Youth and Communications Specialist

Result of ServiceThe objective of this consultancy is to support targeted the work with the youth, indigenous peoples, non-state actors and communications activities related to the flagship initiatives of the UNCCD secretariat. This includes support to the development and implementation of communications strategies, production of information materials, reports and preparation and organization of key events. Work LocationHomebased Expected duration08 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The objective of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. The UNCCD secretariat seeks an experienced and highly motivated youth and communications consultant to support strategic activities related to the UNCCD Communications Strategy, Youth Engagement Strategy including flagships campaigns, development of multimedia and multilingual communications materials, and preparation and organization of key events, notably the Desertification and Drought Day, International Youth Day (IYD) and the 23rd Session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC23) to be held in Panama in December. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) unit and in consultation with the substantive officers in the UNCCD secretariat, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support in the engagement with the youth and in the implementation of the UNCCD Youth Engagement Strategy Specific areas of focus should include, but not limited to the following; • Facilitate the engagement with the UNCCD Youth Forum; • Organize consultations for the implementation of decision 5/COP16, the outcomes of the COP16 Youth Forum and the Youth Engagement Strategy; • Support with the engagement of the UNCCD Land Heroes; • Drafting and dissemination of key messages relating to the youth engagement within the convention; • Support to the development of reports, policy briefs, factsheets, information materials, etc. 2. Support communications activities related to flagships campaigns of the secretariat related to youth, indigenous peoples, gender, drought and land restoration as required. Specific areas of focus should include, but not limited to the following; • Development of communications plans on the occasion of international days, relevant meetings, etc. • Elaboration and implementation of social media plans, in close collaboration with the UNCCD communications team; • Development of multimedia and multilingual communications assets, including social media cards, infographics, short videos, etc. • Support to the preparation and the organization of the Desertification and Drought Day, IYD and CRIC23. Qualifications/special skills• Master’s degree in public relations or other fields relevant for the consultancy. • A minimum of 5 years of work experience in the field of public relations or media is required; • Demonstrated experience in developing international advocacy strategies and campaigns is desirable; • Experience in engaging with non-state actors is required. Languages• Ability to communicate effectively in English with demonstrated writing skills. • Knowledge of other UN official languages, particularly French and Russian, 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. 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.