Result of ServiceTop-tier Arabic-speaking media coverage of UNCCD. Work LocationHome-based. Expected duration60 days 01 November 2025 to 31 October 2026 Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). (www.unccd.int) To strengthen the Executive Secretary’s online presence and ensure consistent, timely, and engaging messaging across platforms, the UNCCD seeks to hire a consultant to support the preparation, management, and coordination of her social media communications, primarily on LinkedIn and Instagram, in both English and Arabic. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, and in close collaboration with the Communication unit to ensure alignment and message coherence, the consultant will perform the following duties: Content Development and Planning • Develop and implement a social media content plan for the Executive Secretary’s LinkedIn and Instagram accounts. • Draft, edit, and post high-quality, engaging, and timely content of the Executive Secretary in both English and Arabic. • Prepare visual and multimedia materials (in collaboration with the Communications Unit, as needed). • Ensure content reflects UNCCD priorities, key messages, and the tone of the Executive Secretary’s public engagements. Engagement and Performance Monitoring • Monitor social media performance and audience engagement. • Provide regular analytics and insights to inform content adjustments. • Identify opportunities for increased engagement and strategic outreach. Event Coverage • Provide on-site social media support to the Executive Secretary for major events, including: - CRIC 23 (Panama) - COP 17 (Mongolia) • Support remote coverage for other field missions and high-level events, as feasible. Qualifications/special skillsBachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications or political/social sciences is required. - Knowledge of environmental, policy, and outreach issues and activities relevant to the work of UNCCD is required. - Experience in working with top-tier Arabic broadcast, print and online media is required. - Experience creating quality content for media, including excellent writing and editing skills in Arabic is required. - Experience working in a multicultural and multinational environment is desirable. - Experience working in countries affected by desertification, land degradation and drought is desirable. - Knowledge of the UN issues related to sustainable development and sustainable use of natural resources is desirable. - Familiarity with UNCCD issues and work is an advantage. LanguagesExcellent writing and editing skills in both Arabic and English is required. Additional InformationOnly individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App. 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.