Organizational context: The United Nations Publications Section, within the Department of Global Communications, promotes UN knowledge and outreach through publishing, selling, distributing, and licensing print and electronic materials. This income-generating operation comprises two business units: UN Publications and UN Bookshops, and the incumbent reports to the Deputy Director, Outreach Division.
Job purpose:
The Chief of Section is responsible for providing policy guidance on strategy development and managing the sale of UN publications, contributing to publishing policies as a member of the UN Publications Board. This role involves planning and overseeing the acquisition, product development, and sales of publications in various formats, coordinating with UN departments to identify high‑potential products. The Chief leads the Section's work program, ensuring programmatic and substantive leadership across both business units, and contributes to reporting to intergovernmental bodies on performance and income‑generating activities.
Responsibilities:
Provide policy guidance on strategy and sales management for UN publications, contributing to UN publishing policies. Plan and oversee acquisition, product development, and sales across digital and print platforms, coordinating with author departments to develop marketable products. Manage and supervise the Section's work program, providing leadership for UN Publications and UN Bookshops. Prepare reports for intergovernmental bodies, promote wider dissemination through marketing and licensing, and contribute to performance reporting. Develop the Division's work program, set priorities, and allocate resources. Execute administrative tasks including budget preparation, performance monitoring, staff evaluation, vendor supervision, and recruitment, ensuring geographical and gender balance. Manage, guide, develop, and train staff, fostering teamwork. Participate in industry events and develop strategic partnerships.
Education:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business, public administration, marketing, communications, publishing, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with significant qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative.
Work experience: A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in book publishing, including electronic publishing, product development, and international sales/marketing, is required. Experience managing digital platforms, program management (financial, administrative, HR), and project implementation is also mandatory. Experience managing retail operations and diverse international teams is desirable.
Skills:
Professionalism, Communication, Accountability, Leadership, Judgement/Decision Making, knowledge of publishing, product development, international sales & marketing, digital platform management, program management, retail operations management.
Required languages: English
Desired languages: French
