Communication and advocacy specialist

Result of Service

The objective of this consultancy is to create a communications plan and strategy and amplify the work on youth under the Urban Practices Branch, while also supporting the preparations for the World Urban Forum in 2024 (WUF 12, to be held in Cairo in November 2024). The communication and advocacy specialist will collaborate closely with the Planning, Finance and Economy Section and the SDG localization and Local Governments team of UN-Habitat as well as local project teams.

Work Location

Kenya

Expected duration

12 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

About UN-Habitat

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.
UN-Habitat, being the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system, has a role in delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, adopted by Member States in 2015, specifically goal 11: make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

The Urban Practices Branch
The Urban Practices Branch (UPB) is the tools and methodology production and skills centre of the UN-Habitat, which develops normative guidance and cutting-edge tools through communities of urban practice. It provides technical and policy advice approaches and methodologies to government and partners and mainstreams them throughout the Programme portfolio. It also ensures that the cross-cutting area of safety and the social inclusion issues of human rights; gender; children, youth and older persons; and disability are developed and mainstreamed across the Agency.

The Urban Practices Branch seeks a communications specialist to work on communications systems and strategy, platforms and working approaches, while proactively providing communications, outreach and advocacy support with a focus on young people driving the SDGs.

Planning, finance and Economy Section (PFES)
The Planning, Finance & Economy Section coordinates the Agencyâs substantive, normative and operational work on various dimensions of planning, finance and economy. The Planning, Finance & Economy Section aims to develop, document, pilot/test and disseminate planning policies, norms, standards, tools, methodologies, regulatory frameworks, operating procedures, and practices at global, regional, national and sub-national levels. The consultant will support the Young Gamechangers Initiative activities, a project focusing on young peopleâs urban health and well-being in Senegal, India, and Colombia.

The SDG Localization and Local Governments Team
The SDG Localization and Local Governments Team is the substantive team leading UN-Habitatâs global engagement and work on SDG Localization and local governments. The Team specifically coordinates the technical work on Voluntary Local and National Reviews (VLRs and VNRs), supporting UN-Habitatâs regional and country offices in the development and implementation of related projects. In addition, the Team leads work on 1) knowledge and research; 2) capacity-building; 3) engagement in the main international and UN-led events on SDGs, such as HLPF and World Urban Forum.

Supervision
The Consultant will be under the overall leadership of the Urban Practices Branch and report to the head of the Branch

Duties and Outputs
The main expected outputs are the following.

Urban Practices Branch at the World Urban Forum 12:
1. Support the Branch Chief in developing a narrative on SDG Localization and youth engagement for WUF 12.
2. Support media outreach functions and promote media coverage related to specific stakeholder groups such as youth groups, womenâs groups and Civil Society Organizations for WUF 12. Highlight the Branchâs work in relation to youth engagement and empowerment.
3. Any other tasks assigned by the Branch Chief in relation to advocacy and communications for WUF12.

Youth Gamechangers Initiative:
4. Create compelling and innovative communication materials, including campaigns, social media content, podcasts, videos, and other multimedia assets, to raise awareness and generate interest in the initiative.
5. Develop and implement two targeted campaigns in collaboration with young people to amplify their voices, ideas, and experiences and empower them to share their perspectives on urban development, healthy cities, and innovative solutions through various interactive platforms.

SDG localisation team:
6. Facilitate the integration of a youth lens into the process and methodology of the Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs) and ensure the meaningful participation of young people by further developing practical tools and organizing youth-focused consultations, workshops, and online platforms that enable young people to share their perspectives on the SDGs and their localization efforts within their communities.
7. Create a youth-friendly language and communication techniques to make SDG localization efforts accessible and engaging for young people; using visual storytelling, infographics, and interactive platforms to communicate the objectives and impact of SDG localization.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University Degree (Masterâs degree or equivalent) in communications, marketing, journalism and international affairs is required.
A first-level university degree in combination with the two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
At least four (4) yearsâ of progressively responsible work experience in media and strategic communications is required
Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns targeted towards youth audiences
Strong knowledge of digital media platforms, social media trends, and innovative communication tools
Proficiency in creating engaging multimedia content, including graphics, videos, podcasts, and written materials
Ability to work effectively in a team, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Languages

English and French are the working knowledge of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of any another UN language is an added advantage.

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 APPLICANTSâ BANK ACCOUNTS.