Media Outreach (German-speaking Switzerland)
Consolidate and expand UN Geneva's outreach activities in German-speaking Switzerland.
Overview
Consolidate and expand UN Geneva's outreach activities in German-speaking Switzerland.
You have:
- Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, political science, international relations, humanities, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in communications, public information, media outreach, training, teaching, and administrative fields.
- Proven experience working with German-speaking media and producing multimedia content.
- Ability to translate and simplify complex topics for general audiences is desirable.
- Experience in educational outreach or youth engagement is an asset.
- Familiarity with the Swiss media landscape and/or International Geneva is desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills is desirable.
- Fluency in German is required.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of French is an asset.
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Result of Service
The expected result of the consultancy is the consolidation, expansion and structuring of UN Geneva’s communication and outreach activities toward German-speaking Switzerland.
Work Location
Geneva
Expected duration
12 months
Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will report to the Director of UNIS Geneva and will work within the TV Radio & Webcast (Multimedia) and Media & External Relations sections of the Service, under the supervision of the Chiefs of Section. The consultant will collaborate closely with UNIS editorial, audiovisual and educational teams, and will interact regularly with German-speaking media outlets, schools, strategic partners, and other UN entities. The consultant supports the strategic priority of strengthening visibility and understanding of International Geneva among the German-speaking majority of the Swiss population, in alignment with the Swiss Host State Message 2026–2029. The consultant will carry out the following tasks: 1. German-language content production and adaptation - Produce 2–3 original pieces of content per month (written, audio, video, or multimedia) tailored to German-speaking Swiss audiences. - Translate, contextualize and adapt UN Geneva communications into clear, accessible German. - Create youth-oriented formats for social media and educational purposes. 2. Media engagement and partnerships - Build and maintain strong relationships with German-speaking media outlets. - Respond rapidly to journalist inquiries, providing background, interviews, and clarifications. - Organize thematic briefings for German-speaking journalists. - Establish and maintain a structured database of journalists, media outlets, topics and UN experts. - Monitor German-language media coverage of UN-related issues and identify trends. 3. Educational outreach - Engage with schools and educators across the German-speaking cantons. - Develop pedagogical materials aligned with Swiss curricula. - Facilitate workshops, presentations and follow-up discussions. - Support school visits to the Palais des Nations and provide contextualized explanations of multilateralism. 4. Public awareness and promotion of International Geneva - Develop formats that introduce Geneva-based international organizations to German-speaking audiences. - Highlight Switzerland’s role as Host State and Geneva’s significance as a multilateral hub. - Support public information campaigns on UN priorities including peace, human rights, climate change, humanitarian responses, migration and sustainable development. 5. Coordination and internal collaboration - Work closely with UNIS teams to ensure editorial consistency and institutional alignment. - Coordinate with audiovisual units as needed for the production of multimedia content. - Contribute to regular internal planning and strategy discussions.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree in communication, journalism, political science, international relations, humanities, or a related field. A first-level degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted. At least (3) years of experience in communications, public information, media outreach, trainings, teaching and administrative field or related area is required. Proven experience working with German-speaking media and producing multimedia content is required. Ability to translate and simplify complex topics for general audiences is desirable. Experience in educational outreach or youth engagement is an asset. Familiarity with the Swiss media landscape and/or International Geneva is desirable. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in German is required. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset.
Additional Information
Local travel is applicable.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with media outreach and the strategies you've employed? | This question assesses the candidate's relevant experience and strategic thinking. | Mention specific strategies that effectively engaged media outlets. |
| How do you ensure that content produced resonates with different audiences? | Understanding audience engagement is crucial for this role. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Give an example of how you've simplified complex information for a general audience. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you employ to maintain relationships with media contacts? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your approach to creating educational materials aligned with specific curricula. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you engage youth in discussions about international relations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced while working with media outlets and how did you overcome them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you assess the effectiveness of a communication campaign? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |