Communication Specialist

How can you make a difference? 

As part of the Media Section led by the Media Section Chief, and under the direct supervision of a Communication Manager, the staff member is responsible for developing, managing, implementing and monitoring global media strategies for UNICEF’s Development portfolios and Global Campaigns, with a focus on climate and migration, alongside other issues, and releasing and coordinating the release of information on a regular basis to the media worldwide about issues of concern to the organization.

• Develop, deliver and monitor global media campaigns and initiatives that generate positive coverage on UNICEF’s priority issues for children, coordinating with partner organisations and UNICEF’s network of global offices as necessary.
• Write and edit media materials to support report launches, key campaign moments, high-level global meetings, including press releases, articles, Op-Eds, Q&As, key messages, fact sheets, briefing documents and other communication materials for internal and external audiences.
• Develop and pitch news and feature ideas and secure coverage in print, broadcast, online and digital media.
• Plan and organize press conferences, events, and interviews with UNICEF experts.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key global media outlets and reporters relevant to UNICEF’s work.
• Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of materials to the media, UNICEF’s network of global offices, and other appropriate audiences.
• Identify and manage risk communication issues, as necessary.
• Develop, maintain and update media contact list/database.
• Advise and support UNICEF spokespeople in their media interactions, including senior leadership, as needed.
• Provide relevant inputs to the Media Section and the Division of Communication and Advocacy (DGCA) regular reporting, work plans and other documentation.
• Provide media materials, key messages and other relevant content for UNICEF and DGCA communication platforms.
• Perform other communication duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree (i.e. Master’s degree or equivalent)* is required in one of the following fields: communication, journalism, public relations, or another relevant technical field;
• A first level university degree (i.e. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with an additional two years (a total of seven years) of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive experience in communications and media relations, with at least two years at the international level is required, including media experience in the climate space.
• Skills: Knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations; good understanding of world affairs; current events and development issues.
• Proven experience developing and leading global media strategies, inititiaves and campaign support, and working directly with journalists and reporters.
• Experience working with media on climate related issues and stories.
• In-depth knowledge of the global media landscape across print, broadcast, online, and digital.
• Strong writing and editing skills, especially for media and communication products (press releases, statements, Q and As, etc.)
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Proven ability to think strategically and conceptualize, plan and execute ideas.
• Experienced in networking and managing relationships with partners and journalists.
• Ability to identify and strategically mitigate and manage media risk.
• Strong interpersonal communication and negotiating skills.
• Knowledge of current practices in communication, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media.
• Ability to exercise good judgment under pressure
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines. Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines and capacity to work long hours when required.
• Flexibility to take on assignments at short notice or to change assignments at short notice.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of development issues, developing country and programme exposure, and familiarity with child-related and UNICEF issues, including child rights.
• Gender, diversity and ethical awareness.
• Knowledge of United Nations is an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language, preferably French and/or Spanish, or further official UN languages ((Arabic, Chinese or Russian) is considered as an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/575539