Senior Media Consultant (English Speaker)

Senior Media Consultant (English Speaker) The Senior Media Consultant will be responsible for securing international media coverage for the launch of the Global Land Outlook (GLO3) and communicating its scientific findings and policy implications. This role involves developing and implementing a media outreach plan, drafting press materials, coordinating interviews, and monitoring media coverage. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNCCD Chief Scientist and in collaboration with the Communications Unit to ensure effective media engagement. The position is home-based and expected to last for two months. Candidate Requirements: First-level university degree in journalism, communications, or related field Minimum seven years of experience in journalism or media relations Experience in pitching to international media and preparing editorial materials Senior-level experience in media relations or strategic communications Experience with scientific or environmental communication is desirable Fluency in spoken and written English Result of Service To secure prominent, accurate and substantive international media coverage of GLO3 and communicate its key scientific findings and policy implications through leading global and relevant regional media, including interviews with UNCCD leadership and scientific experts. Work Location Home-based. Expected duration 2 months. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the UNCCD Chief Scientist in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Unit, and in coordination with the Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit, the consultant will: Develop and implement an international media outreach plan, including priority journalists, outlets and story angles; Develop media pitches and newsworthy angles from GLO3 findings in consultation with scientific experts; Draft and edit press releases, advisories, background briefs, key messages and other approved media materials; Build and maintain a targeted international and regional media contact database; Coordinate advance outreach, embargoed briefings and engagement with journalists and editors; Manage interview requests, spokesperson schedules, briefings and talking points for UNCCD leadership and GLO3 experts; Support media briefings, press conferences, interviews and virtual launch engagements; Coordinate targeted distribution of launch materials and follow-up with journalists; Monitor media coverage for reach, prominence, accuracy and messages reflected; Maintain an interview coordination tracker and manage post-launch media inquiries; Prepare a final media coverage report assessing coverage, spokesperson visibility and outreach effectiveness. Qualifications/special skills - A first-level university degree in journalism, communications, public relations, political science, social sciences or a related field is required. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, media relations, strategic communications or public information is required. Experience pitching to leading international broadcast, print and online media, coordinating interviews and preparing high-quality editorial materials is required. Senior-level professional experience in media relations, journalism, strategic communications or public information is required. Experience communicating scientific, environmental or sustainable development issues is desirable. Familiarity with the United Nations system and UNCCD is an advantage. Languages - Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage. Additional Information Only individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered "staff members" under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS. At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead. Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager. UNCCD - United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification