Consultant - Speechwriter

Provide reliable support to Strategic Communications and Speechwriter Unit.

This opening expired 3 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UN EOSG - Executive Office of the Secretary-General

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Application deadline 3 months ago: Tuesday 10 Feb 2026 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide reliable support to Strategic Communications and Speechwriter Unit.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree or equivalent degree in political sciences, international relations, journalism, public administration or related field is required.
  • A minimum of fifteen years of practical experience in drafting high-quality materials, including speeches, in English is required.
  • Ten years of practical experience in communications and public information or journalism is required.
  • A thorough knowledge of international political, economic and social affairs and of the United Nations itself is required.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
  • Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The consultant will provide reliable and expertise support to the Strategic Communications and Speechwriter Unit in support the increased activities of the unit in the UN80 context. He/She will provide expertise in reviewing, researching, drafting, writing and editing speeches, talking points, toasts and message of the senior officials of EOSG.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

3 months with possibility of extension.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Write and edit a wide range of materials for the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and others, including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points, press statements, on issues that cover the full spectrum of the United Nations agenda. 2. Under the direction of the Chief of the Speechwriting Unit: i. Consult with senior advisors on both the form and content of speeches and other materials, in line with the Secretary-General’s vision and the organization’s communications strategy. ii. Liaise with Secretariat departments, UN agencies, members of civil society, the private sector and others to produce speeches and other materials that are persuasive, politically sound and factually accurate. 3. Review and edit draft texts to ensure accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness. 4. Liaise closely with the Department of Global Communications and the Office of the Spokesperson to ensure coordinated and relevant communications activities.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree or equivalent degree in political sciences, international relations, journalism, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of fifteen years of practical experience in drafting high-quality materials, including speeches, in English is required. Ten years of practical experience in communications and public information or journalism is required. A thorough knowledge of international political, economic and social affairs and of the United Nations itself is required. Experience working in varied assignments in the international organizations is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience in drafting speeches for senior officials? This question investigates the candidate's relevant experience in high-level speechwriting. Share specific examples of speeches you've crafted and the context around them.
How do you ensure alignment with the communication strategy of an organization? The interviewer wants to understand your approach to strategic communications. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methodology do you use to research topics for speeches? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to edit a speech under tight deadlines. How did you handle it? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you incorporate feedback from senior advisors into your writing? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you made a speech more persuasive? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced in speechwriting for international audiences? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you believe is the most important aspect of writing for a high-profile official? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 3 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: careers.un.org