Consultant - Communications Consultant (Science Sector)

The Consultant will support the implementation of the project’s communication and visibility activities for the UNESCO Remote Access to Laboratory Equipment initiative and related projects. Responsibilities include drafting communication materials, media relations, event support, and coordination with external service providers to ensure high-quality communication outputs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate communication and public visibility activities related to the UNESCO Remote Access to Laboratory Equipment initiative, the Ukrainian Scientific Forum, and activities of the International Coalition for Science, Research and Innovation in Ukraine.
• Draft, edit and facilitate the dissemination of high-quality communication and outreach materials in English and Ukrainian, including press releases, news stories, feature articles, success stories, web content, social media content, speeches, talking points, briefing notes and other communication products.
• Support media relations related to project activities, including identification and engagement of relevant media, preparation of media materials, facilitation of interviews, and organization of press conferences, media briefings and other media-facing activities.
• Provide comprehensive communication support to the Ukrainian Scientific Forums, including preparation and dissemination of communication materials before, during and after the events; coordination of media participation; collection of communication assets; and communication of key discussions, outcomes and results.
• Coordinate the production and quality assurance of photography, videography and other multimedia materials documenting project activities, events, missions and beneficiary or stakeholder stories.
• Provide communication support for project-related missions, field visits, donor visits, high-level meetings and official events, including preparation of communication packages, briefing materials and visibility products, as required.
• Coordinate, as required, the work of external communication service providers, including photographers, videographers, designers, translators, editors and media production companies, and contribute to quality assurance of their deliverables.
• Ensure consistent application of UNESCO branding, editorial and visual identity standards and relevant donor visibility requirements across communication products, events and multimedia materials.
• Monitor media coverage and project visibility and maintain an organized record of communication products, media coverage, multimedia assets and relevant outreach and visibility indicators.
• Prepare periodic communication updates, statistics and narrative inputs for internal monitoring, donor reporting and project progress reports.
• Proactively identify, research and document project success stories, human-interest stories and examples of impact demonstrating the project's contribution to strengthening Ukraine's science, research and innovation ecosystem.
• Maintain close coordination with UNESCO communication colleagues, the project team, implementing partners, scientific institutions and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate timely collection and verification of information for communication purposes.
• Perform other communication-related duties necessary to support the effective implementation and visibility of the project.

Requirements

• University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, media studies, international relations, or related field.
• At least 1–2 years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public information, media relations, digital communication or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and editing communication materials for different audiences and communication channels.
• Experience in digital and social media communication.
• Experience supporting communication around events, conferences, public initiatives or institutional projects.
• Experience working with photographers, videographers, designers or other communication service providers is desirable.
• Previous experience with an international organization, United Nations entity, development partner, public institution, research organization or NGO is an asset.
• Knowledge of Ukraine's science, research, innovation or higher education sectors would be an asset.
• Strong writing and editing skills in Ukrainian and English.
• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to travel within Ukraine.
• Creativity, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to evolving priorities.
• Excellent command of Ukrainian and English (oral and written).

Skills

• Communications Strategies
• Media Relations
• Digital Communications
• Social Media Communication
• Content Drafting
• Content Editing
• Event Communication Support
• Public Information
• Coordination with Service Providers
• Writing and Editing
• Bilingual Communication
• Project Communication
• Communication Materials Development
• Communication for Science Sector
• Communication under Deadlines

Languages

Ukrainian, English