Media and Crisis Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to improve the lives of individuals and communities through various programs and initiatives. The organization is committed to addressing pressing global issues such as maternal health, family planning, gender-based violence, and demographic changes. UNFPA's mission is to promote universal access to sexual and reproductive health and realize reproductive rights for all, leaving no one behind. The East and Southern Africa Regional Office is particularly focused on navigating complex communications environments, including humanitarian crises and development challenges, to effectively communicate its mission and impact.

Job Overview:
The Media and Crisis Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping UNFPA's external communications strategy across the East and Southern Africa region. This position is critical in managing the organization's media relations and crisis communications, ensuring that UNFPA's voice is coherent and compelling in both routine and emergency contexts. The Specialist will be responsible for developing and executing a regional media and communications strategy that positions UNFPA as a credible and authoritative voice. This includes managing relationships with media outlets, driving proactive storytelling, and leading communications efforts during humanitarian crises. The role requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex political environments and effectively communicate UNFPA's mission to diverse audiences, including governments, donors, and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist's key responsibilities include participating in the development and implementation of media relations strategies, contributing to public perception analysis, and fostering relationships with media outlets. The role involves coordinating press conferences, briefings, and media events, as well as developing authoritative content such as press releases and articles. The Specialist will also monitor media coverage, provide media training for spokespeople, and ensure timely responses to media inquiries. In terms of crisis communications, the Specialist will coordinate responses with local, regional, and global stakeholders, draft key messages, and monitor media for misinformation. Additionally, the Specialist will analyze communications strategies and report on their effectiveness, ensuring that UNFPA's messaging is consistent and impactful across all platforms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Affairs, or a closely related field. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, or media relations is required. Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and humanitarian communications is essential, with preference given to candidates with on-site humanitarian experience. A proven track record in media strategy development and managing high-level media relationships is necessary, along with experience in senior-level spokesperson management and media training. Familiarity with the UN system or international development/humanitarian organizations is strongly desirable, and experience in the East and Southern Africa region is an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or Public Affairs. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of media relations and crisis communications within the context of UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, or media relations. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in crisis communications and humanitarian communications, particularly in high-pressure environments. Candidates with on-site humanitarian experience will be given preference. A strong background in developing media strategies and managing relationships with media at both regional and international levels is essential. Experience working within the UN system or with international development/humanitarian organizations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the East and Southern Africa region or similar contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA and the media. A working knowledge of French or Portuguese is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders in the region and facilitate engagement with media outlets that operate in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.