The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world’s environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the environment.

Responsibilities

This position is located in the Digital Strategy Section in the Communications Division. The incumbent will be under the direct supervision of the Head of News & Media.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of News & Media, the consultant will:

• Strategy implementation: Ensure timely implementation of activities related to the media strategy to publicize priority issues and/or major events related to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and UNEP’s work on climate action, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up actions, and analyzing the outcome; Ensure effective design and delivery of communication products; Undertake activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating proactive media outreach efforts.
• Capacity building: Build information networks by interacting with journalists, other media representatives and followers, subscribers, and supporters of media networks; Develop and sustain partnerships with internal and external partners for successful development and execution of UNEP’s news media strategy; Monitor media, analyze information and prepare reports in order to ensure outreach, engagement and growth of media coverage.
• Content creation: Produce and oversee production of media-orientated communication products (editorial writing, news writing, proofing, pitching, placement, etc.). Recommend appropriate information and communication materials for use in media and other communication activities; Participate in selecting the news and media related information transmitted to key constituencies; Maintain and update online media relations contact list/database; Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media; Act as a News desk Officer for the Unit.

Requirements

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, public relations or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in media relations, a digital newsroom, editorial production or journalism, some of which at the international level, is required.
• Experience in the development and execution of an earned media strategy entailing complex research and story innovation is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working knowledge of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is an advantage.