Senior Advocacy and Communications Consultant

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

To enhance visibility, engagement, and impact of GWOPA's initiatives globally in addition to communication and advocacy efforts in the field and related activities.

Work Location

Germany

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. With Headquarters based in Nairobi (Kenya), it is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat is the lead agency within the UN system for coordinating activities in the field of human settlement development and the UN leading the collaboration with local and regional governments and their networks. The Global Water Operators' Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) is a network facilitated by UN-Habitat that aims to support water operators through partnerships and capacity-building to achieve sustainable water and sanitation for all, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6. Since 2009, GWOPA has been supporting the scale up of effective Water Operators’ Partnerships as a mechanism for localizing the SDGs. The GWOPA Secretariat is the global convener, catalyzer, advocate, and knowledge broker for WOPs within its growing global alliance as outlined in its 2020-2025 Strategy. The GWOPA Secretariat translates GWOPA’s mandate into strategies and programs. It implements, through collaboration with a range of partners, annual alliance work plans which include support for regional WOP platforms, WOPs direct brokering and funding, financial guidance and support, development and management of WOPs knowledge, branding, alliance and partnership building, as well as advocacy and communication activities. The GWOPA Secretariat is hosted in Bonn, with financial support from the Government of Germany. The assignment includes leading the advocacy and communications work for the EU-WOP Programme currently being implemented by the GWOPA Secretariat, fostering an environment of collaboration with project partners. The EU-WOP Programme aims to tap into the demonstrated capacity of utilities to help one another cost-effectively and sustainably. The 4-year initiative is funded with approximately USD 8.3 million to support the selected 22 EU-WOP projects which aim at contributing to the local realization of the Agenda 2030. In support of GWOPA's objectives, the Senior Communications and Advocacy Specialist will lead strategic communication and advocacy efforts to enhance visibility, engagement, and impact of GWOPA's initiatives globally, and on the EU-WOPs Programme. This consultancy is located with GWOPA in Bonn. The incumbent will be supervised by the project Manager of the EU-WOPs Programme, and under direct supervision of the Head of GWOPA. The consultant will work in close proximity to the other members of the team as well as other units, sections and offices across UN-Habitat. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The consultant's main responsibility will be to elevate GWOPA’s visibility through deliver of advocacy and communications activities of GWOPA programme of work. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Communication, advocacy and outreach i) Provide technical expertise on the promotion of major publications, events and other actives through communication materials (social media posts; flyers; online stories etc.) and coordinate its dissemination through GWOPA's network and on UN-Habitat's communication channels ii) Regularly update the communication strategy and calendar for each of the activities of the Alliance. iii) Oversee and report on the EU-WOP Programme's communications and visibility, fostering an environment of collaboration with project partners. iv) Plan and manage advocacy campaigns and events leading to enhanced support for water and sanitation issues. v) Coordinate graphic materials for reports, knowledge products, and online content developed by the team vi) Oversee scripting, filming, audio recording, editing and compilation of video content for use in events and social media vii) Regular monitoring and reporting on communication and advocacy activities. 2. Specific support to GWOPA General Assembly, Climate COP and WOPs Congress i) Drive the communications strategy in lead up, during, and follow up to flagship events of GWOPA for the year including the General Assembly in Cairo and forthcoming Congress. ii) Serve as communications focal point for GWOPA in close consultation with UN-Habitat HQ and regional and country offices for the World Urban Forum in Cairo. iii) Provide technical expertise on the promotion of major publications, events, and other actives of GWOPA (social media posts; flyers; online stories etc.) iv) Oversee production of graphic materials for reports, knowledge products, and online content developed by GWOPA. v) Coordinate related advocacy and communications activities, including for COP 29 to be convened in Baku, Azerbaijan. 3. Knowledge management i) Provide technical and operation expertise to the team’s advocacy and communication activities including coordination with the UN-Habitat Communication team, relevant regional and country offices, other UN agencies, EU delegations and relevant partner organizations. ii) Manage and update the team’s knowledge repository of key messages and corporate material on Water Operators’ Partnerships in line with GWOPA's Communications Strategy. iii) Lead in production of knowledge material for communication purpose, in coordination with the GWOPA Secretariat and EU-WOPs partners. iv) Update, maintain and develop content for GWOPAs websites and platforms in line with the Teams vision. v) Update the Team's lists of partners, donors and contacts associated with different areas of work.

Qualifications/special skills

Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Policy, or related fields is required. Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in communications, advocacy, or a related field, preferably within the water and sanitation sector or international development, and on issues related to sustainable development, advocacy and communications required. Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems, and graphic design software is an asset. Proven track record in developing and implementing successful communication and advocacy strategies would be desired. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and engage with a wide range of stakeholders is an asset Understanding of global water and sanitation challenges and the international development landscape is desired. Previous experience working on communication in the UN is considered an asset.

Languages

Fluency in English is required for this specific consultancy. Knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

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.