TERMS of REFERENCE Communication Specialist (Digital Transition Lead)

TERMS OF REFERENCE – Communication Specialist (Digital Transition Lead)

Title: Communication Specialist (TA) Level: L-4 Reports to: Chief, Digital Strategy Duration: 364 days Location: NYHQ

Purpose of the Position Under the guidance of the Section Chief and in coordination with other teams in the section, the Digital Transition Leader is responsible for the conceptualization, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of the overall transition process of digital content and people who work on digital communications.

The primary purpose is to ensure on-time and excellent delivery of a new content strategy and retraining/overhaul of staff who work on external web digital communications. This role will coordinate the transition of teams, digital platforms, and content for global, regional/country, and division, taking into account the various needs around social engagement, localization, and the use of multimedia.

To ensure an integrated/transmedia approach to UNICEF’s digital story, including engaging use of digital media and interactive storytelling, presenting UNICEF in a data rich context in support of UNICEF’s communication needs, supporting advocacy and fundraising, and supporting UNICEF’s position as a knowledge leader in issues about children.

To ensure accessibility, findability and usability of UNICEF’s digital content.

Main Responsibilities  Manage overall relationship with relevant units across the organization as key topic and geographical website sections are identified and transitioned from existing platforms to the new WCMS in key global languages and with a localization approach for country sites.  Lead the transition of UNICEF’s 150+ websites to the new content management system.  Manage digital transition resources, ensuring that proper processes and resources are in place, and that priorities are defined and in sync with the overall digital strategy.  Manage the team’s work program, monitor program deliverables, report on progress and performance, and mitigate program risks. Manage and guide the transition of sites to the new web content management system. This includes guiding the content strategy, managing the processes and work needed to establish guidelines, checklists and processes for the successful transition of sites; creating Web CMS training materials (manual, videos, etc.), planning training; and conducting lessons learned sessions to continually improve processes in planning, resourcing and project management.  Work closely with the Digital Strategy technology function to jointly manage the risks associated with the transition to the new web content management platform.  Manage client relationships and play a leadership role in engaging senior management during the transition to the new digital platform.  Engage units’ management to 1) ensure that staffing to manage the unit’s external digital communications is in place either through retraining or hiring; 2) ensure management has bought in and provide the space for the intense work needed from staff over the transition period.  Manage, maintain and advocate for consistent application of the global style guide to ensure brand consistency and integrity throughout UNICEF digital properties. Provide guidance and recommendations to clients on overall design direction.  Manage the capture, flow and appropriate resolution of enhancement requests and issues associated with the transition to a new web content management platform. Effectively handle and mitigate escalations before they become serious enough to warrant attention by DOC management.  Define and implement the visual identity, information architecture, and user experience for UNICEF’s external web presence. This includes: performing content audits, defining site section conceptual approach, creating wireframes and associated requirements.  Develop relationships and nurture alliances with various external individuals, groups and organizations, whose support is valuable to the achievement of the organization’s digital strategy.  Conduct readiness assessments, evaluate results and present findings in a logical and easy- to-understand manner.  Ensure that the team formulates effective execution plans, including identifying and assessing risks and establishing appropriate forward mitigation. Ensure that the Web Business team fully meets its delivery commitments on schedule and per agreed scope and quality criteria.  May be asked to work on weekends;  May be asked to travel;  Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualification

 Advanced university degree or equivalent work experience in digital media, journalism, communication, public relations, social sciences or related fields.  At least eight years progressively responsible professional work experience in digital media and/or digital communication, including two years at the management level.  Knowledge of contemporary development issues, developing country and programme exposure from field experience, and familiarity with child-related and UNICEF issues, including child rights.  Experience in digital content editorial and content development.  High level of current knowledge of and proven experience in Internet and digital media.  Demonstrated experience working with rich media including video, audio, in combination with Internet technologies.  Experience in interactive design and innovation, including platform interoperability and mobile device accessibility.  Knowledge of project planning, digital strategy, and mass media communication.  Experience with work in a non-profit organization a plus Competencies  Has highest level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.  Good analytical skills. Experience tracking, presenting and reporting metrics and milestones.  Good negotiating skills.  General ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written, oral and visual form.  Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with external partners.  Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.  Proven ability to work as part of a team.

UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

Closing date is Monday 20 October 2014.

Applications should be sent to: [email protected]. When sending to this mailbox, please ensure that the position you are applying for is quoted on the subject line.

The Personal History Form (P11) in MS Word format can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc.

Please note that acknowledgement of application will be extended only to short-listed candidates.