Director, Information Centre

UN Secretariat; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in Pretoria seeks a Director of the Information Centre to lead and execute the UN's communication strategy in South Africa. You will manage the centre's work program, supervise staff, and develop multimedia campaigns while coordinating with the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team.

The role requires a Master’s or Doctorate in a relevant field, 10+ years in communications (4+ international), and experience with media relations, crisis communications, and digital platforms.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in journalism, communication, public information, international relations, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years progressive experience in communications, journalism, or international relations, with at least four years at the international level.
• Experience in strategic communications, multimedia campaigns, crisis communications, and addressing disinformation.
• Experience in resource administration (budget, HR) and supervising staff in a UN or comparable international organization.
• Experience in the South African context and with the UN system is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Information Centre's work program, including administrative tasks, budget preparation, and staff performance evaluation.
• Supervise, guide, and develop staff, fostering teamwork.
• Conceptualize, design, and execute communication programs and campaigns aligned with the UN's Global Communications Strategy, including multimedia and digital initiatives.
• Promote information integrity and outreach to key audiences.
• Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team on communications and advocacy, including the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
• Serve as UN spokesperson, liaise with media and government authorities, and manage high-level visits.
• Oversee digital platforms and content strategy.
• Provide policy advice and media reports to UN Headquarters.
• Lead coordinated UN system communications, chair the UN Communications Group, and provide crisis communications support.
• Supervise meetings and represent the Information Centre at various forums.
• Ensure effective measurement and evaluation of communication activities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Media relations

Public speaking

Digital and social media

Policy advice

Budget management

Staff supervision

Team management

Education

Advanced degree in journalism or public information

Job description

Organizational context: The Department of Global Communications (DGC) oversees the UN's global communication efforts through its network of Information Centres. This role is based at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Pretoria, South Africa, integrated with the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO). UNIC Pretoria serves as the primary source of UN information in South Africa, promoting understanding and support for the UN's mission by disseminating materials, engaging partners, and bringing the UN closer to the people.

Job purpose: The Director of the Information Centre in Pretoria is responsible for leading and executing the UN's communication strategy in South Africa. This involves managing the centre's work program, supervising staff, and developing and implementing multimedia strategic communication campaigns. The role supports the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team in adapting global priorities, promoting the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and serving as a spokesperson when necessary. Key functions include managing digital and social media, advising senior officials, liaising with national authorities and media, and ensuring high-quality information dissemination to foster public understanding and support for the UN's aims and activities.

Responsibilities: Lead and manage the Information Centre's work program, including administrative tasks, budget preparation, and staff performance evaluation. Supervise, guide, and develop staff, fostering teamwork. Conceptualize, design, and execute communication programs and campaigns aligned with the UN's Global Communications Strategy, including multimedia and digital initiatives. Promote information integrity and outreach to key audiences. Provide substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team on communications and advocacy, including the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. Serve as UN spokesperson, liaise with media and government authorities, and manage high-level visits. Oversee digital platforms and content strategy. Provide policy advice and media reports to UN Headquarters. Lead coordinated UN system communications, chair the UN Communications Group, and provide crisis communications support. Supervise meetings and represent the Information Centre at various forums. Ensure effective measurement and evaluation of communication activities.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in journalism, communication, public information, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted as an alternative.

Work experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, or international relations, with at least four years at the international level. Required experience includes strategic communications, multimedia campaigns, crisis communications, addressing disinformation, public speaking, and working with traditional and digital media. Experience in resource administration (budget, HR) and supervising staff in a UN or comparable international organization is also required. Experience in the South African context and with the UN system is desirable.

Skills: Professionalism in communications, strategic communication planning and execution, crisis communication management, multimedia campaign development, digital and social media proficiency, public speaking, media relations, policy advice, leadership, team management, performance management, communication, and accountability.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, French