Consultancy: Media and Communication Specialist, 11 months, Full-time – DOC, NYHQ – Requisition# 539290

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, opportunity

Background & Rationale

This is an exciting opportunity to join UNICEF’s Global media team at UNICEF Headquarters in New York. The Media Section in the Division of Communication (DOC) is seeking a Media and Communication Specialist for an 11-month consultancy. The candidate will work under the supervision of the head of the Development and Global Campaigns team in the Media Section to support the development and implementation of media strategies and activities on key priorities. S/he will also work closely with the Advocacy Section and with other sections in DOC, the Education Section in the Programme Division (PD) and other partners.  The successful candidate will need to be able to work remotely.

How can you make a difference?

The consultant will be responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring media strategies on UNICEF’s key priorities in such potential areas as Education, Climate, or other areas, in line with the Organization’s global communication strategy and the Division’s six-point advocacy strategy for COVID-19 response, including the Reimagine Education agenda. This will include identifying news stories, developing media and briefing materials; ensuring rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media and other appropriate audiences; developing and maintaining effective relations with media organizations; preparing internal documents to assist in responding to media inquiries; monitoring, advising on and responding to issues relating to UNICEF’s work.

Expected results: (measurable results)

1) Timely and accurate media materials produced and disseminated to international media, National Committees, NGOs, and other appropriate audiences, and placed in UNICEF global communication web-based platforms; 2) Specific media strategies and plans developed and implemented in an effective and timely manner.

This assignment requires daily work, including, at times, on weekends/evenings as and when required.

Description of the assignment

Responsibilities:

• Write and edit press releases, media advisories, briefing notes, quick lines, key messages, opinion pieces and other time-bound media materials.
• Regularly liaise with international and national media and leading contacts to offer news angles and pitch stories on UNICEF’s work and follow up to ensure quality coverage.
• In coordination with involved internal and external stakeholders, develop and execute media strategies and activities around key initiatives and events to ensure UNICEF representation and visibility.
• Organize interviews, briefings and other media events that generate support and coverage for UNICEF’s priorities.
• Provide targeted media outreach for placement of relevant communication products, such as photo essays, multimedia content and others in domestic and international media.
• Respond to media inquiries and support Regional and Country Offices in handling related media inquiries.
• Draft and/or edit opinion pieces and blogs for the Executive Director and senior experts on priority themes, pitch to key media and follow up on the placement.
• Monitor media on a regular basis, identify opportunities to use the news agenda to raise awareness of UNICEF and its work.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Duty Station

Remote-based; EST Time zone working hours required.

Estimated Timeframe

 Start date:   1 May 2021 End date: 31 March 2022 

Deliverables (Specific service / outputs to be delivered at a specific time as per stated objectives and performance / quality requirements.)	Duration (Estimated # of Days)	Deadline
Media strategies developed and implemented around specific organizational priorities	TBD	15 June
Interviews with key spokespersons pitched and staffed	TBD	15 September
Timely and accurate media materials produced and disseminated to international media, National Committees, NGOs, and other appropriate audiences, and placed in UNICEF global communication web-based platforms	TBD	29 November

Please note that deadlines are an estimate. Media products need to be produced, pitched and placed according to newslines which may shift.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a related discipline; or equivalent professional work experience.
• At least eight years of professional experience in media relations and communications, at least three of which should be in an international setting.
• Knowledge of international media and understanding of print, broadcast and online media operations.
• Solid understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events.
• Track record in implementing media strategies, networking, and developing media materials in a deadline driven and target audience way;
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluency in English.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to quickly and easily liaise with multiple stakeholders, including those in the programmatic area to prepare strategic communications materials. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and work under tight deadlines.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

1. Core Values (Required) · Care · Respect · Integrity · Trust · Accountability
2. Core Competencies (Required) · Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1) · Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2) · Works Collaboratively with others (2) · Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2) · Innovates and Embraces Change (2) · Thinks and Acts Strategically (2) · Drives to achieve impactful results (2) · Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
3. Functional Competencies (Required) · Persuading and Influencing (2) · Applying Technical Expertise (2)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

IMPORTANT REMARKS:

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance (if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4. At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage for the duration of the contract.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.