Country: United States of America
Closing date: 15 Apr 2016
Position Title: Communication Specialist: Media – Early Childhood Development
Equivalent Level: P-3 (SSA)
Location: New York, Headquarters
Duration: 11.5 months
Reporting to: Chief of Media Section at the Division of Communication
Organizational Unit: Division of Communication
Background
A qualified media specialist is needed to support the work of UNICEF’s early childhood development advocacy and communication priorities.
UNICEF plans to initiate a platform for launching a public engagement campaign for early childhood development that is based on neuroscience and investment evidence. The objective of the campaign is to create awareness about the importance of early childhood development among key stakeholders and partners; establish advocacy opportunities for leveraging resources and policy attention to Early Childhood Development (ECD); provide tools and options for decision-makers and planners to integrate ECD into mainstream development and humanitarian agenda – to ensure sustainability.
Scope of Work
The consultant will work closely with colleagues in the media section and other DOC sections, and Early Childhood Development team in Programme Division. And when appropriate, with UNICEF regional and country offices, donors, and partners. S/he will support the development and implementation of media and communication strategies and plans around ECD; and support on media activities on other programme areas which support UNICEF’s ECD work including health, nutrition, education, social inclusion, WASH, HIV and child protection.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a media strategy and activities to increase awareness of the evidence on ECD across broadcast, radio, print and online media.
- Work closely and network with relevant external media partners to establish UNICEF as knowledge leader in ECD.
- Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
• At least eight years of professional experience in media relations and communications, at least three of which should be in an international setting.
• Knowledge of international media and understanding of print, broadcast and online media operations.
• Solid understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events. Familiarity with Early Childhood Development and knowledge of the development of the brain during the early years of life are highly desirable.
• Track record in implementing media strategies, networking, and developing media materials in a deadline driven and target audience way;
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and preferably another UN language.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to quickly and easily liaise with multiple stakeholders, including those in the programmatic area to prepare strategic communications materials.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and work under tight deadlines.
How to apply:
How to apply Interested candidates who fully meet the requirements of the consultancy are kindly asked to send their applications to Alicia Altamirano: aaltamirano@unicef.org. When sending to this e-mail address, please ensure that the position you are applying for is quoted on the subject line: “Communication Consultant: Media Early Childhood Development”.
Application deadline by **15 April 2016, 5:00pm EST.
Applications must include:**
• Cover letter
• CV
• Completed signed and dated United Nations Personal History Form (P11), which can be downloaded from: http://www.unicef.org/videoaudio/PDFs/P11.doc**.**
• Indicate your availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above
Applications lacking the signed P-11 form and a daily rate will be disqualified as incomplete.
Please do not attach copies of transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application.
Due to the volume of applications being processed, only those candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted for an interview, and that these candidates might be required to take a timed test.
Please note that only the applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged, and that these candidates might be required to take a timed test.
UNICEF IS A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT.
UNICEF IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WITHIN ITS WORKFORCE, AND ENCOURAGES QUALIFIED FEMALE AND MALE CANDIDATES FROM ALL NATIONAL, RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS, INCLUDING PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES, TO APPLY TO BECOME A PART OF OUR ORGANIZATION