Result of Service
Strengthened visibility and consistent, high-quality Chinese-language communications and media coverage of UNCCD priorities, including COP17, the Silk Road-related outreach and storytelling campaign, and other key global moments.
Expected duration
68 days between 01 March to 15 September 2026.
Duties and Responsibilities
Background note: 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 supports countries in addressing Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD). The Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit provides overall strategic direction on communications, external relations and partnerships, underpinned by innovation and effective tools. It leads and coordinates UNCCD’s engagement with key stakeholders and global audiences, supports media relations, and strengthens visibility of land issues on political and public agendas. In view of sustained demand for Chinese-language communications support and upcoming high-visibility milestones, including preparations towards COP17 and the Silk Road-related outreach and storytelling campaign, the UNCCD Secretariat seeks to continue specialized Chinese communications support. Duties & Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the CERP Unit, the consultant will provide Chinese-language communications and media support, including: - Develop and implement media engagement approaches for Chinese-speaking audiences aligned with UNCCD corporate communication priorities; - Support media outreach around key institutional moments and processes, including COP17, Desertification and Drought Day, thematic campaigns, and major reports; - Support communications and media outreach for UNCCD’s Silk Road-related outreach and storytelling campaign, including identification of relevant Chinese-speaking media, development of story angles, and preparation of Chinese-language materials; - Identify newsworthy and regionally relevant story angles on UNCCD priorities and propose story ideas for Chinese-speaking media; - Draft, translate and/or adapt communication products into Chinese, including press releases, media advisories, key messages, talking points, op-eds, web stories and social media content, in line with UN editorial standards; - Proactively pitch Chinese-speaking media and support placement of interviews, features and opinion pieces; - Coordinate with UNCCD communications staff on interview preparation, including background notes and talking points; - Monitor and analyze Chinese-language media coverage and provide regular summaries and insights; - Support follow-up with media and respond to public or media inquiries as required; - Perform other related tasks as requested by the supervisor.
Qualifications/special skills
- A first-level university degree in public relations, journalism, communications or political/social sciences. - Minimum 5 years of experience creating quality content for media, including excellent writing and editing skills in Chinese is required. - Knowledge of environmental, policy, and outreach issues and activities relevant to the work of UNCCD is desirable. - Experience in working with top-tier Chinese broadcast, print and online media is desirable - 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.
Languages
- Fluency in spoken and written Chinese and English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.
Additional Information
Only 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. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (latest MacOS), reliable high-speed internet, antivirus software, updated browser, and a mobile phone for MFA. 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 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.
