Consultant

Deliverables to be submitted to OHCHR a. A set of guidance materials (e.g. checklist, guidance document or video on interview and filming techniques) and related training activities for OHCHR staff to build their capacity to support implementation of the communications strategy for the ESCR Knowledge Hub through their respective activities; b. A short “flagship” video summarizing ESCR and the High Commissioner’s vision for supporting States and other stakeholders to promote and protect ESCR, with a minimum of four complementary assets; c. One educational video on a specific ESCR, accompanied by a minimum of four complementary assets for each video. d. Two “explainer” videos, accompanied by a minimum of four complementary assets for each video. e. Two “explainer” videos, accompanied by a minimum of four complementary assets for each video; f. An activity, and related communications materials, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. g. Two “explainer” videos, accompanied by a minimum of four complementary assets for each video; h. Final report summarizing achievements and challenges in implementing the communications strategy, as well as recommendations for 2027.

Geneva

9 months

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Section of the Development, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Branch (DESC), and Cluster Lead of the ESCR Knowledge Hub Cluster, the consultant will implement a communications strategy to promote awareness of and to support a culture of contribution to OHCHR’s ESCR Knowledge Hub. a. Knowledge Hub on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights OHCHR’s ESCR Section aims to strengthen the promotion and protection of ESCR by conducting research and analysis to develop policy positions and advocacy on ESCR; promoting policy, technical advice and capaci¬ty-building support on ESCR to OHCHR’s field presences and stakeholders at the country level; supporting the work of UN human rights mech¬anisms on ESCR and engaging in intergovern¬mental processes relevant for ESCR; and strengthening partnerships with UN agencies, cities and local governments, NHRIs and civil society to jointly promote ESCR. The Section’s main areas of work cover economic policies and human rights, maximum available resources, human rights economy; the rights to food, adequate housing, health, water, sanitation, work, social security and education; cultural rights; and anti-corruption and human rights. In 2024, OHCHR established the ESCR Knowledge Hub at the request of the Human Rights Council, through its resolution 54/22, to expand and enhance the provision of its technical assistance, knowledge sharing and capacity-building activities for Member States and other stakeholders to implement ESCR. In 2025, OHCHR developed an online platform of the ESCR Knowledge Hub, as part of the UN Human Rights Knowledge Gateway, to strengthen evidence-based policy and knowledge-sharing on ESCR and increase visibility of OHCHR’s work on ESCR. The online platform of the ESCR Knowledge Hub features a curated collection of promising practices, knowledge products, and relevant actors and resources on ESCR implementation. b. Responsibility and role of the consultant The consultant will support the advocacy work of the ESCR Knowledge Hub by implementing its communications strategy and producing high-quality communications products on OHCHR’s efforts to support States and other stakeholders in ESCR realization, within the framework of the Office-wide communications strategy, ensuring alignment in messaging, branding and outreach. Under the supervision of the Cluster Lead of the ESCR Knowledge Hub cluster, the consultant will: • Oversee the implementation of the communications strategy for the ESCR Knowledge Hub, including by developing relevant products and activities in relevant languages and accessible formats, and advising ESCRS on communications opportunities and risks; • Conceptualize (through a detailed storyboard), plan, edit and produce clear, compelling and accessible educational or “explainer” videos for diverse global audiences on specific ESCR, in line with OHCHR’s mandate and branding guidelines, using appropriate formats such as animation, motion graphics, illustrated video, mixed media, b-roll and interview footage, as available and appropriate; • Adapt video outputs for multiple platforms, including social media (including LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram), websites, events and advocacy campaigns; and produce complementary video assets such as including infographics, social media visuals and clips, thumbnails and other web-ready graphics, to enhance dissemination and strengthen user engagement with the ESCR Knowledge Hub; • Accompany ESCRS staff on one or two missions to conduct video interviews, collect b-roll and organize communications activities; • Provide editorial and technical guidance to OHCHR staff, including through a checklist or guidance tool and training activities, on supporting the implementation of the communications for the ESCR Knowledge Hub, e.g. storytelling approaches, interview and b-roll filming techniques, and other considerations, as needed; • Collaborate closely with OHCHR communications and ESCRS colleagues to ensure accuracy, sensitivity and consistency of messaging, and incorporate feedback from OHCHR to revise outputs as required within agreed timelines; • Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and protection and accessibility considerations are respected throughout the production process; • Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in communications, including video storytelling, for human rights and advocacy contexts; • Document lessons learned and propose improvements to communications activities and related workflows. All necessary video equipment (e.g., cameras, microphones, lighting, editing hardware/software) must be supplied by the consultant. OHCHR will not provide any video equipment. c. Responsibility and role of OHCHR OHCHR shall provide guidance and feedback to the consultant in a timely manner. OHCHR shall retain all rights and responsibilities relating to policy, editorial control, intellectual property, supervision of the project, and all official representation connected with the project. OHCHR shall be responsible for the final content and format of the report. Full editorial control, including final authority over content, presentation and format, shall remain with OHCHR.

Advanced degree in communications, journalism, film/media production or related field A minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic communications, video production, multimedia journalism, visual design, and/or visual storytelling, including for social media and advocacy, preferably with an international organization is required. Proven experience producing high quality written and multimedia content, preferably in human rights, humanitarian, development or advocacy contexts; Strong visual storytelling skills with the ability to craft engaging narratives from interviews; High proficiency in video production workflows, including filming, sound recording, lighting and post-production editing, using professional video editing software (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, After Effects or equivalent); Strong understanding of digital communications and analytics tools; Ability to work independently, across time zones, and manage multiple projects simultaneously; Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and ethical standards.

Fluency in English both oral and written is required; proficiency in French or Spanish an asset.

Not available.

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.