Media Training Consultant – Level C

Result of Service - IPBES spokespersons for the invasive alien species assessment trained online and on-site prior, during and after #IPBES10 - Spokespersons mentored after conclusion of the training. - Bespoke training materials developed and available online

Work Location Mainly remote and online working, but in-person is required at #IPBES10 in Bonn, Germany on 26 and 27 August 2023

Expected duration 1 July - 7 September

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of over 130 Governments (see www.ipbes.net) and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Under the overall supervision of the IPBES Head of Communications the consultant will specifically provide the following media spokesperson training expert services:

• Develop a media risk mitigation strategy for the launch of the IPBES invasive alien species report.
• Propose, develop, design and strategically distribute bespoke media and spokesperson training materials to key spokespersons of IPBES – including slides, videos and similar resources. These will be informed by strategic and tactical messaging which the consultant will assist in formulating and will also include guidelines on how to communicate effectively with members of the media and influencers, communicating science and expert evidence to lay audiences, and how to maximize the reach and impact of IPBES’s work through the media.
• Provide introductory, intermediate and expert media and spokesperson training through a bespoke online training session of two hours duration, for a total of up to 10 assessment spokespersons.
• Provide in-person introductory, intermediate and expert media and spokesperson training, through in-person training sessions for a total of up to 30 assessment spokespersons at the #IPBES10 Plenary Session in Bonn, Germany. This in-person training must include mock interviews, broadcast-specific on-camera training, extemporaneous practice, scenario-driven core message development and practical advice for medium-specific activities.
• Provide further telephonic/online follow-up training between 28 August and 6 September 2023, on an individual or small group basis, for IPBES spokespersons who will have participated in the in-person training.
• Mentor spokespersons after conclusion of the training.
• Advise on future training needs and develop a roadmap for such trainings.

• Develop and maintain an online spokespersons toolkit containing, inter alia, the training materials specified above.

  Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations, international development or related field is required.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations and/or marketing is required
• Minimum 10 years of experience in writing and editing including extensive experience in writing press releases, media pitches, white papers and other PR and marketing materials is required
• Minimum 5 years of experience working on science-communication and science-policy media outreach with a UN organization, agency or similar entity is required

• Knowledge of IPBES, biodiversity, climate change and environment-related matters will be an advantage

  Languages Fluency in oral and written English is required.

  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.