Consultant for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to its goals. The organization is known for its commitment to human rights, sustainable development, and humanitarian assistance, making it a pivotal player in international relations and global governance.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the Strategic Communications and Speechwriter Unit within the United Nations, particularly in the context of the UN80 celebrations. This position involves providing expert assistance in the preparation of speeches, talking points, and other communication materials for senior officials of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG). The consultant will be expected to conduct thorough research, draft, write, and edit various types of communication materials that align with the UN's mission and the Secretary-General's vision. The role is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the unit's communications efforts, ensuring that messages are clear, persuasive, and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write and edit a diverse range of materials for high-level officials, including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points, and press statements, addressing a wide array of topics relevant to the United Nations agenda.
• Collaborate with the Chief of the Speechwriting Unit to consult with senior advisors on the content and form of speeches, ensuring alignment with the Secretary-General’s vision and the overall communications strategy of the organization.
• Engage with various stakeholders, including Secretariat departments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector, to produce materials that are not only persuasive but also politically sound and factually accurate.
• Review and edit draft texts meticulously to guarantee accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness in communication.
• Work closely with the Department of Global Communications and the Office of the Spokesperson to ensure that all communications activities are coordinated and relevant to current events and organizational priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or an equivalent qualification in political sciences, international relations, journalism, public administration, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with relevant experience may be accepted. A minimum of fifteen years of practical experience in drafting high-quality materials, particularly speeches in English, is essential. Additionally, ten years of experience in communications, public information, or journalism is required. A comprehensive understanding of international political, economic, and social affairs, as well as familiarity with the workings of the United Nations, is crucial. Experience in various roles within international organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree or an equivalent qualification in fields such as political sciences, international relations, journalism, or public administration. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they must also demonstrate qualifying experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and effective communication within the UN framework.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least fifteen years of practical experience in drafting high-quality written materials, with a strong emphasis on speechwriting in English. Furthermore, a minimum of ten years of experience in communications, public information, or journalism is required. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively contribute to the high standards expected in UN communications and understand the nuances of international discourse.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another UN official language is desirable, as it enhances the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contributes to the UN's multilingual communication efforts.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of this consultancy is three months, with the possibility of extension based on the needs of the Strategic Communications and Speechwriting Unit. The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.