HEAD OF UNIT (PRESS)

Candidates from all Member States are welcome to apply.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the authority of the Director of the Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE), the incumbent is responsible for driving the development and implementation of UNESCO’s global press and media relations. The incumbent is a senior and seasoned media relations specialist, with an excellent ability to speak on and off the record on UNESCO issues, including on confidential, political and sensitive issues. His/Her excellent interpersonal skills and knowledge of the media landscape and mechanisms will enhance the presence and visibility of UNESCO’s action in the press and top-tier media, with a view to Inform, Inspire and Engage the public and new partners for the work of UNESCO.

The incumbent is responsible for leading all media outreach efforts for UNESCO’s mandate and priorities, working in close coordination with the Director of the Division, and frequently with the Office of the Director-General. S/He uses his/her knowledge of the international media landscape, as well as his/her relationships with journalists to pitch and present key stories and create global coverage of UNESCO’s programmes.

The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring that Programme Sectors, UNESCO Offices in the field, as well as the UNESCO liaison offices, are assisted and briefed in relation to global, regional and country-specific media matters. S/He is also responsible for leading an integrated team including press attachés, public information officers and media specialists.

In particular, the incumbent will:

• Supervise and coordinate the Press team, leading the Division for Communications and Public Engagement efforts in press and media relations, with a view to enhance the positive presence and visibility of UNESCO’s programme and impact in top-tier media and international press.
• Inspire and manage the Press team in the pitching and dissemination of UNESCO messages and stories in the press.
• Coordinate with the Sectors/Bureaux for the elaboration of a press communication schedule including the prioritization of requests.
• Help develop and implement coordinated strategies for the handling of sensitive matters.
• Elaborate media plans for events and projects, taking into account the strategic positioning of UNESCO, evaluating the risks involved for the Organization’s image and credibility, with a proven ability to identify stories and information with the highest potential for coverage and pick-up.
• Supervise the implementation of media outreach plans, including the preparation, validation, translation, distribution of high-quality information products, press releases and media advisories.
• Coordinate and supervise the drafting and editorial work of the Press team to guarantee a high quality of content, style and format in the pitching and drafting of messaging for an effective dissemination of UNESCO messages and stories in the press, including reviewing and editing press releases, media advisories, stories and other materials for the press.
• Develop and maintain networks of global and national media contacts, correspondents and journalists to enhance the visibility of UNESCO and its credibility as a reliable and trusted source of information.
• Manage media relations with, inter alia, the organization of press briefings, press conferences, interviews and any special events arranged specifically for the media, such as thematic workshops for journalists, including supervising the accreditation of journalists to and their reception at UNESCO, in liaison with the relevant services.
• Monitor and analyse UNESCO’s presence in the media and provide regular reporting on the results of media operations in order to strengthen prioritization, targeting and impact.
• Ensure that UNESCO is equipped with appropriate tools to monitor and assess UNESCO’s presence in the press on a global and national scale.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, journalism, public or international affairs or a related field.

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of institutional communications, media relations, external relations or public affairs, of which preferably 3 years acquired at international level.
• A minimum of 5 years successful experience in press and media relations at the international level.
• Proven experience in managing a team in a similar function at international level for a period of no less than 2 years.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent adaptability and reactivity, with a proven ability to deal with the constraints of the news cycle.
• Excellent drafting skills and detail-oriented.
• Ability to manage and motivate staff and teams and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent analytical, diplomacy and advocacy skills, in particular ability to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and convey messages.
• Excellent coordination, interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Excellent proficiency in public speaking and ability to pitch and craft compelling stories to press and media.
• Ability to take initiatives and to manage competing priorities, organize and prioritize workloads to meet established and short deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, organizational and coordination skills.
• Good knowledge of geopolitics.
• Demonstrated ability to address complex and sensitive issues.
• Proven ability to provide strategic direction, plan and establish priorities and implement them effectively.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and very good knowledge of the other language.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 126 118 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22-JUL-2024