Speechwriter Consultant

Result of ServiceTo provide expert writing input and support to the Office of the Executive Secretary and contribute towards positioning the work of the Economic Commission for Africa as a strong, authoritative and trusted voice on socio-economic, development, and other relevant issues at national, regional and global levels. Work LocationAddis Ababa, Ethiopia Expected durationNine months Duties and ResponsibilitiesAs part of efforts to enhance the messaging, narrative, visibility and the brand of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) across global, regional and national fora, the Office of the Executive Secretary requires the services of a Speechwriter. Duties and responsibilities Under the technical and managerial oversight of the Office of the Executive Secretary, the incumbent will research, write and edit speeches, video messages, talking points, forewords, opinion-editorials (op-eds), social media content and other products/materials as necessary. This includes the following key duties: • Write and edit a wide range of materials for the Executive Secretary, Deputy Executive Secretaries and others, including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points, press statements, on issues that cover the full spectrum of ECA and the United Nations agenda. • Consult with the Executive Secretary and senior team members on both the form and content of speeches and other materials, in line with the Executive Secretary’s vision and the Organization’s communications strategy. • Provide communications support towards shaping and fashioning content generated by all Divisions, Subregional Offices and the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning, with a special focus on speeches, talking points, opinion editorials and blogs. • Research topics, gather information and ensure the technical accuracy of communication outputs/products developed for the Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretaries. • Liaise with necessary departments, UN agencies, members of civil society, the private sector and others to produce speeches and other materials that are persuasive, forward looking, politically sound and factually accurate. • Develop ideas and create messages and materials that are clear, compelling, technically accurate, politically sensitive, stylistically consistent and aligned with ECA vision, strategies, and priorities. • Review and edit draft texts to ensure accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness. • Provide expert assistance in tailoring messages and products to specific key events at which the Executive Secretary and/or Deputy Executive Secretaries are invited to speak, ensuring that the outputs are appropriate, relevant and attractive for the audience. • Proactively organize and take part in relevant dialogues and meetings to discuss and agree on messages and other key content. • Perform related logistical tasks as may be appropriate. • Perform other related duties within the remit and scope of the function, as assigned. Qualifications/special skills• At least 7 years of relevant experience in work related to communications, speechwriting or journalism. • Demonstrated experience in articulating policy positions in published written materials. • Exposure to and solid understanding of a broad range of development issues. At least 7 years of relevant experience in work related to communications, speechwriting or journalism. Demonstrated experience in articulating policy positions in published written materials. Exposure to and solid understanding of a broad range of development issues. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of other languages is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.