GM Writer and Editor

Result of ServiceThe consultant is expected to produce accessible and engaging publications & deliverables for online and print use. The products should meet the needs of an informed but non-technical audience, ensuring that insights and findings and their underlying complexities are communicated in accessible and easy to understand language. Content should be concise. The consultant is expected to collaborate with GM staff on designing, final editing and proofreading of the publication. Work LocationHomebased Expected durationApril-October 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). (www.unccd.int) The Global Mechanism (GM) of the UNCCD is mandated to assist countries in the mobilization of financial resources from the public and private sector for activities that prevent, control or reverse desertification, land degradation and drought. As the operational arm of the convention, the GM supports countries to translate the Convention into action. The GM is currently spearheading several initiatives to implement its resource mobilization mandate by supporting countries in the development of a pipeline of projects and programmes for financing by donors and private sector partners. We are also promoting multi-sector, multi-stakeholder approaches to facilitate the financing and implementation of projects contributing to synergies across the objectives of the three Rio Conventions. To ensure high-quality outputs, the GM is seeking a seasoned writer and editor with expertise in developing comprehensive reports based on technical documents. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in transforming technical information into clear, concise, and impactful reports that align with UNCCD’s mission. Additional supplementary products such as speeches, articles or policy briefs may be requested. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the staff across the GM. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the overall guidance of the Innovative Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Coordinator of the GM, the consultant’s duties will include but are not limited to: • Developing (i.e., writing) high-quality reports for UNCCD based on data, technical reports, and other relevant materials. • Writing inspiring accounts on the flagship programmes of the GM- including for the Great Green Wall and other multi country programmes and initiatives. • Composing compelling narratives on innovative finance models and corporate programmes (such as gender/tenure, SDS, drought resilience, peace building, private sector engagement, debt-for-nature swaps, technology transfer, insurance, blended finance and carbon/biodiversity credits). • Drafting stories and information about the progress of GM projects & programmes to showcase a coherent rationale and narrative for investment. • Editing and refining drafts to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to UNCCD’s style guidelines. • Preparing speeches and articles as needed. • All edited and finalized materials must be delivered in electronic format (e.g., Microsoft Word, PDF, etc.) as specified by UNCCD Publication Guidelines. • Any other responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor Qualifications/special skills• Advanced university degree in journalism, media or communication, climate change, development, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, climate change, public policy, or related fields is required. • A minimum of five years of experience in report preparation, project management, policy, communications, or media is required. • Substantial previous experience in writing products for policymakers and non-technical audience is required. • Strong ability to synthesize complex information into clear, engaging content is required. • Familiarity with issues related to land management, desertification, or sustainable development is highly desirable. • Substantial previous experience in writing online/offline publications. LanguagesFor this consultancy fluency in English language (both oral and written) is required. Exceptional writing and editing skills in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset. Additional InformationOnly individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. The selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 10 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: • An antivirus application which receives regular updates; • Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; • Regular Windows 10 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App. 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.