Communications Consultant, Media and Communications Branch, Division of Communications and Strategic Partnerships

The position of Communications Consultant is located in the Media and Communications Branch (MCB), Division of Communications & Strategic Partnerships (DCS). The position reports to the Internal Communications Specialist, Media and Communications Branch.

The Communications Consultant will serve as the primary communications focal point for the Strategic Partnerships Branch (SPB) in DCS focused on raising the visibility of UNFPA’s strategic partnerships with private stakeholders, both among external and internal audiences. 

SPB develops win-win partnerships that support UNFPA’s mandate to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, reduce maternal deaths and improve the lives of adolescents and youth. SPB oversees partnerships with private sector actors, including the business sector, foundations, parliamentarians, civil society, academia and scientific institutions, as well as individuals and multi-stakeholder initiatives to make every partnership unique and ensure support to UNFPA’s programmes.

The Consultant will work closely with the rest of the Media and Communications team to develop a strategic communications plan for the visibility of strategic partnerships, create compelling content across a variety of channels to raise awareness of partnerships and build the reputation of the organization. The Consultant will liaise on a regular basis with the Strategic Partnerships Branch Team.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Develop a communications strategy, including key messaging, to showcase UNFPA’s strategic partnerships supporting the implementation of UNFPA’s Strategic Partnerships Framework; 
• Identify opportunities to build the visibility of UNFPA’s strategic partnerships, whether through campaigns, events or other initiatives, in line with UNFPA’s corporate brand;
• Support the launch of new partnerships and joint initiatives by creating compelling content for digital and social media channels and driving events or other programmes;
• Identify and write/edit stories highlighting progress on key partnerships and particularly the positive impact they are having on the lives of the people UNFPA serves around the world; 
• Support media activities to promote UNFPA’s strategic partnerships, drafting press releases, pitching media and develoing media plans for events;
• Develop internal communications tools and content to expand the corporate knowledge and efforts on private strategic partnerships;
• Support production of communications materials, including videos, publications, infographics, promotional items, event banners etc.;
• When necessary, assist organizing virtual events, managing multiple workstreams including speakers, moderators, run of show, scripting and media attendance;
• Represents the branch in interdivisional and Fund-wide working groups;
• Any other duties assigned by the Chief of MCB.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree in journalism, mass communications, marketing, public relations or related fields; 
• Five years of relevant professional experience;
• Knowledge of international development issues and/or gender issues, desirable;
• Proven expertise in developing creative and effective communications strategies, including strong media relations and branding activities;
• Strong project management and organizational skills: ability to balance a wide variety of tasks simultaneously with a varying levels of complexity and urgency and meet tight deadlines;
• Advanced oral and written communication skills: ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear manner and synthesize large volumes of data and/or information;
• Ability to develop convincing and compelling advocacy messages;
• Ability to think strategically about how to shape the same message for different audiences;
• Experience in developing and editing communications products, such as infographics, factsheets, photo stories and videos, and social media tools;
• Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Fluency in English is required, other UN languages desirable.

Duration:   11 Months (December 2020 to October 2021)

How to Apply

Please send a motivational cover letter and CV to Jacqueline Daldin,  daldin@unfpa.org, with "Communications Consultant" in the subject by 25 November 2020.  Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note to applicants:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.  Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA.via various means or Reporting:  http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm.

UNFPA is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.  All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.