Director – Public Advocacy & Communication Engagement – (PACE)

The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) was established on 29 January 2020 by countries and organisations from across the Global South at the International Summit on Balanced and Inclusive Education – III ForumBIE 2030 – held in the Republic of Djibouti. As the first intergovernmental organisation of and by the Greater South, the OSC acts as an instrument of intellectual, technical, and financial cooperation and solidarity between its Member States and Associate Members in the pursuit of a Third Way of Development – from the South, for Humanity

Overall, Purpose of the Role:

Under the authority and direct supervision of the Secretary-General, the Director for Public Advocacy & Communication Engagement – PACE is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and administration of the Office, including the development of its programme, and the execution of the vision and objectives set out by the Secretary-General, while concurrently providing communication support to the Secretariat. This position provides the unique opportunity of joining OSC’s senior management team and contributing to its lasting construction and influencing its future trajectory.

The Office of Public Advocacy & Communication Engagement (PACE) is positioned under the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG). Its main functions are to:

1. Actively disseminate information about the programmatic activities of the OSC.
2. Bring attention to major issues of the OSC agenda, by engaging strategically with OSC stakeholders and the general public to ensure their involvement and co-ownership through two-way communication channels.
3. Build a strong presence of the OSC on digital media platforms and develop durable relations and partnerships with the news media;
   Support OSC Departments to achieve their goals through strategic communication.

Duties

• Oversee the development and implementation of communications policies and the assessment of the overall effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns;
• Develop and implement effective communication strategies in furtherance of the OSC mission and vision;
• Oversee, recruit and manage the Department’s staff;
• Upscale the use of measurable digital communication approaches in the dissemination of information about OSC activities;
• Develop and implement public outreach, sensitisation, and engagement campaigns, initiatives, and events;
• Administer the Office budget in accordance with General Assembly resolutions;
• Attend high-level meetings with the Secretary-General and with senior officials, representatives of Member States and external entities as requested, and represent the Secretary-General in such meetings that the Secretary-General cannot attend, where needed;
• In close collaboration with the Secretary-General, liaise with Member States, academic institutions, NGOs, think tanks, youth organisations and other entities concerning the substance of the Secretary-General’s public appearances and activities;
• Support the Secretary-General in the preparation of biennial programme proposals to the General Assembly in line with the Strategic Plan;
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with the news media and other communication platforms;
• Develop, maintain and promote stakeholder-engagement;
• Keep abreast of international developments in the fields of media and the digital communications;
• In close collaboration with OSC Departments, promote the dissemination and democratize the OSC mandate and other activities undertaken by the Organisation;
• Perform other duties as requested by the Secretary-General.

Competencies

• Strong experience in digital communication
• Proven experience in liaising with stakeholders (i.e., journalists, bloggers, government officials, NGOs, community organisations etc.);
• Extensive contact network of journalist, press agencies, bloggers, and other reporters and/or communicators;
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills with a proven track record;
• Excellent networking skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong methodical, innovative, and strategic thinking skills and ability to develop long-term strategies;
• Ability to operate sensitively and effectively in a multicultural environment and deal with cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Ability to withstand and work effectively within stressful situations.

Language Requirements

Candidate must be fluent in English and one other of OSC official languages (French, Arabic, Spanish).

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• At least 12 years of work experience in digital communication
• At least 10 years of experience in advocacy and communication, print and/or broadcast media or interactive digital media;
• At least 3 years of high-level management work experience.
• Master’s degree (or higher) in Digital Media, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or other related fields.