International Consultant / Advocacy and Outreach

Result of Service1. A Comprehensive communications and advocacy strategy aligned with ATCMA objectives, including target audience analysis, key messages, distribution channels, and performance indicators – by the end of Month 1. 2. Regularly updated action plans and concise reports on recurring advocacy and outreach meetings with COMESA Commission, COMESA Secretariat, EU, UNIDO, ITC, and other partners/beneficiaries – initial plan by Month 1, updates every month thereafter. 3. Multimedia Content Package: A Database of visibility materials (e.g., videos, infographics, photographs, and beneficiary testimonials, etc.) highlighting programme results and success stories – first set by Month 2, Second set by Month 4, 3rd set by Month 6. 4. Communication Products: Press releases, media invitations, newsletters, and news articles covering programme activities and outcomes – produced on a rolling basis, with at least one product each month. 5. Social Media Editorial Calendar & Management: Editorial calendar and managed programme social media accounts demonstrating audience engagement and regular performance analytics – calendar delivered by Month 1 and maintained/updated weekly throughout the contract. 6. Structured, regularly maintained database of press contacts, institutional partners, and other relevant stakeholders – first version by the end of the first month, updated monthly thereafter. 7. Organized press conferences, briefings, and media engagements with documented coverage across print, radio, television, and online outlets – at least one major media event by Month 3 and as required until Month 6. 8. Periodic monitoring reports analysing the reach and effectiveness of communication strategies, including press reviews and recommendations for improvement – End of each month. 9. Brief notes or updates on new communication technologies and trends relevant to the programme’s outreach – by the end of Months 2, 4 and 6. Work LocationLusaka, Zambia Expected duration6 mts from ASAP Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) Umbrella Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU). Funded by the EU and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this four-year program aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors. It also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote added value and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, ATCMA aims to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices. The umbrella programme is structured around two intervention levels: 1) the Continental Component and 2) Sub-regional Components in five RECs: COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC. The current opening pertains to the COMESA sub-regional component of the ATCMA umbrella programme. The COMESA ATCMA programme is thematically structured into five components, leading to 5 outputs as follows: In relation to Specific Objective 1: • Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced • Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards • Output 1.3: Value-chain revision mechanism facilitated In relation to Specific Objective 2: • Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification • Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export ITC is responsible for the implementation of outputs 1.1, 1.3 and 2.2. and UNIDO is in charge of implementing outputs 1.2 and 2.1. RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the ATCMA COMESA Senior Technical Lead (Regional Integration) based in Lusaka, Zambia and in close collaboration with the Programme Manager, Office for Africa in ITC, and the UNIDO Industrial Development Expert at HQ, respectively in Geneva and Vienna, the Advocacy and Outreach Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Contribute to the development of a programme communications strategy aligned with the programme’s objectives, including an analysis of target audiences, key messages, distribution channels, and performance indicators, in line with ATCMA's overall communications strategy. • Contribute to and report on the organization of advocacy and outreach recurring meetings with COMESA Commission, COMESA Secretariat, EU, UNIDO, ITC and other partners and beneficiaries in order to streamline the communication process within the programme, align visibility materials and establish action plans. • Contribute to the production of videos, infographics, and photos highlighting the programme’s results, successes, and beneficiary testimonials. • Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, media invitations, newsletters and news articles about the activities and outcomes of the programme, based on content provided by ITC and UNIDO experts; • Assist in the preparation of an editorial calendar for social media posts related to the programme and manage the accounts while ensuring audience engagement. • Contribute to the development and maintenance of the programme’s website, ensuring it remains up-to-date, user-friendly, and accessible. • Create a database of press contacts and institutional partners to enhance the dissemination of information about the programme. • Assist in the planning and coordination of press conferences, briefings, and media events to increase the visibility of programme activities and results; organize media coverage of the programme’s activities • Engage print, radio, television, and online media for workshops and events organized under the programme. • Monitor, analyse, and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Monitor press publications and compile a press review following each media engagement. • Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. Copyright The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or related field. Note: A first-level university degree in the areas mentioned in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. Desirable experience • Experience with international development organizations and/or European Union as donor, in particular in Africa, is desirable. • Experience in data analytics, data visualization or related areas is desirable. LanguagesFor the position advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. 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.