Job Title: Individual Contractor - Communications, Marketing and Public Relations
Vacancy Announcement IC/2025/004
Detailed Description:
The Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit (MDPU) of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is seeking to hire an Individual Contractor to support MDPU's internal and external communications and outreach efforts, and to strengthen the brand of UNITAR's activities in diplomacy.
Responsibilities:
1. Public Relations Strategy
o Develop and implement a comprehensive public relations strategy to enhance the MDPU's reputation.
o Assess MDPU's brand and content, benchmarking its position in the digital sphere against the learning and education field at large.
o Identify and manage key stakeholders, including media outlets, influencers, partners, and community leaders.
o Prepare press releases, media kits, and briefing documents for events, training activities or key announcements.
o Devise a digital marketing strategy, in cooperation with the Director of the Division, the Programme Officer, and in consultation with the team.
o Establish a crisis communication plan to address any potential reputational risks.
2. Branding and Messaging
o Create and oversee the execution of a unified branding strategy to maintain consistency across all communication channels.
o Develop core messaging guidelines and visual identity standards.
3. Image Building and Campaign Development
o Plan and execute image-building campaigns to improve public perception and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
o Conduct research to understand public sentiment and align communication efforts accordingly.
o Coordinate impactful storytelling initiatives that highlight the organization's mission, values, and successes.
o Streamline and consolidate MDPU's social media presence, liaising with CITSU for timely publication of organic posts; preparing, monitoring, and assessing paid campaigns; overseeing the launch and maintenance of MDPU's LinkedIn channels and further expansion; coordinating coherent posting between UNITAR's, the Division Director's, and MDPU's channels.
o Maintain and update UNITAR's various websites and online platforms, including UNITAR's website, alumni platform, and other related websites.
o Maintain and update MDPU's contact lists, coordinating MDPU's direct email marketing timetable.
4. Media Engagement and Monitoring
o Establish and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets.
o Secure positive media coverage through proactive pitching and relationship-building.
o Monitor media mentions and provide regular reports on the organization's media footprint and public sentiment.
o Address media inquiries promptly and professionally to maintain a favorable public image.
5. Internal Communications
o Develop internal communication tools to ensure alignment of messaging among the team members and relevant stakeholders.
o Maintain close contact with team members, partner organizations, and experts, to devise and deliver effective communications campaigns.
o Update the team with communication activities, presenting opportunities, advising team members on best practices, and consulting colleagues on major communications developments.
o Represent the Unit at internal inter-divisional communication fora, including the Communications Working Group and the Strategic Communication Strategy Working Group.
o Liaise with the Communications and Information Technology Support Unit (CITSU), ensuring MDPU content is in line with UNITAR standards and guidelines.
o Liaise with external marketing vendors, ensuring timely implementation of deliverables.
o Undertake background desk research on best practices.
o Crunch performance data as well as website analytics.
o The Individual Contractor may be tasked to train, mentor, and supervise trainees in his/her area of assignment as required.
o Any other tasks as required.
Requirements:
Mandatory qualifications:
* Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Brand Management, Journalism, Political Communication, Public Relations, or any other related field.
Desirable qualifications:
* At least 5 years of experience in managing communications and digital marketing campaigns.
* Excellent planning and organizational skills, attention to details and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience using Content Management Systems (Wordpress, Processwire).
* High level of individual responsibility, commitment, and initiative.
* Good public speaking skills, and confidence in proposing and defending innovative ideas.
* Excellent analytical and research skills.
* Excellent writing skills.
* Creative mindset.
* Curiosity and interest in innovations in digital marketing.
* Knowledge of graphic design and video editing will be an asset.
* Knowledge of the Adobe Suite (Acrobat Pro DC, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Premiere Elements, Media Encoder, After Effects) and Excel would be an asset.
Languages:
Proficiency in English language. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset, in particular French, Spanish, Russian and/or Arabic.
Note:
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.