Chief of Branch, Communications
Organizational Context
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) aims to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action, advocate for those in need, and promote preparedness. The Financing and Outreach Division (FOD) leads resource mobilization and communication efforts. This Chief of Communications role sits within FOD at UNHQ in New York, reporting to the Director of FOD.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Communications will lead and strategically guide the activities of communication sections to ensure alignment with OCHA's objectives. This involves developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance understanding of organizational goals, drive engagement, and build support among target audiences. The role encompasses managing various communication workstreams, including digital communications, media relations, outreach, campaigns, and partnerships. The incumbent will advise senior management on strategic and crisis communications, oversee policy implementation, and lead content creation for complex issues. A key aspect is managing and coordinating communications teams, fostering professional development, and ensuring effective monitoring and analysis of communication strategies and activities to assess performance and impact.
Responsibilities
Lead and strategically guide communication sections to align with organizational objectives. Develop and implement communications strategies to enhance understanding, engagement, and support. Manage diverse communication workstreams (digital, media relations, outreach, campaigns, partnerships) and coordinate with UN entities and partners. Chair the Inter-Agency Standing Committee communications group. Review OCHA's global communications workforce. Advise senior management on strategic, crisis, and reputational risk communications. Oversee the implementation of communications policy, guidance, and training. Lead content creation, including narratives and key messages for complex issues. Manage and coordinate communications teams, including hiring, budgeting, and training. Oversee monitoring and analysis of communication strategies. Lead the development and delivery of impactful campaigns and engagement strategies. Monitor media and events to identify emerging crises and risks, providing strategic advice. Oversee policy development to strengthen information integrity and coordinate efforts to address related threats. Promote adoption of technology, data, and innovation in communications.
Work Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in communications or related fields is required. Experience with current and emerging digital media platforms and strategic communications principles is essential. Experience leading teams and managing projects is necessary. Three years of crisis communication experience in a humanitarian, development, or peacekeeping setting is desirable.
Skills
Strategic thinking, critical thinking, leadership, team management, crisis communications, digital communications, media relations, outreach, campaign development, partnership building, content creation, information integrity, data analysis, professional communication (complex matters), client orientation, creativity, performance management.