UN Headquarters. • Build and strengthen synergies with other DGC field offices, RCOs and UNCTs in the sub-region. Upon request, and in consultation and coordination with the respective Resident Coordinator, provide policy advice on complex communications issues, conduct sensitive political liaison, provide crisis communications support and support the communications aspect of UN high-level visits. • Perform other duties and special functions, as required by UN Headquarters and the Resident Coordinator in South Africa.

PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated knowledge of communications, including audience-focused strategic communications and crisis communications; proven ability to implement effective media campaigns and to develop traditional and digital media products and activities targeting the media; ability to identify communications opportunities and problems and to articulate these to clients. Ability to advise on communications challenges, assess communications environments, including in respect to information integrity and develop and implement communication strategies in the work region with various promotional techniques. Ability to make decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization and to apply rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. 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. 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.

An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in journalism, communication, public information, international relations or related fields is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience, including four years at the international level, in communications, journalism, international relations or related area is required. Experience developing and executing strategic communications, including multimedia campaigns and crisis communications, addressing mis and disinformation, public speaking, and working in and/or with traditional and digital media is required. Experience in resource administration, including budget preparation, human resources management and/or conflict management and resource mobilization is required. Experience supervising an office, unit or section within the United Nations common system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience with the political, social, and economic context of South Africa and the sub-region of responsibility is desirable. Experience working in communications in the United Nations common system or a comparable international organization is desirable.

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

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. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Candidate Profile (CP) and cover letter. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving a 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of the 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 background, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Applicants who are within one year of reaching the mandatory age of separation at the time the job opening closes are not eligible to apply for job openings. Selected candidates shall be required to serve for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment before being eligible to apply to another position. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 June 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Brunei Darussalam, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, China, Cuba, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Libya, Liberia, Luxembourg, Monaco, Oman, Paraguay, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Turkmenistan, United States of America.

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.

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.