Chief of Communications

Special Notice:

JOB DESCRIPTION

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. These latter efforts are complemented by, and closely coordinated with, the outputs of a separate marketing communications team in ICAO which is affiliated directly with its revenue-generating activities.

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. This includes promoting the use of internal communication platforms and raising awareness of ICAO’s internally-directed strategies and projects.

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:

1. Design, implement and maintain strategic and operational communications plans with technical and content input from units within the Organization, which are related to programme or region-specific plans, support the adoption of new initiatives by decision-makers and ensure the effective delivery of the Organization’s information.
2. Identify, analyse, and evaluate the needs of the Organization in the field of communications, based on evaluation of the political, public, scientific, commercial and technical environments in which the Organization functions, as well as the priority needs expressed by Senior Management and the Governing Body.
3. Prepare and oversee the preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives.
4. Develop and/or review texts (articles, speeches, statements, press releases etc.) for the Secretary General and the President of the Council; support the Secretary General and the President of the Council in the preparation of executive communications including speeches, blogs, media outreach, and online messaging (including social media networks).

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)

Externally Promotes ICAO Achievements And Results For Government, Industry, And General Public Audience Segments, Emphasizing The Distinction Between The States Who Collaborate And Make Decisions Through The Organization And The ICAO Secretariat Of International Civil Servants Which Supports Them, Achieving Results Such As:

1. Draft a strategic communications plan for the Organization in coordination with other Bureaus and offices, including Regional Offices.
2. Make continuous contributions to the packaging and refinement of the speeches, articles, interviews, forewords, personal social media posts and PowerPoint presentations developed on behalf of ICAO’s Secretary General and Council President, in conjunction with the COM Officer and ICAO policy lead contributors.
3. Promote, in cooperation with lead Bureaus and Offices, ICAO’s Strategic Objectives and prioritized advocacy and focus areas for international civil aviation.
4. Establish effective media and trade media relations with relevant outlets and stakeholders.
5. Oversee the ICAO public website and guide site improvements.
6. Oversee the COM team’s prompt coordination of news products, editorial content, and social media publishing on all relevant ICAO developments, and contribute to their messages’ refinement and reach.
7. Coordinate and publish the Annual Report of the Council, in collaboration with other Secretariat business units.
8. Promote all non-revenue generating ICAO events and programmes, including the triennial ICAO Assembly, and supporting the coordination of major ICAO celebrations.
9. Maintain effective relations and partnerships in support of the ICAO Communications Strategy with relevant national groups, private sector supplier and industry organizations, educational organizations, UN sister agencies and international organizations, etc.
10. Review and re-specify ICAO’s primary external audience segments each triennium.
11. Continuously review Public Relations technologies and tools to assure ICAO is leveraging latest innovations to the full potential of its brand and messaging.
12. Organize press seminars at Headquarters for groups of journalists from Member States (in collaboration with the resident national delegations).
13. Undertake activities to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events. Build information networks, plan and oversee maintenance of publicly accessible information materials and plan and develop outreach activities.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)

Reinforces The Presence, And Creates The Branding, Of The Organization In The Media, Including Establishing Strong And Active Alliances With Strategic Partners With a View To Enhancing Understanding Of The Importance Of The Organization’s Contribution In International Civil Aviation, Achieving Results Such As:

1. Timely disseminate media releases, press releases and editorials about the most significant topics and major events concerning the Organization’s programmes and activities.
2. Take the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns.
3. Undertake activities to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events.
4. Build information networks, plan and oversee maintenance of publicly accessible information materials and plan and develop outreach activities.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)

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

1. Develop and implement an internal communication strategy that aligns with ICAO’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
2. Work closely with other Bureaus and offices, including Regional Offices to ensure that internal communication efforts are cohesive and consistent across all levels.
3. Review and re-specify ICAO’s internal audience segments.
4. Develop an annual internal communications plan with the Office of the Secretary General, as well as other bureaus and offices.
5. Establish and maintain standardized communications structures and protocols, messaging templates, and best practices to ensure consistency in internal communications.
6. Evaluate and manage the internal communication channels, including emails, intranet, newsletters, and instant messaging platforms, ensuring that they are effectively utilized.
7. Oversee the creation and dissemination of internal communication materials, including newsletters, intranet content, and internal announcements.
8. Utilize metrics such as staff participation rates and feedback to assess the impact and efficiency of communication efforts.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)

