National Consultancy- Media Relations Consultant at UNICEF

Scope of Work: 

Develop and implement partnerships with key media houses – Standard and Nation Media Group – and relationships with key journalists and editors, in order to secure stories on UNICEF’s work and children’s issues in Kenya. This includes visibility for key donors, projects and campaigns, public advocacy on six priority issues for children, and the drought response.

Specific tasks include:

1. Implement strategic partnerships with Standard Group and Nation Media Group to help promote priority issues for children. Negotiate a new partnership with a third media partner, based on the Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships Strategy analysis. Leverage these partnerships to provide visibility opportunities for specific donors as below.
2. Support the Health and SBC sections in developing and implementing a media and content plan for the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination rollout (May to Dec 2023), including visibility for US Aid and partners.  This is a time-limited project funded by US Aid, ending on 31 December 2023. Support the SBC Section to raise visibility of the HPV vaccine during the period of the campaign (May to July 2023) through media stories from affected counties.
3. Support the Education and Child Protection teams on implementing a media and content plan on ECD and pre-primary education, including for refugee and vulnerable host community children, with visibility for the US Fund and partners. This includes a time limited project funded by UNICEF USA, ending on 31 August 2023.
4. Support the Education team on implementing a communication, media and content plan on the Out of School Children programme, including visibility for Qatar, Education Above All and Educate a Child. Coordinate with CAP colleagues on video and social media.  This includes a time limited project funded by Qatar/Education Above All, ending on 31 December 2023.
5. Draft press releases, Q&As, fact sheets and other media materials for UNICEF events, reports launches and other media moments. Write stories for the media and social media on priority issues and donor funded projects. Given the unpredictable nature of media work, these tasks will be assigned on an “as needed” basis and charged according to the consultant’s day rate, not to exceed the overall budget of the consultancy.
6. Plan media visits and accompany journalists to the field when needed, or work remotely with partners, to collect human interest stories on priority children’s issues. Pitch key content such as op-eds and press releases to the media, in line with UNICEF’s media partnership agreements. Mobilise media to attend launch events and press conferences.  Given the unpredictable nature of media work, these tasks will be assigned on an “as needed” basis and charged according to the consultant’s day rate, not to exceed the overall budget of the consultancy.
7. Respond to requests from journalists and arrange media interviews for the Representative, UNICEF staff and youth advocates. Organise media cafés as needed, to highlight current issues of importance to UNICEF.   Given the unpredictable nature of media work, these tasks will be assigned on an “as needed” basis and charged according to the consultant’s day rate. Conduct one training for UNICEF staff on handling media interviews and two with journalists from partner media houses on child rights reporting.
8. Conduct one training for UNICEF staff on handling media interviews and two with journalists from partner media houses on child rights reporting.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• A Bachelors degree or an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. 
• A minimum of six years’ relevant professional work experience in communication, print, broadcast media or interactive digital media, including experience covering children’s issues for a child rights organization such as UNICEF.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset. 
• Fluency in English is required, Kiswahili would be an added advantage. 

Specialist skills/Training: 

• Proven experience in developing communication strategies
• Proven experience in professional writing
• General ability to draft ideas and concepts, clearly and concisely, in written and oral form; specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media
• Proven ability to research, analyse, evaluate and synthesize information
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Solid media contacts and the knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, and the role of mass media
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and have a strong understanding of UNICEF programmes
• Knowledge of computer systems, internet navigation and various office applications, specifically interactive digital media (video editing)
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization