Result of Service

Top-tier Arabic-speaking media coverage of UNCCD.

Work Location

Home-based.

Expected duration

100 days between February and 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). (www.unccd.int) The Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit supports the mandate of UNCCD by providing an 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 corporate resources and raise the visibility of land issues on the political and public agendas. Furthermore, it acts as the UNCCD brand guardian, leading global strategic communication at corporate and programmatic levels, nurturing creativity and ambition to reach new audiences with world-class, science-based communication and advocacy. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Chief of CERP Unit the consultant will perform the following duties: - Develop and implement a media engagement plan for Arabic-speaking audiences around key moments such as the Silk Road Campaign for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, annual observance of Desertification and Drought Day and COP17, in alignment with the overall communication strategy; - Liaise internally and externally, as directed, to identify newsworthy and regional angles on key Convention issues, suggest and develop new print and multimedia content for Arabic-speaking audiences, including case studies, feature stories, interviews etc. - Prepare necessary materials (key messages, press releases, op-eds, media advisories, etc.) in Arabic or other languages as may be required; - Proactively pitch Arabic-speaking media, including the creation of story ideas and thought leadership pieces to pique media interest; - Coordinate media outreach activities around key events, including liaising with Arabic-speaking spokespeople, including UNCCD leadership, experts and key decision-makers, prepare talking points for spokespeople and coordinate interviews; - As required, translate or adapt content from English or other languages into Arabic, adhering to UN editorial standards, - Support an analysis of Arabic-speaking media coverage, including key message penetration, spokespeople quoted and estimated earned media cost; - Manage follow-up interviews and public inquiries; and - Perform other project-related tasks as may be needed.

Qualifications/special skills

-A first-level university degree in public relations, journalism, communications or political or social sciences is required. - Knowledge of environmental, policy, and outreach issues and activities relevant to the work of UNCCD is required. - Experience creating quality content for media, including excellent writing and editing skills in Arabic is required. - Knowledge of online video conferencing platforms and relevant digital outreach tools is required. - Experience working in a multicultural and multinational environment is desirable. - Experience working in countries affected by desertification, land degradation and drought is desirable. - Knowledge of the UN issues related to sustainable development and sustainable use of natural resources is desirable - Experience in working with top-tier Arabic broadcast, print and online media is desirable. - Familiarity with UNCCD issues and work is an advantage.

Languages

- Excellent writing and editing skills in Arabic as well as fluency in spoken and written English is required.

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, such as Word and Excel. 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.