Local and National Media Consultant (roster)

Contribute to the strategic dissemination of public information and media outreach activities.

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UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Tuesday 1 Jul 2025 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Contribute to the strategic dissemination of public information and media outreach activities.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Science, Communications, Public Information, Journalism or a related field.
  • At least five years of professional experience in public information and communications with focus on science dissemination.
  • Fluent in English and Italian, with excellent writing skills in Italian.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Trieste Job Family: Public Information Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 18-JULY-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- ***Activities and outputs:*** Under the supervision of the Public Information Officer, the consultant will contribute to the strategic dissemination of public information, including the release of scientifically accurate information to local and national media through press releases and press conferences and to the general public via media relations for outreach activities such as the TriesteNext science festival, Researchers' Night. The consultant will be working partly at the ICTP premises and partly from home. Anticipated results will be increased visibility of ICTP research and education activities in local and national media outlets in Italy; the improved relationship with local and national journalists. Specific activities include writing press releases in Italian, disseminating to local and national media; arranging workshops with local and regional journalists to educate them on ICTP activities; identifying communications opportunities for ICTP's participation in local and national science outreach events, and building media partnerships. The performance of the consultant will be evaluated based on the timeliness of press releases, the amount of media requests for ICTP information, and the number of news stories appearing in local and national media. ***Contract duration*** ***:*** *Up to 11 months depending on an assignment.* ***THIS VACANCY ANNOUCEMENT WILL BE USED TO CREATE A ROSTER OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR POTENTIAL CONSULTANCY OPPORTUNITIES IN PUBLIC INFORMATION, OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION WITH LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEDIA.*** Long Description ---------------- Long Description ---------------- **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** --------------------------- ***Education*** Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Science, Communications, Public Information, Journalism or a related field. ***Work Experience*** At least five years of professional experience in public information and communications with focus on science dissemination. In-depth knowledge of the Italian media, especially the science media, including close contacts with journalists, editors and radio and TV directors. ***Languages:*** The consultant must be fluent in English and Italian, with excellent writing skills in Italian. Long Description ---------------- **HOW TO APPLY** ---------------- In addition to the online application, candidates should submit two writing samples in Italian (a press release announcing a scientific achievement and a media pitch for an interview with a scientist to personnel\_[email protected] **SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------- Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with press releases in Italian? This question assesses your ability to write effectively for media in the local language. Share a specific example of a press release you've written and the impact it had.
How do you approach building relationships with journalists? Understanding your strategies for media relations is crucial for this role. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies have you used for science outreach events? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you managed a media crisis. What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your process for identifying communications opportunities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the accuracy of the information disseminated to the media? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
In your opinion, what makes a press conference successful? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you measured the success of a media campaign? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 11 months ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org