Consultant - Media and Communications Specialist

The Consultant will provide technical and operational support in media and communications, focusing on communication strategy implementation, speechwriting, digital and social media engagement, content development, and public outreach. The role aims to strengthen UNESCO’s regional visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure effective communication of programme results and organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of communication and external engagement strategies aligned with UNESCO priorities, including communication planning, messaging frameworks, and audience targeting.
• Ensure that all communication outputs comply with UNESCO branding guidelines, editorial standards, and donor visibility requirements, and provide guidance to programme teams on communication approaches and best practices.
• Coordinate external communications and public engagement activities by managing public-facing communication outputs targeting media, partners, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with media organizations, government counterparts, regional partners, civil society, and academic institutions, strengthening UNESCO’s public positioning and visibility through proactive outreach.
• Draft and edit high-quality communication products, including press releases, media materials, op-eds, feature stories, and reports, as well as human-interest stories that highlight programme impact.
• Prepare speeches, talking points, briefing notes, and key messages for senior leadership engagements, ensuring clear and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Support digital communications by managing and updating UNESCO Bangkok’s website and social media platforms, contributing to digital campaigns aligned with UNESCO priorities and SDGs, and monitoring analytics to improve outreach and engagement.
• Coordinate media relations and visibility efforts through drafting media advisories, press releases, and question-and-answer materials; organizing media interviews, press briefings, and coverage; and ensuring strong media visibility of UNESCO initiatives.
• Contribute to crisis communication and reputational risk management as required.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives linked to key organizational priorities, including education, digital transformation, culture, and inclusion.
• Assist in organizing events, regional forums, and public engagements, promoting UNESCO’s role in regional cooperation and policy dialogue.
• Regularly monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, proposing adjustments to enhance visibility and impact.
• Monitor emerging political and reputation risks in the Mekong countries and advise on how they affect UNESCO Bangkok's Communications Positioning.
• Work closely with programme teams to ensure alignment of communication outputs, provide inputs on messaging and branding, and facilitate coordinated implementation of communication activities across the Office.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, or journalism, with experience in strategic advisory roles.
• Proven ability to analyze complex communication challenges and develop innovative strategies or policy proposals.
• Experience in content development, media relations, digital communications, and supporting communication strategies is essential.
• Experience working within the UN system or similar international organizations, with a deep understanding of UNESCO's mandate and established contacts with Asia-Pacific media outlets.
• Good English writing and communication skills, with experience in supporting senior-level media engagement and digital strategy.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex communication projects and lead cross-functional teams.

Skills

• Strategic Communications
• Media Relations
• Content Development
• Digital Communications
• Marketing Strategy Implementation
• Speech Writing
• Public Outreach
• Media Engagement
• Digital Strategy Design
• Communication Policy Development
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Team Management
• UN System Experience
• Asia-Pacific Media Relations
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Communications Analysis
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• Communications Leadership

Languages

English