Media and Crisis Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where 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, with a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and to ensure that demographic changes are understood and addressed in a rights-based manner. The organization is committed to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and realizing reproductive rights for all, leaving no one behind across the humanitarian, development, and peace continuum. UNFPA's East and Southern Africa Regional Office is particularly engaged in addressing complex humanitarian crises and significant development challenges in the region, making communications a strategic instrument rather than a support function.

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 crucial for building the organization's credibility with media, managing reputational risks, and ensuring that UNFPA's voice is coherent and compelling in both routine and emergency contexts. The Specialist will lead the development and execution of a regional media and communications strategy, positioning UNFPA as a credible and authoritative voice. The role involves managing relationships with media at all levels, driving proactive storytelling, and leading communications efforts during humanitarian and crisis situations. The Specialist will work under the guidance of the Director of ESARO and the Regional Communications Adviser, contributing to the overall mission of UNFPA by effectively communicating its objectives and achievements to various stakeholders, including governments, donors, media, and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Media and Crisis Communications Specialist include:

• Media Relations: Developing and implementing media relations strategies to shape public perceptions of UNFPA's work; analyzing and advising management on media and public affairs issues; participating in media mapping and fostering relationships with media outlets; coordinating press conferences and media events; developing authoritative content such as press releases and articles; tailoring messaging for diverse media outlets; preparing talking points and key messages for media interviews; monitoring media coverage and assessing the effectiveness of media strategies; and contributing to media training for spokespeople.
• Crisis Communications: Coordinating crisis communications responses with stakeholders; participating in crisis communications cells; drafting key messages and press releases during crises; liaising with national and international media; ensuring accurate reflection of crises on UN media channels; and supporting the development of crisis communications policies and training.
• Common Responsibilities: Keeping abreast of communication trends; maintaining confidentiality and integrity; monitoring and analyzing communication strategies; and collecting data to provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree or Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Affairs, or a closely related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, or media relations, with demonstrated experience in crisis communications and humanitarian communications. A proven track record in media strategy development and managing high-level media relationships is essential. Experience within the UN system or international development/humanitarian organizations is strongly desirable, as is experience in the East and Southern Africa region or comparable contexts.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess 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 in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, or media relations. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in crisis communications, humanitarian communications, or emergency public information, with preference given to those with on-site humanitarian experience. A proven track record of developing media strategies and managing high-level media relationships at regional and international levels is essential. Experience in senior-level spokesperson management and media training is also required, along with familiarity with the UN system or international development/humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. A working knowledge of French or Portuguese is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in the diverse linguistic landscape of the East and Southern Africa region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes 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 is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.