Media Relations & Media Monitoring Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent UN agency established to support global development initiatives. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience. UNDP's mission is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to foster inclusive growth and sustainable human development. In Ukraine, UNDP is actively engaged under the Country Programme Document for 2025–2029, which outlines three main programme priorities: Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Growth, and Sustainable Environment and Energy Transformation. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including national, regional, and local authorities, civil societies, and the private sector, to support Ukraine in its recovery efforts, particularly in the context of ongoing challenges due to war. UNDP's initiatives are designed to enhance institutional capacities, promote democratic governance, and protect security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, thereby contributing to the overall resilience of the nation.

Job Overview:
The Media Relations & Media Monitoring Advisor position is crucial for supporting the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine in enhancing its communications strategy. The advisor will play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with both national and international journalists, which is essential for effective media outreach. This role involves developing and pitching story ideas, coordinating interviews, briefings, and media days, as well as preparing press materials and talking points. Additionally, the advisor will be responsible for maintaining an up-to-date media database and establishing a daily media and social listening function in both Ukrainian and English. The advisor will also produce monthly analytical reports and KPI dashboards that provide actionable recommendations to improve media engagement and outreach. This position is integral to the broader recovery agenda, as it supports policy reforms, interinstitutional coordination, and legal compliance that are vital for resilience and democratic governance in Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The advisor will undertake a variety of tasks to support the Ministry in establishing and operating a professional media relations and media monitoring function. Key responsibilities include: maintaining media relations by updating the media database, handling media inquiries, drafting media pitches, and arranging interviews and briefings; establishing and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets; coordinating media outreach efforts; tracking campaign and event performance against established KPIs and submitting evaluations with lessons learned and recommendations for optimization; supporting outreach through additional communication channels such as radio, YouTube, and digital TV, ensuring at least one story or release per month; organizing media-related events, including briefings, media breakfasts, and off-the-record sessions, which involves managing invitations, materials, and logistics; monitoring media publications daily and producing monthly analytical reports with actionable recommendations; and performing other communication-related duties as assigned by the supervisor and UNDP Ukraine leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Media Relations & Media Monitoring Advisor position should possess a strong set of qualifications that include excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as well as the ability to work under tight deadlines and deliver results within scheduled timelines. The ideal candidate should demonstrate diplomacy and tact when dealing with sensitive and complex situations, showcasing strong interpersonal skills. A solid understanding of sustainable energy and environmental issues is also essential, along with the ability to analyze and plan effectively. Furthermore, candidates should exhibit integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards, promoting the vision and mission of UNDP, and displaying cultural sensitivity and adaptability in their interactions.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in media relations or communications strategies may be advantageous. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of effective communication and media engagement, which are critical for the advisor's role in supporting the Ministry's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in media relations, communications, or public relations, ideally within a governmental or international organization context. A minimum of several years of relevant experience is expected, with a proven track record of successfully managing media relations and communications strategies. Experience in monitoring media coverage and producing analytical reports is also essential, as is familiarity with the media landscape in Ukraine and the ability to navigate complex political and social environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this position, as the advisor will be required to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and produce materials in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the media landscape in Ukraine or the broader region.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the volunteer will be responsible for organizing their own accommodation. The contract duration is specified in the vacancy announcement, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal beyond the initial contract period. This is a full-time position, and the volunteer will receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 2076 per month to cover housing, utilities, and living expenses. Additional allowances include a one-time entry lump sum of USD 400 and an exit allowance of USD 101.78 for each month of assignment upon successful completion. Medical and life insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the assignment, and volunteers are entitled to annual leave, learning leave, and sick leave as outlined in the UN Volunteer policies.