International Consultant – Business Support Organizations Communications Consultant

Result of Service

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES: Output 1: Comprehensive Communications Strategy Document is developed and presented to the Institutions and Ecosystems team, including digital engagement recommendations to better support Business Support Organizations (BSOs). Develop a targeted a communications strategy for the Institution and Ecosystem team with clear recommendations on how effectively embrace digital channels to engage and support BSOs. Present the draft to the team (by 30 March 2024). Output 2: Communications Strategy is initiated, outlining concrete activities for effective communication strategy execution. Initiate the implementation of the communication strategy with concrete outreach activities (by 30 March 2024). Output 3: Engagement and Support Material Collection, comprising slide decks, brochures, flyers, and detailed service pitches, is created to bolster BSO community engagement. Create material to enhance engagement and support to BSO community and key stakeholders. The material should include slide deck, brochures, flyers, information/pitches on the services provided by team (by 30 April 2024). Output 4: Two Informational Pieces for Dissemination are crafted, including articles and success stories, ready for social media sharing and inclusion in reports. Based on the work of the section, prepare 2 information pieces (article, success story) to be shared on social media and reports (by 30 April 2024). Output 5: Two Success Stories Featuring ITC’s Work with BSOs are compiled, drawing from recent events, trainings, and advisory support, to highlight achievements. Collect inputs from IE team on recent events, trainings, advisory support and build at least 2 success stories to feature the work ITC is doing with BSOs (by 30 June 2024). Output 6: Effectiveness Summary Report on Communication Activities is delivered, providing insights and evaluations on the impact of outreach efforts to raise awareness and support for BSO work. Support monitoring and evaluation to measure effectiveness of activities for raising awareness, increasing engagement, and supporting BSO work. Deliver a summary report to the team (by 30 June 2024).

Work Location

Home-Based

Expected duration

15.03.2024 – 30.06.2024 (60 workdays)

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, focusing on developing the export capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transition economies. ITC supports trade that delivers inclusive and sustainable development results. ITC’s mandate covers all developing countries and transition economies with special emphasis on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDs) Fragile States and Sub-Saharan Africa. To support a more inclusive distribution of development gains, ITC works with women, youth, and marginalized groups in developing countries to empower them through entrepreneurship and skills that provide gateways to jobs and enterprise creation. Within the International Trade Centre, the Institutions and Ecosystems Section within the Division of Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions provides solutions to Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in developing countries and economies in transition. High performing institutions act as multipliers for ITC projects. As delivery partners as well as beneficiaries they improve reach and scale of projects, and transfer knowledge and capacity to local actors for lasting impact. The Institutions and Ecosystem section delivers directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 and SDG 4 and indirectly to SDGs 1, 2,5,9,10,12, 16 and 17. OBJECTIVE: To deliver against the 2024 programme objectives on institutional strengthening, the section is seeking to improve the outreach and dialogue with our highly valued community of institutional beneficiaries and partners. A key objective for the section is to embrace more digital channels and develop better stories of results and impact. ITC is hiring a Consultant to support the technical implementation, focusing on elements that connect media, communications, digital technologies and community development for Business Support Organizations (BSOs). DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, Institutions and Ecosystems and in close cooperation with the Section Chief. The Consultant will be responsible for the delivery of the outputs as set out below: • Comprehensive Communications Strategy Document is developed and presented to the Institutions and Ecosystems team, including digital engagement recommendations to better support Business Support Organizations (BSOs). • Communications Strategy is initiated, outlining concrete activities for effective communication strategy execution. • Engagement and Support Material Collection, comprising slide decks, brochures, flyers, and detailed service pitches, is created to bolster BSO community engagement. • Two Informational Pieces for Dissemination are crafted, including articles and success stories, ready for social media sharing and inclusion in reports. • Two Success Stories Featuring ITC’s Work with BSOs are compiled, drawing from recent events, trainings, and advisory support, to highlight achievements. • Effectiveness Summary Report on Communication Activities is delivered, providing insights and evaluations on the impact of outreach efforts to raise awareness and support for BSO work. The above responsibilities shall be undertaken in close coordination with the IE team and relevant stakeholders. The Consultant will work fully remotely, noting that he/she would be expected to be available for on-line meetings during Geneva working hours. Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons – of all genders – equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced degree in communications, public relations, journalism, economics, international business or similar. At least 2 years of experience in communications and community engagement. Social media savvy. Experience on design and video editing for communications. Experience with BSOs (chamber of commerce, incubators, sectors associations) is desired. Evidence of work in developing economies is an asset. Knowledge of MS Office and specialized communications and publishing tools. Demonstrated capacity in communication strategy and implementation. Demonstrated capacity in events support. Demonstrated capacity in partner and stakeholder engagement. Creative thinking and good consultation skills. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision. Excellent written communication skills in English. Understanding of the intersection of media, communication and development outcomes. Commitment to the UN sustainable development goals.

Languages

Very good command of oral and written English is essential. Other languages, especially French, are an asset.

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.