Digital Specialist Consultant

Result of ServiceThe consultant will deliver high-quality communications and knowledge products that significantly strengthen the visibility, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence of the UN-REDD Programme, with a focus on Africa. The service will contribute to measurable improvements in outreach, engagement, and knowledge uptake across key channels and platforms. Work LocationNairobi, Kenya Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) is the UN knowledge and advisory platform on the forest solutions to the climate crisis. UN-REDD was launched in 2008 and builds on the convening capacity and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This consultancy will develop and execute digital communications and knowledge management initiatives. The role will be essential in amplifying the visibility, influence, and policy relevance of the UN-REDD Programme’s work—particularly in Africa—through high-impact storytelling, digital outreach, and web engagement. The consultant will serve as a critical link between program teams, media partners, and technical service providers to ensure timely delivery, strategic alignment, and measurable communication outcomes. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UN-REDD Global Knowledge and Communications Coordinator and the UN-REDD Africa Regional Coordinator and shall deliver the following output and activities: 1. Strategic Wrap-Up and Dissemination of AFF Knowledge Project Outputs • Lead the final packaging and dissemination of knowledge generated under the African Forest Forum (AFF) knowledge initiative, ensuring the production of high-quality outputs, including: o Policy briefs and synthesis papers targeted at decision-makers; o Lessons-learned documents and takeaways relevant to REDD+, forests, and climate finance; o Short videos and multimedia content that convey compelling narratives from the field; o Human-interest blogs and feature stories that elevate the voices of forest communities and practitioners. • Design and execute dissemination strategies that maximize reach to key stakeholders, including government partners, donors, civil society, and media. 2. Coordination of Africa Media/Communications Mission • Lead planning and coordination of a strategic media/communications engagement mission in Africa, in collaboration with UNEP, regional partners, and national counterparts. • Develop comprehensive media kits, key messages, and briefing materials for journalists and stakeholders. • Coordinate logistics, content capture, and outreach before, during, and after the mission, ensuring sustained visibility and coverage across international, regional, and local media platforms. • Capture and analyze media impact, reporting on reach, resonance, and stakeholder engagement. 3. Management of UN-REDD Digital Communications and Web Presence • Oversee and implement a robust digital communication strategy across UN-REDD’s global social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr), with tailored content aligned to program milestones, international observances, and partner activities. • Design, produce and disseminate a bi-monthly newsletter for the UN-REDD Programme, including gathering stories and coordinating the whole production and dissemination process • Design and maintain an editorial calendar and content plan to ensure consistent messaging, high-quality visuals, and timely engagement with global audiences. • Monitor platform analytics and audience metrics to optimize engagement and guide data-informed strategy shifts. • Serve as the primary liaison with UNEP’s web development team to ensure that the UN-REDD website is dynamic, current, technically sound, and aligned with strategic priorities. • Ensure the integration and tagging of new content, the regular update of thematic pages, and technical maintenance across the web platform. • Support broader UNEP digital strategies through alignment, cross-posting, and participation in inter-agency web coordination meetings. 4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Digital Communications Results • Implement a systematic approach to collect, organize, and analyze data to assess communication efforts. • Track KPIs (e.g., traffic, engagement, downloads, shares, stakeholder growth) to inform monthly and quarterly reporting. • Compile inputs for UNEP logframe reporting, IPMR, and quarterly communications updates in coordination with global and regional KM leads. Qualifications/special skillsEducation: • An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, media and /or journalism is required. • A first-level university degree level in the above-mentioned fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: • A minimum of 4 years experience working on communications related to REDD+, forests, or climate change issues is required. • Experience in communicating on forests, climate change and REDD+ issues is required. • Experience in the Africa region is required. • Previous experience working with the UN is an asset. Skills: • Strong practical background on social mediais required. • Strong skills in managing websites including knowledge of at least one Content Management System (CMS) is required. • A demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations, knowledge of the United Nations system and a personal commitment to the ideals of the United Nations Charter is desirable. • Ability to identify priorities and to work under tight deadlines is desirable. LanguagesNot available. 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.