Purpose of consultancy:
To support the implementation of UNFPA’s humanitarian communications strategy with a view to build UNFPA’s reputation as an emergency responder, advocating for the rights of women and girls in crises and mobilizing funds for our humanitarian work. This consultant will help coordinate DER, HRD, Regional and Country Offices on humanitarian content production.
Reporting to the Media and Humanitarian Advisor in the Media and Communications Branch (MCB), the Consultant will undertake the following key tasks:
● Initiate regular contact with country offices and regional humanitarian communications teams to develop and implement communications strategies, offer guidance, identify visibility opportunities and gather and repackage content for dissemination to media/on digital channels.
● Draft key messages and media QA, press releases and UNFPA statements as needed in collaboration with local, regional and technical experts across UNFPA. Support the development and implementation of humanitarian communications campaigns, including messaging and content.
● Gather data from reports, assessments, Flash Updates and other materials from humanitarian crises and package for use in communications outreach to media and social media.
● Ensure donor governments receive the needed visibility on global digital channels. Frame pitches for international media.
● Represent UNFPA at UN- wide crisis communications group meetings and other coordination fora in lieu of the Media and Humanitarian Adviser when needed and ensure UNFPA's visibility as part of UN humanitarian responses.
● Support UNFPA's reputational crisis management efforts in collaboration with the team as needed. This includes drafting strategies and messaging, crisis scenarios, dealing with journalists and stakeholders.
Deliverables:
Communications work will be ongoing and delivered via video conferencing, MS teams, google suite, phones and electronic copy.
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The Communications Consultant will work in close cooperation with other team members in the Media and Communications Branch, and colleagues across the organization. The Media and Humanitarian Advisor will review deliverables.
Expected Travel:
Occasional travel if needed.
Knowledge and Experience:
7+ years of experience at national and international level:
● Significant experience coordinating the delivery of compelling communications in humanitarian crises.
● Proven ability to create humanitarian content for multiple audiences on social media, , and web platforms
● A strong understanding of traditional media and experience pitching stories and handling journalists
● A high level understanding of the UN’s humanitarian communications structure, mechanisms, and processes.
● Maturity and experience to deal directly with senior management at HQ, with UN and NGO humanitarian partners, and in the UN Secretariat.
● Proven ability to develop effective communications strategies and tactics to promote an international organization, such as UNFPA, and its work; and to advocate for the needs of women and girls.
● Detailed understanding of how UNFPA works on the ground and delivers SRHR in emergencies an advantage
● Superior writing and editing skills and broad knowledge of content creation, messaging, public relations tools and techniques.
● Highly organized, proactive self-starter with a passion for humanitarian and SRHR issues
● Ability to work with and motivate people from diverse cultures to deliver results.
● Ability to work under pressure, manage time, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize during a crisis response
Education:
Master’s degree in the humanities, communications or related field
Languages:
● English and knowledge of another UN language is an asset
How to Apply:
Please send your application to Jefferys@unfpa.org with the subject line “Humanitarian Communications Consultant” by 20 February 2025.
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