Antecedentes

The Outreach and Business Development Team (OBDT) is responsible for proactively driving the strategic positioning of UNIFEM so that the size, sources and predictability of its resources help the organization achieve its strategic goals. A service center to UNIFEM HQ Sections and Field Offices, OBDT is organized into three functional clusters: Resource Mobilization, Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy. Given the scope and interrelationships of OBDT's functional responsibilities, the work of OBDT is highly synergistic, involving constant and direct interaction and information-sharing among team members, to provide high-quality advice, services and support to UNIFEM.

Under the supervision of the Communications Specialist, and in collaboration with OBDT colleagues, the Media Relations Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing media relations strategies and managing media/press coverage for UNIFEM. As UNIFEM's media relations focal point, the incumbent builds effective relationships with the media to promote and manage its coverage of UNIFEM and its strategic areas.

The Media Relations Specialist collaborates with and supports the Communications Specialist to ensure media strategies and outreach efforts are aligned with corporate communications strategies and initiatives, including support to global advocacy campaigns and to the launching of UNIFEM flagship publications. The incumbent also collaborates with OBDT colleagues to support outreach campaigns, help drive resource mobilization and donor relations initiatives, mobilize support in conjunction with intergovernmental processes, and support the activities and special events organized for UNIFEM's Goodwill Ambassadors.

The Media Relations Specialist orchestrates media activities and media coverage for the Executive Director and other senior managers as required, including during travels. In close coordination with the Communications Adviser, the incumbent advises the Executive Director and senior managers on media strategies to enhance the strategic positioning of UNIFEM with donors, partners, constituencies and other stakeholders, and in intergovernmental processes. The incumbent advises and provides technical support to HQ Sections and Field Offices on media initiatives and media relations, including activities in connection with the roll-out of global advocacy campaigns and the launch of flagship and other corporate publications.

The Media Specialist drafts a range of materials, including press releases & advisories, news briefs, fact sheets, stories from the field etc for inclusion in media kits and further public outreach, e.g through UNIFEM's web site. The incumbent organizes press conferences for which s/he and drafts statements and talking points.

The Media Relation Specialist builds and maintains a network of contacts with the media, including corporate contacts of individuals, groups, organizations and media outlets. S/he regularly monitors media coverage and maintains an archive of articles as well as TV and radio coverage. The incumbent also build and maintains contacts with counterparts in the UN system to maximize outreach on issues and make efficient use of resources, including UNTV.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the supervision of the Communications Specialist, and in collaboration with OBDT colleagues, the Media Relations Specialist:

1. Manages UNIFEM media/press relations, focusing on achieving the following results:

  • Close working relations with the media (national, regional and international) to help position UNIFEM to achieve its strategic goals;
  • Enhanced media/press coverage of UNIFEM and its strategic areas, positions and issues;
  • Media strategies conceived, planned and implemented to enhance the strategic positioning of UNIFEM with the media, with a special focus on: corporate advocacy campaigns, launching of UNIFEM flagship publications, travels and public appearances of UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador(s)
  • Opportunities for press conferences identified and press conferences organized; interviews with senior managers and thematic focal points facilitated;
  • Press releases, advisories, background information, press/media kits and updated information and stories drafted and disseminated to inform media and general public of UNIFEM programming initiatives, results and successes, and other achievements;
  • Creative opportunities identified and lined up to increase media awareness of UNIFEM, its programmes and projects, especially at the Field Office level; and to strengthen gender sensitivity of media coverage;
  • Clear, consistent and timely responses to media inquiries; issuance of statement and corporate positions to media and other external audiences;
  • Media activities planned and organized for Executive Director's and other senior mangers' travels and appearances, including arrangements for interviews and press conferences;
  • Expanded corporate contacts with media and print journalists, groups, organizations and media outlets (audio, visual, electronic); topics, background information, news-related developments and coverage of interest to each identified.

2. Provides advice and support to UNIFEM for enhanced outreach and media relations, focusing on achieving the following results:

  • Advice and technical support provided to HQ Sections and Field Offices in developing media campaigns and initiatives; strategies provided for effective media relations;
  • Advice and oversight provided to HQ Sections and Field Offices on media and public outreach as part of the roll-out of global advocacy campaigns and launching of flagship and other corporate publications.

3. Strengthens internal capacity for outreach and media relations, and provides quality assurance, focusing on achieving the following results:

  • Knowledge-sharing and organizational learning among UNIFEM units through development and use of on-line tools, training modules, templates, tips, mechanisms and guidelines to build internal capacity for effective outreach and media relations at all organizational levels;
  • Strategic partnerships formed with media counterparts at other UN agencies, UNTV and with external media networks, strengthening internal capacity for media outreach and technical expertise; opportunities identified for video news releases through UNTV's UNIFEED. Collaborates effectively with OBDT colleagues, focusing on achieving the following results:
  • Strong working relationships formed with OBDT colleagues, enhancing results of OBDT and its impact on UNIFEM performance;
  • Timely contributions of knowledge, expertise and information to OBDT initiatives, leading to quality and high-impact outcomes.

Competencias

Corporate:

  • Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling UN/UNIFEM values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes vision, mission and strategic goals of UNIFEM;
  • Displays cultural and gender sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly and without favouritism.

Functional:

  • Demonstrates very good understanding of media relations and outreach at the international level;
  • Demonstrated ability to build and nurture strong relations with the media (national and international);
  • Proven ability to develop and implement effective media strategies;
  • Outstanding oral and written communications and editing skills, with proven ability to meet tight deadlines;
  • Proven ability to position issues effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Communicates sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies;
  • Very strong organizational and planning skills;
  • Proven networking skills, and ability to generate interest in UNIFEM;
  • Good IT skills, including databases and office software packages;
  • Familiarity with UNIFEM and UN system;
  • Familiarity with gender issues;

Behavioral:

  • Strong initiative-taker;
  • Very effective at multi-tasking;
  • Focuses on impact and results for the client;
  • Interacts effectively with all levels of the organization, including senior management;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Identifies opportunities and builds strong relationships with clients and partners;
  • Demonstrates exceptional ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines;
  • Participates effectively in team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

  • Masters degree in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences, international relations, or a related field 
  • A minimum of 5 years experience (post-Masters) in communications at the national or international level, including experience in media relations.
  • Fluency in English (written and oral); fluency in another official UN language an important asset