The Position:
Under the guidance of the Director of the East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) and the Regional Communications Adviser, the Strategic Communications and Media Specialist ensures the effective functioning of the Communications Unit in ESARO. This position plays an important role in advancing UNFPA's mission by enhancing the visibility and impact of its work through strategic media engagement, external relations, donor communications, and humanitarian communications.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's strategic plan (2022-2025) reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Job Purpose:
The Strategic Communications and Media Specialist will develop and implement comprehensive media and communications strategies that effectively communicate UNFPA's work, priorities, and impacts to diverse audiences. This role involves close collaboration with internal teams, media outlets, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure coherent and compelling narratives.
Develop and implement comprehensive media and communications strategies to effectively communicate UNFPA's work, priorities, and impacts to diverse audiences.
Enhance the credibility and thought leadership of UNFPA through strategic media engagement, digital communications, external and donor relations, and humanitarian communications.
Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with media representatives, stakeholders, donors, and key partners to promote and support UNFPA's mission and initiatives.
Produce and disseminate high-quality communication materials that convey compelling narratives about UNFPA's impact and achievements.
Monitor media landscapes and use insights to inform and adjust communication strategies for maximum effectiveness.
You would be responsible for:
Strategic Media Engagement
Develop and implement a strategic media plan to enhance UNFPA's credibility and thought leadership.
Consolidate and strengthen strategic partnerships and networks with media.
Identify key media opportunities and create an annual media calendar.
Monitor global and regional media landscapes to inform media strategies.
Develop creative and innovative ways to market and pitch UNFPA.
Content Development and Dissemination
Produce user-friendly materials on key thematic areas for dissemination to the media, key stakeholders, donors, the private sector, and other audience groups.
Maintain and update the website and media platforms regularly with input from program staff.
Draft press releases, feature stories, briefing notes, news reports, talking points, opinion pieces, and other information material on UNFPA and its work.
Write and edit stories to ensure quality and conformity to UNFPA's information standards and United Nations editorial and professional journalistic style.
Media Relations and Networking
Cultivate and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of all types of media, including national, regional traditional and digital media.
Organize press conferences, media briefings, and interviews with UNFPA spokespeople.
Prepare UNFPA staff for media engagements, including providing media training and developing key messages and talking points.
Use media monitoring tools to assess the effectiveness of media strategies and adjust as necessary.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education: Advanced university degree in mass communications, public relations or journalism.
Knowledge and Experience:
5 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in communications;
Proven track record in developing and implementing successful media strategies.
Excellent writing and editing skills, with strong analytical and research skills required;
Thorough knowledge of web production, social media and multimedia tools;
Fluency in English required and knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment: UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
Disclaimer: UNFPA does not charge any application fees and selection may be subject to background checks.
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