Director, Global Communications and Advocacy
Position description
Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, the Director of Global Communications and Advocacy will provide visionary leadership for UNICEF’s global communications, advocacy and brand agenda. The successful candidate will position UNICEF as a bold, credible and influential voice for children while leading a diverse global function operating across headquarters, regional offices, country offices and National Committees.
This is a role for a politically astute and highly accomplished leader who can shape global narratives, build influential coalitions, manage reputational risk and guide UNICEF through a rapidly evolving media and information environment. The Director will ensure communications and advocacy are fully aligned with programme delivery, fundraising, partnerships and organisational priorities.
Responsibilities
The Director will lead the development and implementation of UNICEF’s global communications and advocacy strategy, establishing priorities that elevate children’s rights and respond to emerging global challenges. Working closely with senior leadership, the role will provide strategic counsel on organisational positioning, advocacy priorities, communications risks and reputation management.
The postholder will oversee global media relations, advocacy campaigns, digital engagement, content strategy, brand governance, internal communications, child and youth engagement initiatives, influencer strategies and strategic communications partnerships. They will ensure consistent messaging and high standards across UNICEF’s global communications ecosystem.
A key priority will be leading UNICEF’s response to a changing information environment shaped by artificial intelligence, platform dynamics, misinformation and disinformation. The Director will identify opportunities created by emerging technologies while ensuring UNICEF remains a trusted authority on child rights worldwide.
The role also carries significant leadership responsibilities, including directing a large and geographically dispersed workforce, managing substantial resources and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture built on empowerment, accountability and collaboration. As a member of UNICEF’s Global Management Team, the Director will represent the organisation externally and contribute to strategic decision-making across UNICEF.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree in journalism, communication, international relations or a related field, or a first-level degree with additional qualifying experience.
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, strategic communications or international relations.
- Significant senior leadership experience within a large, multicultural organisation.
- Proven success in developing and leading global communications, advocacy or influencing strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to shape public narratives and drive large-scale campaigns.
- Experience building coalitions, partnerships and networks of influential stakeholders and champions.
- Strong understanding of the contemporary information environment, including AI, misinformation and disinformation.
- Experience leading large, internationally dispersed teams and managing complex organisational change.
- Strong political judgement, strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in English. French is an asset.
- Experience within international organisations, humanitarian settings or developing country contexts is highly desirable.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted through UNICEF’s careers portal. Interested candidates can view the full vacancy announcement and apply online. Please consult the vacancy announcement for complete information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
Application instructions
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