Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Multilateral Diplomacy

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.

MDPU designs and delivers the Institute’s Core Diplomatic Training (CDT), consisting primarily of orientation briefings and short, intensive skills development workshops which benefit cumulatively some 2,500 diplomats yearly at the United Nations Headquarters and other venues where the Organization maintains a significant presence.

Parallel to CDT, MDPU develops and delivers training activities at country and regional levels in close partnership with governments, universities and selected international organizations. MDPU’s activities also include e-Learning courses; special projects, advisory services related to the curriculum development of diplomatic academies; and the development of other training tools and publications.

MDPU welcomes qualified candidates interested to work for a period of four to six months, at UNITAR headquarters in Geneva.

UNITAR was created in 1963 to train and equip young diplomats from newly-independent UN Member States with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through the diplomatic environment. Over the years, UNITAR has acquired unique expertise and experience in designing and delivering a variety of training activities. We have become a leading institute in the provision of customized and creative learning solutions to institutions and individuals from both public and private sectors. UNITAR’s mission is to develop the individual, institutional and organizational capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders to enhance decision making and support country-level action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

At the heart of UNITAR, MDPU aims at strengthening the intergovernmental machinery of the United Nations by providing training and capacity-building activities that address the needs of diplomats, government officials, international civil servants and private sector specialists to meet complex and global challenges. MDPU’s activities cover a wide range of policy domains including international law, multilateral negotiation, environmental and climate change diplomacy, human rights, artificial intelligence, economic diplomacy, human rights, Agenda 2030 and other related topics, as well as capacities and skills development activities such as leadership, diplomatic report writing, public speaking, media relations and negotiation techniques, among many others.

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer of UNITAR’s Multilateral Diplomacy Programme Unit, the Individual Contractor will oversee the coordination of MDPU’s communications, marketing and public relations strategy.

Typical tasks assigned to Individual Contractor may include the following:

1. Public Relations Strategy
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive public relations strategy to enhance the MDPU’s reputation.
   • Assess MDPU’s brand and content, benchmarking its position in the digital sphere against the learning and education field at large.
   • Identify and manage key stakeholders, including media outlets, influencers, partners, and community leaders.
   • Prepare press releases, media kits, and briefing documents for events, training activities or key announcements.
   • Devise a digital marketing strategy, in cooperation with the Director of the Division, the Programme Officer, and in consultation with the team.
   • Establish a crisis communication plan to address any potential reputational risks.
2. Branding and Messaging
   • Create and oversee the execution of a unified branding strategy to maintain consistency across all communication channels.
   • Develop core messaging guidelines and visual identity standards.
3. Image Building and Campaign Development
   • Plan and execute image-building campaigns to improve public perception and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
   • Conduct research to understand public sentiment and align communication efforts accordingly.
   • Coordinate impactful storytelling initiatives that highlight the organization’s mission, values, and successes.
   • 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.
   • Maintain and update UNITAR’s various websites and online platforms, including UNITAR’s website, alumni platform, and other related websites.
   • Maintain and update MDPU’s contact lists, coordinating MDPU’s direct email marketing timetable.
4. Media Engagement and Monitoring
   • Establish and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets.
   • Secure positive media coverage through proactive pitching and relationship-building.
   • Monitor media mentions and provide regular reports on the organization’s media footprint and public sentiment.
   • Address media inquiries promptly and professionally to maintain a favorable public image
5. Internal Communications
   • Develop internal communication tools to ensure alignment of messaging among the team members and relevant stakeholders.
   • Maintain close contact with, team members, partner organizations, and experts, to devise and deliver effective communications campaigns.
   • Update the team with communication activities, presenting opportunities, advising team members on best practices, and consulting colleagues on major communications developments.
   • Represent the Unit at internal inter-divisional communication fora, including the Communications Working Group and the Strategic Communication Strategy Working Group.
   • Liaise with the Communications and Information Technology Support Unit (CITSU), ensuring MDPU content is in line with UNITAR standards and guidelines.
   • Liaise with external marketing vendors, ensuring timely implementation of deliverables.
   • Undertake background desk research on best practices.
   • Crunch performance data as well as website analytics.
   • The Individual Contractor maybe tasked to train, mentor, and supervise trainees in his/her area of assignment as required.
   • Any other tasks as required.

The tasks assigned may be reviewed during the contract period to reflect changes in programme needs and priorities.

Start date: As soon as possible. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Duration: Four months to six months with a possibility of renewal based on performance

Education: Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Brand Management, Journalism, Political Communication, Public Relations, or any other related field.

Experience: 

• 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.

Language: Proficiency of the English language. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset, in particular French, Spanish, Russian and/or Arabic.