Chief of Unit, Production

The post is located in the Radio, Television and Webcast Section of the UN Department of Global Communications in Geneva. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Section.

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Radio, Television and Webcast Section, the incumbent is responsible for leading the planning, coordination and execution of broadcast coverage for the UN Department of Global Communications out of its UN Information Service, Geneva hub, and managing the related team. To this end, the main duties of the incumbent are:

• Manages daily operations of the team responsible for broadcast of meetings and press events taking place at the Palais des Nations as well as the technical operation of press conferences, ensuring the link with webcast operations. Drives scheduling of video and multimedia coverage and coordination with the News Unit in the UN Information Service Geneva. Distributes workload, sets up and monitors workflows for broadcasting and video production. Oversees staff responsible for technical operations, managing performance of team members with a focus on quality assurance and timeliness. Takes charge of substantive and administrative activities of the Unit, including as relates to hardware and software procurement and oversight of the financial and budgetary dimension of broadcast and video production activities, interpreting policy and providing best practices advice.
• In close coordination with the News Unit in the UN Information Service Geneva, ensures the timely production and distribution of video news edits of press briefings and press conferences as required, ensuring deliverables and timelines compatible with the global news cycle and the UN’s communications priorities. Coordinates distribution to international media, including UNIFEED and the European Broadcasting Union.
• Represents the UN Information Service in Geneva at UNOG-wide communication planning meetings, takes part in UN Web TV global team meetings and works with other UN departments, funds and agencies based in Geneva on their webcast/broadcast coverage needs for events taking place at the Palais des Nations (and off-site as required). Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff of other UN entities on a range of broadcast, studio management, technical workflow and related issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves multimedia asset acquisition, storage and distribution issues.
• Builds partnerships and strengthens relationships with key stakeholders, to gain political and financial support for broadcast and video coverage out of the UN hub in Geneva.

Professionalism: Expert knowledge of multimedia production workflows, broadcasting tools and technologies, multimedia asset management. 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.

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.

Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, multimedia, broadcast engineering or related field is required. A first-level university degree in one of the above-mentioned areas in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, including technical aspects of live broadcasting, studio operations and video production, in an international setting, is required. Experience in managing a multimedia team is required. Experience in producing video news edits carried by international broadcasters is required. Experience in managing livestreaming operations is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.