Chief of Communications

Special Notice: The ICAO Assembly recently reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of women by supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls."

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for ICAO positions, especially in the Professional and higher level categories.

ICAO Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity.

THE ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The Communications Section (COM) within the Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau (LEB) is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications programme for ICAO and is the principal point of contact for all media- and public information-related activities.

The Chief of Communications leads and manages the Communications Section (COM) and is responsible for conceiving, planning and implementing a communications strategy and programme to demonstrate ICAO’s leadership on all international civil aviation matters and to develop support for activities that meet the needs of the Organization, its Member States and air transport partners in dealing with the media and the public.

In this capacity, the Chief of COM’s reach will extend to the implementation of a comprehensive internal communications and external public information programmes for the Organization.

The external public information function is mainly comprised of corporate communications, advocacy and outreach, and related media relations responsibilities, in addition to the promotion of non-revenue generating ICAO events and initiatives.

The internal communications functions of the Section focus on leading ICAO’s internal communications strategy and planning, ensuring staff engagement and alignment with organizational goals.

The Chief of COM reports directly to the Director, LEB who provides general direction and oversight, and serves as an avenue for consultation on complex technical/managerial issues. The Chief of COM is directly responsible to lead and supervise the work and staff of the Section, making decisions on priorities and managing performance.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Function 1 (incl. Expected results)

Plans, develops and implements ICAO’s communication strategy, which structures the priority topics of information, the events which illustrate them, the key messages ICAO will deliver, and identifies the audience, the objectives and the methods for using the different communication media, achieving results such as:

• Design, implement and maintain strategic and operational communications plans with technical and content input from units within the Organization.
• Identify, analyse, and evaluate the needs of the Organization in the field of communications.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives.
• Develop and/or review texts for the Secretary General and the President of the Council.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)

Externally promotes ICAO achievements and results for government, industry, and general public audience segments, achieving results such as:

• Draft a strategic communications plan for the Organization.
• Make continuous contributions to the packaging and refinement of communications materials.
• Promote ICAO’s Strategic Objectives and prioritized advocacy for international civil aviation.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)

Reinforces the presence, and creates the branding, of the Organization in the media, achieving results such as:

• Timely disseminate media releases and press releases.
• Lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)

Leads ICAO’s internal Communications Strategy and Planning, achieving results such as:

• Develop and implement an internal communication strategy.
• Work closely with other Bureaus and offices to ensure cohesive communication efforts.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)

Establishes mechanisms to increase and assure the quality and effectiveness of the Organization’s communications products, achieving results such as:

• Ensure efficient use of resources allocated to the communications programme.

Function 6 (incl. Expected results)

Provides expert advice and up-to-date information to senior management on communications and public affairs, achieving results such as:

• Identify, analyze and manage major communications situations.

Function 7 (incl. Expected results)

Collaboratively develops effective communications capacities with ICAO business units, achieving results such as:

• Oversee and monitor training and support provided to business units.

Function 8 (incl. Expected results)

Leads, manages and supervises the Communications Section, achieving results such as:

• Develop, implement and monitor the progress of the Section’s annual communications plans.

Function 9 (incl. Expected results)

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

Essential

An advanced-level university degree in public information, communications or journalism, or related field, is required.

Professional experience

Essential

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in public information/relations or related area.
• Experience in rapidly analysing and integrating diverse information.

Languages

Essential

• Fluent in English.
• A working knowledge of French.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Knowledge of public information and communications.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals aligned with strategies.

Managing Performance: Delegates responsibility and monitors progress.

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies key issues and makes informed decisions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years.

ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants.

ICAO offers an attractive benefit package to its employees.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit: ICAO Careers website.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES

ICAO does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates.