Media Consultant

Parent Sector : Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 01-FEV-2020

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Request for written proposal

UNESCO is inviting written proposals from Individual Consultants for the work assignment described below.

Your written proposal should comprise:

(a) A Technical Proposal consisting of

–    an up-to-date curriculum vitae, including two references from different institutions that may be contacted,

–    a motivation letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment,

–    a description of a proposed approach and methodology for undertaking the assignment,

–    proof of language knowledge, and

–    samples of communication materials and products that you designed and implemented in the past.

(b) The amount to be charged for the assignment in USD only.

 Your proposal and any supporting documents must be in either English or French.

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organisation best value for money.

Your proposal should be submitted by e-mail by 23.59 (Paris time) on 31 January 2020.

The e-mail address is : w.appeltans@unesco.org   

It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that his/her proposal is received by the deadline.

Thank you for your interest in this UNESCO assignment; and we look forward to receiving your proposal.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the supervision of Ward Appeltans (DIPS-4-Ocean Assessments Project Manager) and Henrik Enevoldsen (Programme Specialist for IOC/HAB), the Individual Specialist shall:

Within the context of the approved programme and budget for 2018-2019 (39 C/5), MPII, MLA1, and in particular the “Development of Information Products and Services  (DIPS), the consultant will support the IOC communication team with outreach to ‘traditional’ media before, during and after the April 2020 launch of the Global Harmful Algal Bloom Status Report (GHSR).

For the purposes of this position, ‘traditional’ media will be taken to include print and broadcast media, including the online media portals of mainstream media outlets, but specifically excluding social media channels and exclusively online commentary platforms such as stand-alone blogs, vlogs etc.

The consultant will specifically support the communications efforts in the following areas:

 (i)    Propose goals for HAB’ engagement with traditional media organizations and influencers

•    Suggest media engagement activities and opportunities, while also identifying risks and proposing suggestions for mitigation

(ii)    Lead the process to edit and finalise the media release for the GHSR launch – ensuring widest-possible reach of both the embargoed and public versions of the release including:

•    Produce and coordinate creative content and strategies for traditional media

•    Research and draft key messages for top tier traditional media

•    Distribute the release via personalized emails to own large database of at least 4,000 relevant traditional media reporters worldwide, and via AAAS EurekAlert, as part of a coordinated outreach workflow

(iii)    Lead arrangements and logistics for media relations and a virtual media conference to launch the GHSR in April 2019 and schedule media interviews for IOC HAB leadership and GHSR authors before and during the launch of the global report

(iv)    Build upon and use existing strong relationships with key science and environment journalists, editors and influencers worldwide, and identify new additions to the lists, to promote and achieve maximum international media coverage for GHSR

(v)    Provide a comprehensive report, with hyperlinks to (or pdfs of) all media coverage, listing each media outlet’s name, country of origin, language, circulation/reach data and an « advertising equivalency » estimated valuation of coverage, using Meltwater and other monitoring tools

(vi)    Analyse coverage and develop recommendations for improvement, including supporting the development of the traditional media capacity of the IOC secretariat staff and facilitate longer-term relationships for IOC with top tier media

Timetable and deliverables:

1. Signature of the contract by 14 February 2020

2. First outline of media release by 20 March 2020

3. Final media release by 20 April 2020

4. Submission of final report on the work carried out and media coverage by 15 May 2020

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Innovation (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

Planning and organizing (C)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

–

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, media studies or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience will be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum 15 years of experience in traditional media relations

Minimum 15 years of extensive knowledge of and demonstrated track record of success in communication strategies and traditional media relations on behalf of UN bodies

Up-to-date knowledge of and experience in using traditional media distribution and monitoring systems

Should have own media monitoring tools

Should have own email mailing list, which should include relevant top tier media, and existing capacity to distribute personalized email messages and media releases to at least 4000 relevant reporters worldwide, categorized by topic of interest

Excellent social and organizational skills

Fluent in spoken and written English and some knowledge of French desirable

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of IOC as an organization and related topics

Self-motivated and resourceful, with the proven ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple assignments

A strong sense of cultural awareness and the ability to work with people from different nationalities

Ability to work individually and as part of a team

Willingness to travel as needed

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.

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website and UNESCO’s career website.

ASSESSMENT

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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UNESCO is committed to promoting geographical distribution (last update) and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, as well as nationals from non- and under-represented Member States. Persons with disabilities are also encouraged to apply. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.