HEAD OF UNIT (PUBLICATIONS)

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director of the Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE), the incumbent is responsible for driving the development and implementation of UNESCO’s publications strategy. His/Her excellent editorial skills and knowledge of the publishing industry landscape media will enhance the quality and strategic positioning of UNESCO’s publications, reports and editorial projects, with a view to Inform, Inspire and Engage the public and new partners.

The incumbent is responsible for the overall supervision of all publications projects, as well as for the development of tailored and targeted editorial projects. S/He uses her/his knowledge of the international publications landscape, as well as her/his relationships with editors, publishers and distribution companies to structure the entire publications flow, from planning and production to storage, distribution and promotion as well as to consolidate and further develop the editorial policy for UNESCO publications.

S/He is a senior and seasoned publications specialist, with the ability to develop editorial and publications projects from the ground up, and strengthen UNESCO’s image, reputation and visibility through world-class publication projects.

In particular, the incumbent will:

• Supervise and coordinate the Publications team, leading CPE’s efforts in publication and editorial projects with a view to enhance the positive presence and visibility of UNESCO’s programme and brand. Inspire and manage the Publications team throughout quality control and positioning of UNESCO’s projects. Elaborate a publications strategy and a publications plan, taking into account the strategic positioning of UNESCO, evaluating the risks involved for the Organization’s image and credibility, with a proven ability to identify stories and projects with the highest potential. Supervise the implementation of the publications plan, including the preparation, validation, translation, and distribution of high-quality publications and editorial products, as well as their promotion, in close coordination with other teams at CPE.
• Coordinate and supervise the drafting and editorial work of the Publications team, to guarantee a high quality of content, style and format, ensuring the compliance of copyright and legal issues for publications projects and co-publishing agreements. Ensure the highest standards of quality in the value chain of UNESCO publications.
• Develop and maintain networks of global and national publishing contacts, authors and publishing houses, both commercial and institutional, to enhance the visibility of UNESCO and its credibility as a reliable and trusted partner, for co-publishing and partnerships agreements, notably.
• Pilot and strenghten UNESCO’s publication value chain and logistics through the Publications Board, from planning and production tools to storage facilities and promotion and distribution for marketing tools and platforms (e-shop).
• Represent the Division for Communications and Public Engagement in a variety of communication activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in publishing, communication, literature, linguistics, organizational management, marketing or a related field.

Work experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in publishing, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level.
• Solid experience of working in the publishing environment, with proven experience of publications coordination, production and co-edition.
• Experience in co-edition and copyright management.
• Extensive experience in project management.
• Experience in the full publishing cycle, including quality control, production of print and digital formats and dissemination of publications.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong planning, organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent managerial skills and flexibility.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both orally and in writing).
• Excellent drafting and copy-editing skills, and detail-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability in coordinating publishing activities and formulating publishing guidelines and guidance tools.
• Demonstrated ability to address complex and sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy.
• Mature judgement, initiative, imagination, creativity and resourcefulness.
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction, plan and establish priorities and implement them.
• Strong outreach skills.
• Monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Budgeting and resource mobilization skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate staff and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and very good knowledge of the other language.

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-JULY-2024