Result of Service

Under the guidance and supervision of the Head of the Secretariat, the consultant will contribute to the following objectives: (i) strategic communication planning and (ii) content and messaging development within the context of the global activities led by the Local2030 Coalition.

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

9 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. Based in Nairobi (Kenya), it is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the UN system for coordinating activities in the field of human settlement development and the UN leading the collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks. The position is located in the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat in Bilbao, as part of the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) within the Global Solutions Division. The Global Solutions Division (GSD) provides programmatic direction for UN-Habitat and is responsible and accountable for the programmatic delivery of the Strategic Plan. The Division leads the tools and methodology production and the integration of the various substantive competencies towards the effective delivery of the Strategic Plan and the mandate of UN-Habitat. It provides substantive training and supports capacity development of Member States and partners. The Urban Practices Branch (UPB) is the tools, methodology, production, and skills centre of the UN-Habitat that develops normative guidance and cutting-edge tools through its five sections and agency-wide communities of urban practice. It provides technical and policy advice approaches and methodologies to MCOs/CO, government and partners and mainstreams them throughout the programme portfolio. It also ensures that the cross-cutting area of safety and social inclusion issues, including human rights, gender, children, youth and older persons, and disability, are developed and mainstreamed across the Agency. The Local2030 Coalition is the UN system-wide mechanism to advance the crucial engagement of local stakeholders in a systematic way – a common space to mobilise, engage and empower every local actor, everywhere – towards achieving the SDGs. The Coalition is underpinned by the recognition that strategic and committed partnerships are key to ensuring coherence and effectiveness. Inside the UN system, the Local2030 Coalition aims to strengthen coordination between the UN entities’ efforts and expand and deepen their partnerships with local actors to advance the SDGs. The Coalition is co-chaired by UN-Habitat (as the permanent co-chair) and one other UN entity, which rotates every two years (currently FAO). UN-Habitat also leads the Secretariat of the Local2030 Coalition. The Coalition is governed by a Steering Committee and supported by a UN Directors’ Group, which includes senior representatives from various UN Agencies, Offices, Funds and Programmes. The Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) closely accompanies and supports the work of the Local2030 Coalition. Duties and Responsibilities The consultant’s main responsibility will be to deliver on specific activities related to communications and outreach in the work of the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat, ensuring inclusivity (regional, gender, etc.) across communications products. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Strategic communication planning: • Undertake strategic communications planning and regularly update the communication strategy and calendar to increase visibility and raise awareness for the main activities of the Local2030 Coalition. • Build upon the existing brand identity of the Local2030 Coalition to develop a comprehensive brand guideline and brand identity kit. • Act as the Local2030 Coalition focal point for coordinating all communication efforts with communication focal points of the Local2030 Coalition co-chairs (UN-Habitat and FAO), UN Entities, Steering Committee members, Local2030 Hubs and other partner organizations where relevant. • Oversee metrics and evaluation of communication approach in the short and long term to ensure effective strategies and adjustments where performance is not optimal. 2. Content and messaging development: • Collaborate with subject matter experts to distil complex information into accessible and engaging materials. • Prepare newsletters to disseminate information and results of the Local2030 Coalition with its network. • Provide technical expertise to promote major publications, events and other activities through communication materials (social media flyers, posts, online stories, etc.) and coordinate its dissemination through the Local2030 Coalition network. • Develop and maintain website content, collaborate on website design updates, ensure brand consistency, implement SEO strategies, and enhance user engagement through interactive features and analytics monitoring of the Local2030 Coalition website (https://www.local2030.org/). • Edit, format, and disseminate Local2030 Coalition’s publications. • Carry out graphic design work for printed and online information products for office spaces, events, and missions and distribute it to partners. • Generate compelling and informative content, including press releases, articles, blog posts, video materials and social media updates. • Develop speeches and corporate messaging for high-level personnel and occasions. Reporting Line The position is located in the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat, as part of the Urban Practices Branch (UPB) within the Global Solutions Division. The incumbent will be supervised by the Local2030 Coalition Programme Management Officer, and the Head of the Secretariat. The expert will work in proximity to the other members of the Local2030 Coalition and key partners.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in communications, public affairs, political science, social sciences, urban studies, social sciences, development studies, or other relevant areas is required. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant working experience in communication and outreach (Required). Working experience on the 2030 Agenda and the local implementation of the SDGs and issues related to sustainable development, urban planning, local development, and project management will be highly valued.

Languages

Fluency in English is mandatory for this specific consultancy. Required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset. Desired.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.