Consultant: Media Relations Officer (CST Lev. III)

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media and Communications, Public Relations, or other related fields.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of proven professional experience in communication, media, journalism, public information, writing, editing, speech writing or similar disciplines, with at least 5 years at a senior level in the public or non-profit sector.
• Proven ability to drive and achieve high-level and extensive media coverage
• Solid network of media outlets, editors and journalists
• Experience in public relations is an advantage
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse teams, across multiple geographic locations and across different time zones
• Deep knowledge of humanitarian operations globally, particularly in emergencies setting.
• Deep knowledge of the Global Network Against Food Crises, Resilience programming, Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda

Knowledge & Skills:

• Timeliness: Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks within given time constraints often with short deadlines.
• Communication skills: Ability to interact effectively with others at all levels within and outside the organization.
• High level of understanding of world affairs, current events, international development, and human rights issues.
• Superior writing skills, with demonstrated experience in producing powerful and compelling content for public audiences on a wide range of issues, including technical subjects and themes.
• Proven management and supervisory skills, and an ability to provide clear direction are important.
• Detail-oriented: Needs to pay attention to seemingly insignificant details as a QA last line.

Languages: Excellent knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Under the supervision of Chief of Global Media, CAM, WFP and the Chief, Global Network Against Food Crisis (“Global Network”), the Media Relations Advisor is responsible for driving the development and implementation of the Global Network's 'communications strategy' and media support to the priorities of the Global Network, positioning the Global Network's core narratives which enable the Network to serve as a trusted resource on food crises, and help shape media coverage of food crises.

The Media Relations Advisor will work to enhance visibility, and support for the work of Global Network and help build a strong network of contacts among major international media and prominent regional media. Responsible for developing information and strategies for positioning the Network as a resource for journalists.

The candidate must have extensive experience in media relations and advocacy especially both globally and regionally. He or she must be an excellent communicator with strong inter-personal, influencing and relationship-building skills.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Reporting to the Chief of Global Media for CAM, WFP and the Chief, Global Network, the Media Advisor will lead the development and planning of media strategies and drive implementation of activities to contribute and support the achievement of the Network's goals and objectives.

The candidate will advise and support the Chief of Global Media for CAM, and WFP and the Chief, Global Network as well as Senior Management on high level roundtable events, and other media engagements and opportunities.

Write and edit common communications related materials, including press releases, op-eds, FAQ's and other products commonly associated with media "kits".

Work closely with social media and web focused colleagues to ensure cohesion of messaging and writing across various communications platforms.

Plan, organize and coordinate meetings with network members as well as working arrangements with various members of the communications and media teams.

Keep abreast of changing media landscape and maintain networks of global media contacts, including UN press corps, as well as important regionally based media.

Lead the identification of Key Performance Indicators aligned to the media strategy and establish a system of systematic monitoring, review, and evaluation of their effectiveness in measuring progress and impact.

Undertake other assignments as required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Media Officer will also:

Develop, plan and implement mainstream and social media strategies around the release of Global Network related reports, products, events and activities.

Advise, organize and manage senior management's communication interactions and engagements with the media before, during and after the launch of major publications and advocacy campaigns to raise awareness around the Global Network’s objectives.

Perform spokesperson role as required and manage senior management's communication interactions and engagements with the media.

Develop strategies and opportunities for the Global Network to communicate via targeted niche media relevant to issues areas which impact global food crises. For example, helping the Global Network engage environmental and climate change focused outlets and writers as it relates to food crises.

Help position senior management as thought leaders and subject-matter experts and the authority on relevant topics among media and be able to facilitate any media and public speaking trainings which may be required.

Broker media relationships and be able to secure placement of opinion pieces (oped) in targeted media outlets.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

JOB TITLE:

Media Relations Officer

TYPE OF CONTRACT:

CST Level III

UNIT/DIVISION:

Global Network Against Food Crises, PRO // Global Media Unit, CAM

DUTY STATION (City, Country):

Rome, Italy

DURATION:

11 months

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

DEADLINE: 14 July 2023 at 23:59 CEST

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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.