Communication and Media Adviser - WCARO, Dakar, Senegal, P5
Overview
The Regional Communications and Media Adviser covers West and Central Africa, developing and implementing the regional communications strategy to increase public awareness of ICPD core issues and UNFPA's work. The role provides strategic communications support and guidance to country offices in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage a regional communication strategy.
- Coordinate media activities around regional events.
- Undertake internal writing assignments including key messages, statements, and talking points.
- Prepare for and manage potential reputational crises.
- Identify the need for and manage the production and distribution of communication materials.
- Oversee UNFPA’s regional website.
- Promote UNFPA publications/reports.
- Identify feature stories and materials on good practices.
- Meet with the Regional Director to assess regional communication status.
- Provide strategic and technical guidance to country offices on public relations and visibility activities.
- Advise on media outreach opportunities and organize training sessions for communication focal points.
- Review content of press releases and other media products.
- Offer strategic guidance on key media events and facilitate information sharing among communications focal points.
- Maintain and develop a network of external technical resources.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the communication, public advocacy, and media environment.
- Monitor relevant news media to identify trends and position UNFPA media outreach.
- Design and maintain a media relations plan and contact list/database.
- Establish processes for communicating with media contacts.
- Develop and design media materials in multiple formats.
- Coordinate photo and video footage for digital platforms and media distribution.
- Establish and maintain working relationships with senior media representatives.
- Expose media to UNFPA’s work in the region.
- Report and disseminate news and feature stories related to UNFPA’s mandate and programme.
- Promote ICPD issues in regional networks and build partnerships.
- Maintain and develop collegial relationships with media and communication counterparts from UN agencies, NGOs, and other partners.
- Work to create synergies between regional communication activities and HQ-led efforts.
- Develop an annual workplan for regional communication activities and monitor compliance.
- Lead the identification of opportunities or lessons learned/best practices in communication.
- Contribute to the promotion of technical knowledge, innovative approaches, lessons learned and success stories.
- Maintain accessible databases on best practices.
- Contribute evidence-based best practices and lessons learned from the region to inform global practice.
- Contribute to the development and adaptation of existing and new tools, guidance, and training materials in communication.
Required Experience
A minimum of ten years’ professional experience with demonstrated ability to achieve powerful media coverage and drive brand reputation and recognition for international organizations; Proven ability to prepare for and manage reputational crises within an international context; Solid active network of journalist and editor contacts; Superior writing skills; Strong verbal, listening and presentation skills; A keen understanding and working knowledge of issues related to the ICPD Programme of Action; Demonstrated ability to build relationships at all levels in a multi-cultural, matrixed environment; Proven ability to lead and inspire, exhibit integrity and empathy, be a team player with initiative; Experience working in an international PR agency and/ or managing a PR vendor is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree in the field of Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent professional experience in the communication areas, combined with an advanced university degree in a relevant discipline required.