Consultant for Strategic Communications and Outreach on Infrastructure Asset Management

Result of ServiceManage strategic communications, content creation, and digital engagement over the duration of the project’s first year of implementation of the Infrastructure Asset Management project in 6 beneficiary countries, namely: Kenya, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Senegal and Fiji.. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe position is located in the International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch (ITDCB) of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The FSDO works to advance policy and action on financing for sustainable development to support Member States and other stakeholders in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development by providing thought leadership and agenda shaping, promoting multistakeholder dialogue, identifying policy options and best practices, and offering advice and support for capacity development in key areas. More information can be found at: https: //financing.desa.un.org/. The Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO) of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) is implementing the project “Localizing the SDGs through more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure (Phase 2)”, funded under the 2030 Agenda Sub-Fund (Peace and Development Fund). The project strengthens the capacity of local and national governments in six partner countries—Kenya, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, and Fiji—to plan, manage, and sustain resilient infrastructure systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the achievements of Phase 1, which trained more than 1,000 officials and produced national Asset Management Action Plans (AMAPs), Phase 2 expands implementation, outreach, and knowledge sharing. To amplify the project’s visibility, strengthen its public presence, and communicate its results effectively across UN DESA’s channels, FSDO seeks a consultant to manage strategic communications, content creation, and digital engagement over the duration of the project’s first year of implementation. Work Assignment Under the supervision of the Senior Economic Affairs Officer, International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch (FSDO/DESA), the consultant will: a. Communications Strategy and Implementation - Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and outreach plan for the project, consistent with UN DESA’s communication strategy and Peace and Development Fund visibility requirements. - Identify and execute opportunities for high-impact storytelling and public engagement through UN DESA’s website, newsletters, LinkedIn, and social media channels. - Maintain a rolling editorial calendar aligned with project milestones, publications, and country events. b. Content Development and Multimedia Production - Produce engaging written and visual content, including feature stories, blog posts, infographics, short videos, and digital assets that highlight project results and innovations. - Design communication materials for events, reports, and online dissemination, ensuring coherence with UN branding and FSDO visual identity. - Draft and edit articles and news items for UN DESA’s internal and external platforms, including feature placements in DESA newsletters and corporate web pages. c. Digital Engagement and Knowledge Visibility - Curate and manage the IAM project webpage and related subpages on the UN DESA website, ensuring timely publication of materials and updates. - Coordinate social media posting, analytics, and audience engagement in collaboration with the DESA Communications Office. - Introduce simple data-driven tools to track engagement metrics and adapt outreach approaches to strengthen visibility and impact. d. Internal and External Outreach - Prepare communication briefs, talking points, and summaries of project achievements for senior management and partner briefings. - Assist in developing communications material on project milestones for internal channels and high-level updates. - Support the development of knowledge-sharing materials to document lessons learned and promote cross-regional learning among partner countries. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, graphic design, public information, or a related field is required. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, multimedia content production, or public information within the UN or international development context is required. Experience on managing multi-platform digital communications and storytelling campaigns is required. Knowledge of visual design, photography, or video editing (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent tools) is required. Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible narratives is required. Familiarity with UN Editorial Guidelines is desirable. LanguagesFluency in both oral and written English is required; working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.