Position: Media Specialist (Premium Job)

Job Description

The Media Specialist will oversee all aspects of strategic media engagement for UNICEF to sustain and build upon the significant coverage in 2021, including:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive regional media strategy for UNICEF in South Asia, aligned with the 2022-2025 SP and ROMP and the regional advocacy priorities
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with South Asia bureau chiefs and influential journalists covering the region
• Support COs in developing media proactivity and agility through systems strengthening and capacity building
• Research and predict media trends and advise on upcoming opportunities to build UNICEF’s voice in the region.
• Collaborate with advocacy, policy, data, research and programme colleagues on evidence which can be pitched to influential media ahead of key “windows of opportunity” to shape decision-making
• Collaborate with COs to mine stories, identify new narratives, and develop pitches; maintain a regional pitch grid
• Support the UNICEF Media Section in New York to regularly provide new stories, data and spokespersons from South Asia for global media moments
• Support COs and ROSA with a professional and agile media response to sudden- onset emergencies and climate-related disasters, including developing media messages, advising on media outreach and ensuring a prominent UNICEF voice within 72 hours of the onset of an emergency.
• Support media messaging around L3 and L2 emergencies in South Asia
• Facilitate media training for key UNICEF spokespersons, including emergency and climate change specialists, technical staff and field staff
• Collaborate closely with the ROSA and CO digital teams to ensure seamless coordination in public advocacy through media & digital channels
• Undertake other key responsibilities as required

Job Specification

• Education:

Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations. (*A first University combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree in the field of journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications.)

• Experience:

Minimum eight years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in journalism, media relations, and communication, at least 3 years of which should be in the non-profit sector.

Additional required qualifications, skills, experience, and expertise

1. Demonstrated track record of securing high-quality, top-tier media coverage in support of organizational priorities and advocacy objectives
2. Experience across print, broadcast and new media, with an extensive network of media contacts.
3. Proven ability to write engaging, flawless copy for media on tight deadlines in English
4. Demonstrated record in handling media in crisis situations
5. Strong interpersonal skills in being able to develop and maintain effective working relations with a diverse range of stakeholders.
6. Ability to work independently, be proactive and possess strong organizational skills, with good attention to detail.
7. Knowledge of global affairs, children’s rights, public policy, international development and humanitarian issues
8. Experience working in a developing and emergency environment is desirable.
9. Previous work experience with UNICEF or other UN agencies is an asset.
10. Existing experience in or familiarity with South Asia and knowledge of major media trends in South Asia is an asset

• Language Requirement:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability (CRITA) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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.

Apply Instruction

To apply for this job please visit jobs.unicef.org.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.