Partnerships and Strategic Communications Specialist

Result of ServiceStakeholder mapping and draft partnership strategy – by end of September 2025 • Communications and advocacy strategy (draft and initial rollout) – by end of September 2025 • Launch of flagship UN advocacy campaign (first phase) – by mid-November 2025 • Monthly content packages for website and social media • Talking points, briefs, and event support for RC engagements – ongoing • Draf UNCT 2025 Annual Report– by mid December 2025 • Final report with recommendations, good practices, and campaign continuity plan – by end December 2025 Work LocationHybrid / RCO UAE Expected duration4 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global hub for innovation, finance, diplomacy, and humanitarian action. It plays an increasingly influential role in shaping multilateral agendas, from climate action to artificial intelligence, space exploration, and international development financing. The UN Resident Coordinator (RC) leads the UN development system and humanitarian agenda in the UAE and provides strategic leadership and oversight across the UN Country Team (UNCT). The Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), under the RC’s leadership, supports coordination among UN agencies active in the UAE, facilitates engagement with national counterparts, and anchors joint UN analysis, advocacy, and partnerships in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In 2023–2024, the UAE hosted COP28 and emerged as a key actor on global sustainability, development finance, and digital governance. As the UN system deepens its cooperation with the UAE—as a donor, convener, and innovation partner—it is essential to build impactful partnerships and ensure coherent, visible, and future-oriented communications. To support these objectives, the RCO seeks a dynamic and strategic consultant to deliver high-impact communications and partnership support, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN 2.0 vision, and the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Centennial 2071. The consultant will lay the groundwork for sustained UN visibility and engagement in 2026, including the UN Water Conference and UN Crime Congress to be hosted in the UAE. Objectives of the Assignment • Strengthen and diversify strategic partnerships with UAE government institutions, philanthropic actors, private sector entities, academic and innovation hubs, and the UN system. • Design and support initial implementation of a results-oriented communications and advocacy strategy tailored to the UAE context. • Enhance the day-to-day visibility and strategic positioning of the UN system’s work in and from the UAE. • Provide strategic support to the RC’s public engagements, including preparation of background materials, research, and key messages. • Launch the initial phase of a high-level UN advocacy campaign aligned with UAE and global priorities, setting the foundation for continued implementation in 2026. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the RCO and UNCT focal points, the consultant will: A. Partnerships and Strategic Engagement • Conduct a mapping and analysis of UAE-based development, innovation, philanthropic, and finance actors. • Draft a tailored UNCT partnership strategy and roadmap identifying high-potential areas for SDG financing, South-South cooperation, and strategic convening. • Identify and support the design of joint initiatives and regional or international partnerships originating from the UAE (e.g., COP legacy, water diplomacy, AI governance). • Prepare partner briefs, profiles, and concept notes to support RC and UNCT engagement. • Facilitate dialogue with key UAE stakeholders and advise on strategic positioning. B. Strategic Communications and Advocacy • Develop and initiate implementation of a UAE-specific UN communications strategy, positioning the UN as a credible, impactful partner. • Curate and produce high-quality communications materials, including stories, op-eds, results reports, visual content, and talking points. • Design and launch the first phase of a flagship advocacy campaign on key UN themes, aligned with UAE global positioning and upcoming events (e.g. UN Day, SDG milestone, or COP follow-up). • Manage and regularly update the UNCT UAE website and digital platforms. • Draft and post content for the UNCT and RC’s social media accounts, ensuring a consistent and strategic narrative. C. RC Public Engagement, Messaging, and Research Support • Provide direct support to the RC for high-level meetings, events, panels, and public engagements. • Conduct targeted research to inform RC interventions and support message framing (background notes, strategic messaging aligned with UAE national priorities and global UN initiatives) • Coordinate with national counterparts, diplomatic missions, and UN agencies to ensure coherence and visibility of RC-level engagement. D. Knowledge Sharing, Coordination, and Visibility • Engage with regional Communities of Practice on communications, partnerships, and SDG acceleration. • Prepare the UNCT Annual Report, capture and disseminate good practices and lessons learned from the UAE-UN partnership. • Provide communications and visibility support for joint UNCT events, campaigns, and missions. Qualifications/special skillsMasters degree in international relations, communications, public policy, development studies, or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, partnership building, or high-level diplomacy, preferably with the UN, international organizations, or multilateral institutions is required. Minimum 5 years of experience in the Gulf region is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to craft compelling content, including campaigns, for diverse audiences. Strong digital communications skills, including website content management and social media strategy is required. Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government, philanthropy, private sector, academia, and civil society is required. Familiarity with the UAE context—its institutions, Vision 2031 and 2071 frameworks, and international positioning is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required and knowledge of Arabic is desirable Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. 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.