UN Strategic Communications and Coordination Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, with a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and humanitarian crises. The UN Development System has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting countries in their development priorities. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this mission, providing leadership and coordination for UN efforts at the country level.

Job Overview:
The UN Strategic Communications and Coordination Consultant position is designed to support the effective implementation of the UNCT-HCT strategic communications and visibility approach in South Sudan. This role is critical in operationalizing joint collective outcomes that enhance coherence and visibility in humanitarian, development, and peace efforts. The consultant will be responsible for producing high-quality communication products that translate complex information into accessible formats for various stakeholders, including senior leadership, government officials, donors, and the public. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying communication needs, developing strategic messaging, and ensuring alignment with broader UN frameworks and strategies. The consultant will also engage in knowledge management and advocacy efforts to strengthen the visibility of UN initiatives and support resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will lead the implementation of the UNCT-HCT strategic communications and visibility plan, identifying priorities and opportunities to support collective outcomes. Key responsibilities include producing targeted communication products such as briefs, presentations, and multimedia content; analyzing field-level implementation and documenting results; ensuring consistent messaging across UN agencies; developing digital knowledge management tools; providing communications support for key events; coordinating with the UN Communications Group; and strengthening partnerships with local authorities and civil society organizations. The consultant will also serve as the focal point for strategic communications within the Area-Based Coordination (ABC) network, supporting the Government-led National Technical Committee on Durable Solutions and facilitating engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, development studies, political or social sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public information, advocacy, or related fields is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in producing high-quality communications products for complex programming and the ability to analyze complex information and coordinate multi-stakeholder inputs. Experience with multimedia content and digital communications is desirable, as is familiarity with the UN system and experience in fragile contexts such as South Sudan.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field is required for this position. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. The educational background should ideally include studies in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or related disciplines that equip the candidate with the necessary skills for effective communication and advocacy in complex environments.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, public information, advocacy, or related fields. This experience should include producing high-quality communications products for diverse audiences and contexts, particularly in humanitarian, development, or peacebuilding settings. Demonstrated ability to independently analyze complex information and produce strategic communications materials for senior decision-makers is essential. Experience working with the UN, international organizations, NGOs, and government counterparts is highly desirable, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected contexts like South Sudan.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the UN's work in South Sudan.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six 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. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any fraudulent activities related to job offers.