Senior Media Consultant (English Speaker)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a key international agreement focused on sustainable land management. The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Unit supports evidence-based policy-making, including through the flagship Global Land Outlook (GLO) publication. This role supports the launch of GLO3.
Job Purpose
The Senior Media Consultant will be responsible for securing prominent and accurate international media coverage for the launch of the UNCCD's Global Land Outlook 3 (GLO3). This involves communicating key scientific findings and policy implications to global and regional media outlets. The role will facilitate interviews with UNCCD leadership and scientific experts, ensuring the publication's message reaches a wide audience and contributes to raising awareness and understanding of sustainable land management and related global challenges. The consultant will work under the supervision of the STI Unit and in coordination with the CERP Unit.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute an international media outreach plan, identifying target journalists, outlets, and story angles. Craft compelling media pitches and newsworthy angles based on GLO3 findings, in consultation with scientific experts. Draft and edit press releases, advisories, background briefs, and key messages. Build and maintain a targeted media contact database. Coordinate advance outreach, embargoed briefings, and journalist engagement. Manage interview requests, spokesperson schedules, and talking points. Support media briefings, press conferences, and virtual launch events. Distribute launch materials and follow up with journalists. Monitor media coverage for prominence, accuracy, and message alignment. Maintain an interview coordination tracker and handle post-launch inquiries. Prepare a comprehensive report on media coverage and outreach effectiveness.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in journalism, media relations, strategic communications, or public information is required. Proven experience pitching to leading international media, coordinating interviews, and preparing high-quality editorial materials is necessary. Experience with scientific, environmental, or sustainable development issues is desirable.
Skills
Media outreach planning and implementation, media pitching, press release drafting and editing, media relations, journalist engagement, interview coordination, strategic communications, content development, media monitoring, database management, English fluency.