Background

The landscape of humanitarian action has changed over the last two decades since the current capacities and structures were established to provide a framework for the coordination of international humanitarian assistance. Growth in the scope and diversity of humanitarian needs, as well as a more complex operating environment, have created new challenges. There are also new opportunities: a wider range of actors have become involved, and innovations improve service delivery in each response. This is why preparations are under way for the first World Humanitarian Summit in May 2016. The United Nations Secretary-General has requested that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs organize the summit to set an agenda for a changing community of humanitarian actors to work together better to serve people in need.  The summit will be the highlight in a process of change which has already begun, and this process will last well beyond the event itself. The summit will set the agenda for work beyond 2016 to make humanitarian action more effective, inclusive, and global – and overall, fit for the future. For more information on the summit, please visit www.worldhumanitariansummit.org.

A robust tw-year consultation process has been placed and will conclude in 2015.  This has been used to gather priorities, actionable recommendations and commitments to be presented and launched at Istanbul.

As the Summit is approximately one year away, the WHS secretariat will increase its focus on the events in Istanbul and the necessary preparations. This will include increased focus on the practical aspects of the Summit, including but not limited to, detailed agreements with host-country, engagement and activation of relevant UN entities, such as conference management and security services, and other issues related to the practical planning of the event. In addition, the further focus will be on the planning, design, and coordination of the different sessions and side events, which will take place during the Summit and a careful and constructive choreography hereof, allowing roughly 5000 attendees to engage positively in Summit activities.   

Duties and Responsibilities

The Media Consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Supports the organization of visits to crisis-affected areas by high-level UN officials and public figures in support of the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS), including developing compelling messaging and story angles, pro-actively reaching out to journalists and public figures, anticipating and mitigating potential risks, and supporting the organization of the visits in other ways as required;
• Organizes media coverage for field visits, including development of media strategies and action plans, and pro-active media outreach efforts to secure coverage;
• Organizes other activities to promote media coverage, including press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities;
• Supports Spokesperson’s liaison with media organizations and other groups, organizes the clearance, production and distribution of information material;
• Travels to crisis environments to provide organizational, communications and media support;
• Undertakes follow-up activities including analyzing and reporting on the impact and effectiveness of media coverage;
• Undertakes other communication efforts in support of the WHS as needed.

Results Expected

Develops and implements a strong and effective media strategy around high-level field visits, in support of the overall goals of the WHS. Develops and maintains productive relationships with relevant parties to advance the goals of the WHS. Drafts high-quality, professional communications.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies;
• Shows creativity and initiative in meeting organizational goals;
• Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
• Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment;
• Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships;
• Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues;
• Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style;
• Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
• Keeps abreast of available technology and actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning & Organizing:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• Adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
• Uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, public relations, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area, especially within humanitarian organizations and contexts;
• Experience working within humanitarian organizations and contexts would be an advantage;
• Thorough understanding of the media landscape around humanitarian issues and contexts.

Language:

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.  

Other:         

Work implies frequent interaction with the following: 

• Senior and junior public information officers, operations staff and other specialists and managers throughout UN OCHA and agencies of the entire UN system;
• Journalists, editors and representatives of public figures;
• Representatives of international, regional and national organizations, government bodies and agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, academia and other areas of civil society.

Documents to be included with this application:

• UNDP P11 or personal CV with a minimum of 3 references;
• Financial proposal in lump sum of format, based on outcomes, which should include all related expenses including related benefits and insurance.

This contract does not carry and expectation of any future engagement in UNDP.