Communications and Advocacy Consultant – Shanghai Award

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, commonly known as UN-Habitat, is a global agency established by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, aiming to provide adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat operates in over 90 countries, working towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the local level, in alignment with the New Urban Agenda (NUA). The organization plays a crucial role in facilitating global efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in urban settings where cities serve as transformative forces for innovation and implementation of these goals. UN-Habitat is committed to repositioning itself as a Centre of Excellence and innovation, fostering knowledge exchange and best practices to enhance urban development. The organization collaborates with various international partners, including those in China, to strengthen cooperation and experience sharing among cities, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Job Overview:
The Communications and Advocacy Consultant for the Shanghai Award will be responsible for leading and supporting communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement efforts related to the Shanghai Award and its associated initiatives. This role is pivotal in enhancing the visibility, outreach, and impact of the Award through the development of strategic communication products, public engagement initiatives, stakeholder outreach, and the implementation of coordinated campaigns. The consultant will also contribute to project management and knowledge dissemination activities linked to the Shanghai Award and the Shanghai Manual, as well as broader cooperation with Chinese partners. The position is situated within the Coordination Office of the Regional Programme Division at UN-Habitat's headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective communication and project execution.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will report directly to the Inter-Regional Advisor of the Regional Programme Division and will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Preparing and disseminating communication materials such as press releases, newsletters, social media content, promotional videos, flyers, and infographics related to the Shanghai Award for diverse platforms and audiences.
• Managing and updating the Shanghai Award website and social media platforms, ensuring that the content is engaging, timely, and accurately reflects the Award's progress and values.
• Coordinating with the website development team to revamp the Shanghai Award website and oversee its maintenance and operation.
• Organizing and supporting high-visibility events and campaigns, focusing on visibility, branding, stakeholder engagement, and logistics.
• Supporting the annual cycle of the Shanghai Award, including the call for applications, sorting and reviewing applications, facilitating the international jury review meeting, and organizing the award ceremony, while ensuring clear communication and preparation of relevant documentation.
• Facilitating internal and external communication with partners, donors, and city stakeholders, including the preparation of briefing materials, reports, and meeting documentation.
• Assisting in the overall coordination of the Shanghai Award project, ensuring that communications and publicity are integrated into project workflows and timelines.
• Providing publicity and coordination support for the development of the Shanghai Manual Annual Report.
• Offering substantive support for other cooperation activities linked to the Shanghai Award and its related collaborations. 1
• Performing any other relevant tasks as assigned by the Supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in social sciences, such as communications, sociology, international development, or international relations. Additionally, a minimum of three years of progressive experience in sustainable urban development and international cooperation is required. Experience working in an international organization is essential, while experience in communications, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination is preferred. The ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or higher, in relevant fields such as social sciences, communications, sociology, international development, or international relations. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of urban development and international cooperation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of progressive experience in the fields of sustainable urban development and international cooperation. This experience should ideally include working within an international organization, which provides the necessary context for understanding global initiatives and frameworks. Furthermore, experience in communications, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination is highly preferred, as these skills are essential for the successful execution of the responsibilities associated with this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in both verbal and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional UN languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of seven months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.