Communications Expert - Consultant (home-based)

Result of Service - By 1 March: o Output 1: Detailed workplan with key outputs and targets o Output 2: Monthly report on the progress on the implementation of activities according to the listed tasks

• By 1 April: o Output 3: Monthly report on the progress on the implementation of activities according to the listed tasks o Output 4: One data story and one promotional video finalized

• By 1 May: o Output 5: Monthly report on the progress on the implementation of activities according to the listed tasks

• By 1 June: o Output 6: Monthly report on the progress on the implementation of activities according to the listed tasks

• By 1 July: o Output 6: Monthly report on the progress on the implementation of activities according to the listed tasks

• By 1 August: o Output 7: Final report providing an overview of all contributions made and a recommendation for next steps on communication and outreach for the initiative.

Performance indicators - Communication with the countries and the degree to which in-country contacts are handled diplomatically - Timeliness of submission of expected outputs - Demonstrated expert knowledge of the subject matter area - Receptive / responsive to feedback from staff members and other experts - Quality of drafted documents and social media content - Quality of analysis, recommendations or conclusions in reports

Work Location The consultancy is home-based with regular phone and web conference meetings with UNSD, project countries and other partners, particularly UN regional commissions and other involved DESA entities. Travel or commute time, as well as related expenses, are not part of the consultancy.

Expected duration The initial consultancy is for a period of six months, part time, from 1 February to 1 August 2023, with a possible extension.

Duties and Responsibilities The Data for Now initiative (https://unstats.un.org/capacity-development/data-for-now/), co-led by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), aims to develop countries’ capacities to deliver the information needed by local and national policy and decision makers to achieve the 2030 Agenda. To this end, it supports members of the national statistical systems in participating countries to collaborate more effectively with local, national and global partners from intergovernmental organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector, in order to leverage innovative sources, technologies and methods for the streamlined production and dissemination of better, more timely and disaggregated data for sustainable development.

As part of the implementation of the Data4Now initiative, and with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), UNSD is looking for a consultant who can take a lead in the communications and outreach work. This includes development of communications and outreach materials, including data stories, short information videos, newsletters and engagement on the webpage and on social media, as well as support to communications engagement at national level in countries supported by the Data for Now initiative.

In this context, UNSD requires the service of a consultant to support the communication, outreach and user engagement work of UNSD related to the Data for Now initiative at global level and in a selected number of countries in Africa and Asia. The consultant will work closely with the UNSD team and where relevant and beneficial, the consultant will also support other communications work related to increasing availability of SDG indicators and innovation.

Under the supervision of the project coordinator at UNSD, the consultant’s work assignment will involve the following:

• Prepare a plan of communications and outreach products and activities, specifying key outputs and timelines, in close consultation with the UNSD team.
• Propose approach for regular outreach to stakeholders on the achievements and activities of the initiative.
• Compile information from project countries on activities, outcomes, and results to develop outreach materials.
• Develop general outreach materials, including digital cards, social media posts amongst others, to visualize results to various stakeholders and partners.
• Develop and update content for the Data For Now initiative’s website.
• Develop engaging data stories on the results of the Data for Now activities in countries.
• Develop short videos promoting the work of the Data for Now initiative.
• Support communications and outreach work in countries supported under the umbrella of the initiative.

• Carry out other tasks as assigned by supervisor

  Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A Bachelor’s degree in combination with seven (7) years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications and working with producing video content for web and social media is required. Experience working with National Statistical Offices and/or other members of the national statistical system, providing capacity development, including guidance and training is required. Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of communication strategies and working with communication and media partners from international organizations, governmental officials, academia / professional bodies, the private sector, donor / philanthropic bodies, the geospatial community, data advocates and civil society in the organization is required. Experience within the United Nations Systems is desirable.

Languages Full command of spoken and written English required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an 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 APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.