Establishes The Mechanisms Required To Increase And Assure The Quality And Effectiveness Of The Organization’s Communications Products And Ensure That They Meet The Needs And Fulfil The Expectations Of The Organization, Achieving Results Such As:

1. Ensure that resources allocated to the communications programme are used efficiently to implement the communications plan and to accomplish assigned special projects.
2. Employ the most appropriate and effective tools and mechanisms including social media platforms to ensure that ICAO’s message is effectively and efficiently communicated to target audiences on a global basis.
3. Provide advice on communications initiatives to HQ and Regional Offices, to ensure effective coordination and consistent messaging and outreach.

Function 6 (incl. Expected results)

Provides Expert Advice And Up-to-date Information To The Director LEB, Secretary General, President Of The Council, Senior Management And Other Decision-makers On Issues Concerning Communications And Public Affairs, achieving Results Such As:

1. Identify, analyze and manage major communications situations which could impact the work of ICAO by providing an early warning to senior management.
2. Anticipate and recommend actions to address or resolve communications-related issues and problems.
3. Prepare and revise policies and strategies in order to adjust the Organization posture on current issues, trends, and developments.
4. Develop and regularly update key and sensitive issue talking points.
5. Develop and manage crisis communication plans, ensuring that critical information is disseminated quickly and effectively during emergencies.

Function 7 (incl. Expected results)

Collaboratively Develops Effective Communications And Change Management Capacities With ICAO Business Units And Special Project And Programme Teams, Achieving Results Such As:

1. Oversee and monitor the training and support provided to business units, project and programs across the Organization on effective communication practices.
2. Support and guide strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns (e.g. public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject-specific issues, etc.); where appropriate; work with departments, and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns organization-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.

Function 8 (incl. Expected results)

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

1. Develop, implement and monitor the progress of the Section’s annual internal and external communications operating plans, and oversee their reporting and administration using current internal systems.
2. Oversee the COM budget, including annual proposals for any contingency workforce or special project deliverables not covered by existing financial resources.
3. Mutually agree on individual annual work plans with COM staff members and consultants, engaging with each and managing their performance throughout the year as per the requirements of applicable ICAO systems and policies.
4. Prepare reports and inputs as required to support the supervisor with any COM-related engagements with the ICAO Council or its Committees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Education

Essential

An advanced-level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in public information, communications or journalism, or related field, is required. A first-level university degree, in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience in public information, communications or journalism, or related field, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Essential

Professional experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in progressively responsible professional positions in public information/relations, corporate or marketing communications, or a related area, and including staff supervisory and performance management responsibilities.
• Experience in rapidly analysing and integrating diverse and technical information from varied sources to produce clear and concise communications products.
• Experience developing global communications campaigns.
• Experience in developing professional relationships with communications executives at key institutions.
• Experience managing a communications team.

Desirable

• Considerable experience with the international air transport sector.
• Communications or Public Information experience within the United Nations system organizations and/or Governments.

Languages

Essential

• Fluent reading, writing and speaking abilities in English.
• A working knowledge of French.

Desirable

• A working knowledge of any other language of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communications. Demonstrated ability to conceptualise, implement, and track effective information/communications initiatives targeting international audience segments. Ability to advise on sensitive communications challenges. Ability to assess various communications environments, draft communications strategies and manage implementation of public information campaigns with various promotional and publicity techniques. Ability to handle confidential material with discretion and difficult situations with diplomacy and tact. Superior writing, speaking and general communication skills in the English language. Ability to produce a variety of written -communications products in a clear, concise style. High degree of familiarity and proficiency with the latest in digital marketing and collaboration technologies. Ability to present and defend difficult positions to senior officials. Proven credibility, interpersonal and team skills. 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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

It should be noted that this post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years (first year is probationary for an external candidate).

ICAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Secretary General and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization, in accordance with the provisions of the ICAO service code.

ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. In this connection, ICAO has incorporated the 2013 Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service into the ICAO Personnel Instructions.

ICAO offers an attractive benefit package to its employees in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).

The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.

Remuneration: Level Net Base Salary + Post Adjustment(net)

P-5 per annum per annum(*)

USD 101,540 USD 33,610

(*) Post Adjustment is subject to change.

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 at any stage of the selection process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICAO are fraudulent and should be disregarded.