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Non-Staff Consultant

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Individual Consultant Contract (Natural Sciences)

Duration of Contract : Six months

Recruitment open to : Externnal Candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 22 November 2024

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 1. OBJECTIVE

 

In the framework of the 41 C/5 Major Programme II, and under the authority of the Head of the Earth Sciences and Geoparks Section (SC/EES/EG), The Consultant will support key outreach initiatives, manage media and digital campaigns and develop strategic communication objectives to enhance the impact and engagement of UNESCO's Earth Sciences and Geoparks Section (SC/EES/EG). More information about the Programme can be found at: https://www.unesco.org/en/iggp

 

The incumbent will provide essential communication services to the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences (SC/EES/EG) in support of its programmes and extrabudgetary projects, with the following expected results:

 

  1. Visible and high-profile online presence of the programmes across all relevant online and social media platforms;
  2. The impact of projects implemented by EG presented in a clear, concise, and interesting manner in a variety of media (social media, videos, website, paper).

2.  MAIN FUNCTIONS

 

The Consultant, with demonstrated mid-level expertise in communication and project management, is sought to:

 

A. Writing and Coordination of Website Texts for UNESCO Global Geoparks

 

  • Lead the writing, refining, and delivery of updated website texts for 128 UNESCO Global Geoparks. This will involve gathering content from relevant UNESCO staff and individual geoparks, ensuring the written material is clear, engaging, and aligned with the design and functionality of the new UNESCO website (Drupal 10).

B. UNESCO Global Geoparks 2025 Launch Preparation

 

Prepare the launch of the new UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2025. Liaise with the Geoparks to gather written and audiovisual inputs and organize this material for colleagues and for the press. Draft the press release and coordinate its translation into all UN languages. Coordinate with press colleagues to arrange interviews and media coverage. In collaboration with CPE, oversee and direct the comprehensive social media campaign.

 

  1. Write a press release in English for central communication services;
  2. Coordinate the collection of press release material from geoparks (photos and videos and collect grant of rights);
  3. Social media posts in English before/after approval, including captions;
  4. Development of structured data on the new geoparks, to be included in the new website/database.

C. Strategic Plan for 10th anniversary of UNESCO Global Geoparks.

 

This will include creating a communications plan including visuals and proposing a series of suggestions of celebratory events and activities that Geoparks can organise and participate in. One such event will be the meeting of the European Geoparks Network (EGN) at UNESCO HQ early March 2025.

 

  • Social media posts in English before/during/after;
  • Article in English and French after;
  • Development of visual identity toolkit before (kakemono, design for lectern, etc.)
  • Coordination with central communication services to ensure a properly developed campaign long in advance.

D. Creation of Partner and Donor Outreach Materials

 

Create outreach material to approach partners and donors, explaining the role of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), its recent achievements and ways donors and partners can support it. This includes separate material for the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) and for the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp).

 

  • Brochures/postcards for IGGP/IGCP/UGGp in general, format to be discussed;
  • Outreach material for specific donors, highlighting major projects;
  • Annual report with major highlights: collect information and photos, layout and design;
  • Update the IGGP fact sheet, 1A4, double sided update figures and some stories);
  • Generic material to present (ppt) the programme and its achievements: +/- adapting 20 slides, in English.

E. Podcast Production

 

Coordinate the editing of the Earth Network Podcast episodes liaising with the internal communication team and the project coordinator(s), on the script, and recording the episodes in the UNESCO studio.

 

F. Content Planning and Delivery

 

Plan and deliver a diverse range of content including articles, social media posts and videos, in accordance with the communications strategy, for social media and the website. Where possible, partner with CPE and programme beneficiaries, on collaborative social media content.

 

  • Posting on social media at least once per week, in English – eg highlighting an IGCP project, a UGGp, an event coming up, etc.
  • 6 articles in English highlighting some successful IGCP projects that are visually interesting, to be used also for social media.

3. DELIVERABLES & TIMELINES

 

The Consultant will receive six monthly payments, upon submission to UNESCO of the following deliverables:

 

i. Submit to UNESCO for approval no later than 22.12.2024

 

  • Recorded episodes of the Earth Network podcast (E)
  • 45 Geopark website texts (A) 
  • Four social media posts for November (F)
  • Article on the geoparks workshop in Saudi Arabia and in South Africa (F) 

 

ii. Submit to UNESCO for approval no later than 22.01.2025

 

  • 52 Geopark website texts (A) 
  • Four social media posts for December (F) 
  • Article on the outcomes of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council session (F) 
  • Draft strategic plan for the 10th anniversary (C)
  • Remaining podcast episodes Earth Network podcast (E) 

iii. Submit to UNESCO for approval no later than 22.02.2025

 

  • 31 Geopark website texts (A)
  • Four social media posts for January (F)
  • Four articles highlighting IGCP projects (F)
  • Finalised coordination of press release material (B)

 

iv. Submit to UNESCO for approval no later than 01.03.2025

 

  • Draft of the International Geoscience and Geoparks annual report (D):
  • Submit the final draft of the press release of the new UNESCO Global Geoparks and social media material, including captions (B):
  • Social media campaign for 10th anniversary of UNESCO Global Geoparks, as per (C):
  • Four social media posts for February (F).

v. Submit to UNESCO for approval no later than 01.04.2025

 

  • Finalized press release for 2025 Geoparks launch, translated into all UN languages as per (B):
  • Finished social media campaign with CPE for 2025 Geoparks launch as per (B):
  • Four social media posts for March (F): 

 

vi. Submit to UNESCO for approval no later than 01.05.2025

  • Publishing the website and database update of all newly designated UNESCO Global Geoparks (B)
  • Submission of finalized infographic sheets, brochures, and flyers for the International Geoscience Programme and UNESCO Global Geoparks (D)
  • Development of structured data on the new geoparks, to be included in the new website/database as per (B)
  • Four social media posts for April (F)

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

 

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as Communications, Media Studies or Humanities.

 

Work experience

 

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as Communications, Media Studies or Humanities.
  • Experience in an international organisation is considered an asset.
  • Significant professional experience in coordinating media campaigns, drafting press releases, and managing multi-language content to ensure widespread outreach and consistency.
  • Experience in collaborative projects, particularly those involving diverse teams, external partners, and stakeholders, to develop impactful multimedia content.

 

Skill and competencies

 

  • Strong technical skills, including proficiency in digital content management systems, social media platforms, and podcast and video production tools
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Familiarity with the UN system.

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Language

​​​​​​​

  • Excellent written and editing skills in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • Additional proficiency in French or other UN languages is an asset

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

APPLICATION PROCESS

HOW TO APPLY

 

Interested candidates should submit their application online and attach under the “Employment History Form” section the following documents in one combined file:

  • An up-to-date CV stating details of educational qualifications, work experience, including prior experience of similar work.
  • A financial proposal with a budget breakdown.

Application should be done through Success Factor only.  In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, you may send an email to sc.recruitment@unesco.org quoting the reference (21583) in the subject line of your e-mail.  

 

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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