Media Outreach Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is a global intergovernmental treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species and their habitats. The CMS Secretariat, located in Bonn, Germany, supports various intergovernmental instruments aimed at migratory species conservation. It also provides secretariat services for agreements such as ASCOBANS, AEWA, and EUROBATS, which focus on specific groups of migratory species. The organization plays a crucial role in raising awareness and facilitating international cooperation for the protection of migratory species across multiple countries.

Job Overview:
The Media Outreach Consultant will be responsible for significantly enhancing the visibility and profile of the CMS through strategic media outreach. This role involves developing and implementing a comprehensive media outreach strategy tailored to the specific objectives of COP15, ensuring alignment with the overall outreach goals. The consultant will draft and disseminate communication materials, organize media events, monitor media coverage, and coordinate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging. The position requires a proactive approach to media engagement, identifying opportunities to amplify key messages related to migratory species conservation and COP15 activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: developing a comprehensive media outreach strategy that aligns with COP15 objectives; drafting and reviewing communication materials such as media advisories and press releases; organizing media events including briefings and press conferences; monitoring and analyzing media coverage across various channels; coordinating with internal teams to ensure accurate communication; responding to media inquiries as the primary contact; and identifying proactive media engagement opportunities to enhance the visibility of COP15 activities. The consultant will work closely with the Coordinator of the Information Management, Communications and Awareness-raising Unit and the CMS Executive Secretary to ensure effective communication and outreach.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in journalism, mass media, public relations, communication, business management, international relations, or a relevant social science field. An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) is preferred, along with at least 7 years of relevant experience. A minimum of 9 years of demonstrated working experience in international traditional media, advising on global media strategies, and providing media monitoring is required. A solid and verifiable list of at least 5,000 personal contacts with international media outlets focused on environmental issues is essential, as is access to professional media monitoring tools such as Meltwater. Experience with UN agencies and international organizations is highly desired, particularly in fields related to the environment, sustainable development, or biodiversity conservation.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree in relevant fields such as journalism, mass media, public relations, communication, business management, or international relations. An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) is preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in media and communications.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 9 years of demonstrated experience in international media, specifically in advising on media strategies and conducting media monitoring. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in areas related to environmental issues, sustainable development, or biodiversity conservation.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of French and Spanish is also beneficial, as these are the working languages of the CMS Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for approximately 2.1 months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Candidates should be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.