Chief of Unit, Public Information, New York City

Org. Setting and ReportingThis post is located in the Guided Tours Unit, Visitors Services Section, Outreach Division, Department of Global Communications. The objective of the Outreach Division is to enhance understanding of the role, work and mandate of the United Nations and to encourage the exchange of ideas, information and knowledge in support of the goals of the Organisation. The Guided Tours Unit is part of the Visitors Services Section in the Outreach Division of the Department of Global Communications. Guided tours are conducted to visiting groups and the general public, and cover the history, work and current topical issues on the UN agenda. As part of Visitors Services, the Chief of the Guided Tours Unit manages the workflow of the operation, including the performance of the tour guides, the tour coordinators, the briefing assistant and the reservationists. Guided tours are conducted to visiting groups, as well as the general public, to explain the work and history of the Organisation, its structure, and current topical issues on the UN agenda. The Chief of the Guided Tours Unit reports to the Chief of the Visitors Services Section. The incumbent of the post will report to the Chief of the Visitors Services Section in New York. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Chief of the Guided Tours Unit is responsible for the following duties: Public information and public relations: • Designs and structures the guided tour experience so that information is conveyed in a manner that is easily understood by the public and tailored to different groups. • Keeps abreast of current UN issues and advises the guiding staff on how to incorporate UN-related news and developments in their presentations. • Ensures displays on the tour route are current and appealing. • Controls the quality of the guided tour experience by regularly conducting tour checks and soliciting feedback from customers. • Produces promotional material aimed at attracting visitors to the UN, including feature articles for trade magazines and other media outlets to promote the UN as a tourist and educational destination in NYC, including on social media platforms. • Initiates and oversees special tour-related events, including with internal and external partners. Staffing: • Recruits staff for the operation – taking due account of geographical and gender balance and other institutional values – and manages their performance. • Plans and executes training and briefing programmes for the guiding staff. • Carries out human resources activities for the Unit, such as work force planning, placement, staff selection, training, etc., ensuring consistency in the application of UN rules and procedures. Budget: • Plans and manages the guided tours operation as a self-sustaining activity under the Income Section of the budget. • Prepares the budget narrative for the guided tours operation, and reports on budget/programme performance. • Prepares and implements the work programme for guided tours, monitoring and reviewing expenditures and income to ensure the efficient use of resources. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Ability to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation. Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections. 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. PLANNING&ORGANIZING: Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, management, international relations or related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree in the specified fields of studies. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information or public relations in an international environment is required. Experience serving as an official full-time tour guide within an international organisation is required. Experience in managing the individual and collective performance of a team of more than twenty (20) multinational staff is required. Experience in producing public information materials, such as key messages, press releases or articles for publication is required. Experience with conflict resolution between diverse members of a large team is desirable. Experience in marketing and advertising, as well as in partnering with external stakeholders is desirable. Experience in formulating and implementing results-based budget management is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).