Consultant - Communications & Outreach

1. Objective of the Assignment

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) seeks a Communications and Outreach Consultant to support two priority workstreams: the Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling, Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement (SUNRISE), led by the Technology & Roadmap Policy (TRP) Unit, and the resource mobilization and donor engagement efforts led by the Resource Mobilization (RM) Unit.

The assignment aims to:

• Establish SUNRISE as the world's leading Global South-led platform and thought leader on solar PV and battery waste management, recycling, and circularity through strategic communications, branding, stakeholder engagement, and outreach.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by developing compelling communication materials that effectively articulate ISA's value proposition, programmes, and partnerships to donors and development partners.
• Enhance engagement with governments, multilateral and bilateral development partners, philanthropic organizations, financial institutions, and the private sector in support of ISA's funding and partnership priorities.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all SUNRISE and RM communication and outreach materials.

2. Scope of Work (including but not limited to)

A. Communications and Visibility Plan for SUNRISE

• Develop and implement a Communications and Visibility Plan to support outreach of the SUNRISE platform.
• Position SUNRISE as the leading global platform on solar PV and battery circularity.
• Build compelling narratives highlighting circular economy, resource security, industrial development, innovation, and green jobs.
• Develop creative communication campaigns and strengthen media and digital visibility.

B. Resource Mobilization Communications Support

• Develop donor-facing materials, including strategy briefs, one-pagers, presentations, and partnership proposals tailored to specific donor segments (e.g. philanthropic foundations, multilateral institutions, private sector partners).
• Draft and design content for flagship initiatives such as the Global Solar Facility (GSF) and Africa Solar Facility (ASF), aligned with ongoing donor engagement priorities.
• Produce content tied to key milestones on the RM Activity Plan, including donor convenings, conference participation, and programme announcements.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar mapped to key donor engagements and RM milestones.
• Provide input on positioning and messaging for donor and partner-facing communications.

C. Content Development and Knowledge Translation

• Produce high quality communication materials including: website content, feature articles, success stories, social media campaigns, video concepts, etc.
• Draft and coordinate publication of op-eds, expert articles, interviews, and opinion pieces in leading international media and sector publications.
• Identify and facilitate strategic collaborations with podcasts, media platforms, industry publications, influencers, and knowledge partners to expand SUNRISE's global reach.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.

D. Annual Circularity Conference — Communications, Branding and Event Support

Support the planning and delivery of the SUNRISE Annual Circularity Conference, scheduled for 9–10 March, with an expected participation of approximately 200 international delegates. Responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement the overall communications, outreach, and visibility strategy for the conference.
• Support overall event coordination from a communications and stakeholder engagement perspective.
• Develop the conference branding and visual identity, ensuring consistency across all communication materials.
• Coordinate live communication activities along with the ISA Comms team, including social media coverage, photography, videography, media engagement, and session highlights.
• Prepare post-event communication products, including outcome summaries, knowledge products, and impact stories.
• Contribute to positioning the SUNRISE Annual Circularity Conference as the flagship global event on solar PV and battery circularity.

E. Coordination and Reporting

• Liaise with the RM Unit, TRP Unit, and ISA Communications Team to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Prepare periodic communication and outreach reports, capturing progress, engagement, and upcoming priorities across both SUNRISE and RM workstreams.

3. Duration of Assignment

1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and programme needs for another year. 

4. Profile and Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in communications, outreach, media, or knowledge dissemination.
• Experience in development, energy, sustainability, or climate-related programmes is preferred.
• Experience supporting resource mobilization, donor communications, or partnership development is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience supporting multi-stakeholder platforms, international initiatives, or communities of practice.
• Experience supporting high-level international conferences or global events is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

Skills

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and audiences.
• Hands-on experience with social media platforms, including content creation, campaign support, and engagement tracking.
• Strong coordination and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel.
• Ability to work effectively with highly technical supervisors and subject-matter experts, translating complex inputs into accurate and engaging communication outputs.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with technical and communications teams.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English required.
• Knowledge of additional ISA Member Country languages is an asset.

5. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Development Studies, Sustainability, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in communications or related disciplines is an advantage.

6. How to Apply

Please apply by email to recruitment@isa.int, submitting:

• A detailed CV
• A short cover letter highlighting relevant experience
• Your portfolio of previous work or campaigns designed and/or led by you
• A brief written statement — without using AI (maximum 300 words) — responding to the question below: "If you joined tomorrow, how would you position SUNRISE and support ISA's resource mobilization efforts in the first 100 days?"

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.