Director, Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, (D2), New York, USA

UNICEF

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, under the general supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, is responsible for shaping and leading global communications, advocacy, and brand management efforts to support UNICEF's global positioning as a key actor and partner in delivering results for children and promoting child rights in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This role requires a manager who is effective and kind, and a communicator who is bold and politically sophisticated, capable of setting the global influencing agenda on child rights and well-being, shaping narratives, and building strong internal and external relationships with senior stakeholders. The Director will set policy directions for communication and advocacy priorities, ensuring coordination across relevant Divisions and Offices for synergy. They will lead the strategic development of UNICEF's brand positioning, identity, and thought leadership, ensuring the organization is recognized as a credible and agenda-setting voice for children. The role also ensures that advocacy and communications are positioned as key enablers for fundraising, partnerships, and program delivery.

Requirements

An Advanced University Degree in journalism, communication, international relations, or a related field of study is required. A first level degree (bachelor or equivalent) in journalism, communication, mass media, international relations, political affairs, may be considered in lieu of advanced degree with additional two years of relevant experience.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, strategic communications, or international relations, of which at least five years in a leadership position in a large multicultural institution is required.
Experience in building and maintaining diverse coalitions of champions and influencers, brokering unconventional partnerships, and finding new and innovative ways to raise awareness on the rights violations and plight of children, whilst highlighting evidence and track record of available, cost-effective solutions.
Experience in leading a large team of diverse staff in several global locations with a demonstrable track record of team elevation and effective delegation is required.
Experience in leading and designing strategic communication programmes in a fast-changing world is required.
A proven ability to set a global influencing agenda and experience in establishing and leading campaigns is required, using sophisticated media differentiation strategies.
Demonstrated expertise in the contemporary information environment, including expertise in managing and mitigating mis- and disinformation.
Fluency in English is required.

Nice To Haves

Training and broad knowledge of mass media and interpersonal communication is an asset.
Experience and understanding of United Nations and UNICEF’s work in the field is desired.
Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency settings is considered a major asset.
Fluency in French is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Overseeing the design and strategic implementation of communication and advocacy strategy, its priorities and tactics at the global level, for both development and humanitarian contexts, aligned with the organizational Global Communications and Advocacy Strategy (GCAS) and the UNICEF Strategic Plan, and consistent positioning of UNICEF as a credible global voice on child rights violations.
Providing senior level guidance and counsel on communication and advocacy strategy and risk management to the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors and other members of the UNICEF Global Management Team.
Securing and directing necessary human and financial resources within the Division to support both global actions and the efforts of regional and country level communication and advocacy work.
Overseeing the Division of GCA, providing senior leadership guidance as well as management oversight, quality assurance and management accountabilities for global communication and advocacy initiatives - including digital platforms, channels and content - global media outreach, global advocacy publications, child and youth engagement initiatives in support of advocacy, brand development and governance, strategic global communication and advocacy partnerships, and internal communications and staff engagement.
Advise and assist the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors on the global positioning of children's issues and child rights, through effective communications, advocacy and brand management, and ensure synergies with fundraising and partnerships efforts.
Lead the development and implementation of a global communication and advocacy strategy with clear priorities to promote children's issues and child rights, reflecting global trends. In collaboration with related HQ Divisions, Regional and Country Offices and National Committees, establish priorities and provide overall guidance and direction for the implementation of UNICEF's global communication and advocacy plans. Coordinate with other divisions to maximize communication, advocacy, partnerships and resource mobilization efforts.
Ensure a systematic approach to anticipate and manage reputational risks to the organization and its leadership. Act as the organization's senior spokesperson, and delegate authority as such effectively where required.
Ensure the effective communication, visibility and impact of UNICEF's mandate as the world’s premier child rights organization, through the effective oversight and execution of integrated communication and advocacy plans (including media relations, engagement and use of Goodwill Ambassadors, advocacy publications, first in class content, digital platforms and social media), whilst regularly updating UNICEFs champion and influencer strategy through (digital) content creators and third party advocates.
Lead UNICEF's strategic response to the algorithmic media environment - platform dynamics, AI-generated content, attentional economy, content distribution at scale as well as managing and mitigating mis- and disinformation. Drive a risk-informed pursuit of opportunities created by advancing technologies to position UNICEF as a leading authority and thought leader on child rights globally.
Establish global best standards in UNICEF communication and advocacy and drive global coordination across the decentralized UNICEF ecosystem (spanning Country Offices in low-income and fragile contexts to National Committees in high-income contexts) and supporting Regional Offices and Country Offices through delivery of effective capacity and technical support and ensure consistent messaging across the UNICEF ecosystem.
In collaboration with other Divisions, identify and develop communication and advocacy partnerships with international foundations and institutions, amongst others, to advocate for and enhance international understanding of development issues and in particular child-related issues as well as child rights violations, including in humanitarian crises.
Direct and manage DGCA resources (including human, information technology, and financial) in accordance with relevant rules, policies, procedures and standards. Foster a conducive, inclusive and empowering working environment, ensuring coherent, well-motivated team leadership and direction.
Establish systematic monitoring systems to inform and strengthen UNICEF's global communication and advocacy efforts against key results. Provide oversight and quality assurance of communication products and services produced by the Division of Global Communications and Advocacy (DGCA).
As member of the UNICEF Global Management Team, participate in key meetings and represent the communications and advocacy field. Represent the organization in external events and bodies as relevant.
Work closely with counterparts in other UN agencies and identify opportunities for collaboration on joint communication and advocacy initiatives. Provide general policy advice on public information and communication matters of common interest and jointly plan United Nations public information operations, as warranted.