Junior Communications Consultant

Result of Service

The Junior Communications Consultant will support UNCCD’s communications efforts for COP17 and the Silk Road campaign, focusing on writing, content development, social media, project management and event support. The Consultant will contribute to the production of communication materials, digital coverage and coordination of communications activities, with the overall goal of supporting effective campaign delivery and conference communications.

Work Location

Home-based.

Expected duration

6 months between March to September 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background note: 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). The Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit provides overall strategic direction on communications, external relations and partnerships, underpinned by innovation and the use of effective tools. It leads and coordinates UNCCD’s engagement with key stakeholders and builds partnerships to mobilize resources and raise the visibility of land issues on political and public agendas. In preparation for the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) and the rollout of a Silk Road–themed global communications campaign, UNCCD seeks to strengthen its junior-level communications capacity to support programme management, content production, digital engagement, media-related materials and campaign implementation. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Communications Officer (Media) and working jointly with the Senior Knowledge Management and Communications Associate, the Junior Communications Consultant will undertake the following tasks: Programme and Event Support - Support the operations of the CERP unit services and programmes. - Support the development of joint publications, promotional materials and joint work and topics. - Support services to help ensure the smooth implementation of CERP projects and activities. - Support the organization of relevant events of the secretariat including CRIC23. - ssist with coordination of communications activities related to COP17 and Silk Road campaign events. - Support media relations logistics, under guidance of the Communications Officer. - Support processes related to human resources, procurement, travel and events, in collaboration with the relevant administration units. Content Development and Writing - Assist in drafting, editing and revising communication products, including web articles, press materials, social media posts, talking points, briefs and presentations. - Support preparation of key messages and media-related materials for COP17. - Contribute to development of storytelling and content packages related to the Silk Road campaign. Social Media and Digital Support - Support scheduled and live social media coverage around COP17 milestones and campaign moments. - Draft social media content and support basic visual or multimedia preparation, under guidance. - Assist in responding to online inquiries and interactions, as required.

Qualifications/special skills

- A first-level university degree in political science, international relations, international economics or other related area is required. - A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in political science, international relations, law, development management, or related areas is required. - Demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams, including virtually, is required. - Excellent planning, organization and teamwork skills is required. - Experience or familiarity with the United Nations System is required. - Experience in project management processes is desirable.

Languages

- Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Only 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. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 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. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 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 Fee

THE 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.