National Consultant - Communications and Advocacy works, WP/ACE Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support to the WHO ACE office in the Western Pacific Region in designing detailed media engagement plan, enhancing outreach of ACE. This consultant will provide comprehensive mapping of key media stakeholders, creating high-quality communication and advocacy materials, and event planning.

Background

Established in 2019 under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WHO, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea (MOE), and the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), ACE supports Member States by providing scientific information for policymaking, assisting in policy development and implementation, and strengthening technical capacities and programs through partnerships. Following its Mid-Term Evaluation in April 2024, ACE is prioritizing enhanced advocacy efforts and expanding its outreach to key stakeholders across the region.

To advance these goals, the consultant is being engaged to reinforce ACE’s communications and advocacy capacity. This includes raising awareness about critical environmental health issues and showcasing ACE’s contributions to the region. With growing needs for targeted media engagement, strengthening social media presence, effective dissemination of key messages, and coordination of high-impact events such as journalist workshops, the consultant will bring specialized expertise to develop a comprehensive media engagement strategy, produce compelling advocacy materials, and facilitate seamless execution of communications activities aligned with ACE’s strategic priorities.

Deliverables

Method(s) to carry out the activity: Occasional travel may be required

Design and implement a strategic media engagement plan, including detailed mapping of key media stakeholders and sustainable engagement strategies.
Create high-quality communication and advocacy materials to amplify ACE’s initiatives.
Support planning and execution of events, including journalist workshop.
Assist effective collaboration with media professionals and stakeholders.
Support other key activities relating to communications and media relations, as required.

Outputs/Deliverables:

Output 1: Development of a media engagement plan and mapping
Deliverable 1.1: Design a comprehensive media engagement strategy, detailing target media outlets, timelines, and actionable steps.
Deliverable 1.2: Conduct thorough mapping of media stakeholders, identifying key journalists, editors, and influencers to optimize dissemination of ACE’s products.
Deliverable 1.3: Create a sustainable media engagement plan, outlining strategies for maintaining relationships and boosting ACE’s visibility on environmental health issues.

Output 2: Support creation of communication/advocacy materials
Deliverable 2.1: Draft multimedia content (e.g. infographics, flyers, and fact sheets) to support ACE’s key outputs on environment and health.
Deliverable 2.2: Develop high-quality written materials such as press releases, feature stories, and newsletters aligned with WHO/ACE’s priorities.
Deliverable 2.3: Assist WHO/ACE in crafting tailored key messages for ACE’s work on environment and health to align with advocacy goals.

Output 3: Support WHO/ACE with event planning and execution (e.g. Journalist workshop)
Deliverable 3.1: Provide logistical, partnership and communications support for the successful delivery of key events (e.g. Journalist workshop), ensuring effective engagement and participation.
Deliverable 3.2: Prepare relevant documents for the event, including participant briefs, agendas, and key messaging frameworks.
Deliverable 3.3: Collaborate with media professionals and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution and impactful outcomes of events.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: First university degree in communications, media or journalism, or a related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Master's degree or qualification in environmental health, social sciences, climate change, public health or related field

Experience:

Essential: At least three years of experience in commercial, or government, or non-government organizations. Demonstrated experience in media engagement, as well as strategic communications and social media management at the national or international level. Extensive experience with media within the Republic of Korea.
Desirable: Skilled in digital graphic design, photography or video editing. Knowledge of WHO programmes and/or of the UN. Experience working in multi-country context.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

Advanced writing skills and extensive experience in media relations, including in the Republic of Korea.
Advanced understanding of social media platforms, algorithms and content creation.
Proficiency in using web content management systems, digital graphic design, photography and digital assets management platforms.
Extensive advocacy and campaign management experience.
Willingness to learn and adapt quickly.
General knowledge of principles and practices in health information and advocacy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Korean.

Language:

Essential: Expert knowledge in English and Korean (reading, writing, and speaking)

Location

On-site: ACE in Seoul, Republic of Korea

Travel

The Consultant is expected to undertake any travel (mission) as part of this assignment.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: USD 4,000 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: 6 months, February to August 2025

Additional Information:

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