GO4SDGs is looking for a communications expert, to support the plan, develop, and implement effective communications and outreach strategies and activities for GO4SDGs, using the full range of modern communication tools, including social media and digital publishing. The incumbent will also work together and support the communications of the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP).

Work Location

Home Based or Nairobi, Kenya

Expected duration

The duration of the contract is from 5th January 2022 to 4th January 2023 (12 months full time).

Duties and Responsibilities

a) Organization Setting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global, regional and national level. This consultancy is posted in the Resources and Markets Branch of the Economy Division. The Resources and Markets Branch is focused on resource efficiency, inclusive green economy, and circularity, with the main objective to support countries to shift towards a more sustainable path, in which jobs and output growth are driven by increased investment in green sectors, and by a switch of consumers’ preferences towards environmentally friendly goods and services.

To this end, the Branch leads different initiatives and partnerships, one of them the Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development Goals (GO4SDGs) initiative. GO4SDGs aims to accelerate regional solutions for inclusive green economies and sustainable consumption and production by sharing best practices and offering science-based knowledge, policy tools and capacity development opportunities in priority areas to “build back better.”

GO4SDGs aims to connect the dots towards decarbonization, resource efficiency and sustainability, integrating the circularity, climate and biodiversity agendas. It builds on existing partnerships, tools and pools of expertise around the world to further strengthen regional and local capacities, particularly for those countries transitioning their economies and societies to become more sustainable and inclusive.

The core goal of the GO4SDGs initiative is to implement action and change by supporting governments to strengthen policy coherence; small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to increase capacities and access for financing innovation and circularity; and youth to amplify their voices and empower them to embrace sustainable lifestyles.

GO4SDGs is looking for a communications expert, to support the plan, develop, and implement effective communications and outreach strategies and activities for GO4SDGs, using the full range of modern communication tools, including social media and digital publishing. The incumbent will also work together and support the communications of the Green Growth Knowledge Platform (GGKP).

The objective of the consultancy is to plan, develop, and implement effective communications and outreach strategies to support the Resources and Markets internal and operational priorities, using the full range of modern communication tools, including social media and digital publishing.

b) Specific tasks and responsibilities per outputs:

The consultant will drive the overall communication strategy, including branding and visual identity of GO4SDGs within the Resources and Markets Branch. The objective of the consultancy is to lead the operational implementation of the GO4SDGs communication strategy - its vision and messaging-, in close cooperation with GGKP and other GO4SDGs partners, donors and in close cooperation with the regional officers. The consultant will plan, develop, and implement effective communications and outreach strategies to support GO4SDGs branding and messaging priorities, using the full range of modern communication tools, including social media and digital publishing.

1) Revise and update the GO4SDGs communication strategy and key messages, and update and/or produce new communications materials and tools for GO4SDGs, including brochure, flyers, blogs, videos, etc.

2) Draft, edit and design key GO4SDGs reports, including progress reports, regional updates, country/thematic stories and narratives, articles.

3) Support the communications and outreach of GO4SDGS events, workshops, webinars international and regional conferences, and other events. This includes drafting invitations, writing reports, preparing presentations, developing designs and layouts or electronic invitations for social media, preparing press releases and other news coverage, drafting briefings and speaking points. These activities will be done in coordinating with the related GO4SDGs partners.

4) Provide content, regular updates for website(s) developed and uploaded and maintenance secured (deliver on: drafting and editing of text, design of look-and-feel, coordination with partners, functioning of technical setting, provision of highlights).

5) Manage the GO4SDGs network and database of internal and external partners supporting communications and outreach work available and actively engaged (identify opportunities, encourage outreach, link to other platforms and websites).

6) Development of the bi-monthly newsletter of GO4SDGs in close cooperation with the regional and global partners and maintain the GO4SDGs database updated.

7) Management regularly updated on communications and messaging work under the project(s)/initiative(s) (deliver on: writing, editing, designing, laying out and proofreading of communication products).

8) Development of templates, common features, coordination with editors, layout, proofreading and quality assurance of publications. Review and/or develop brand use and style guidelines to create a strong and impactful visual identity for GO4SDGs. Training and guidance provided to staff members of project(s)/initiative(s) on brand use and style guidelines.

9) Strategic inputs to planning documents on communications, messaging and branding related aspects provided and inputs into overall communication processes secured.

C) Reporting

The consultant will report to Head of Global Opportunities for SDGs (GO4SDGs) and the Head of Secretariat Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP). The overall supervisor will be GO4SDGs, Senior Project Management Officer.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: An advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, International Relations or a related field. A first level university degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience will substitute the requirement for an advanced degree.
Experience: At least 5 years proven professional experience designing, producing, and publishing of marketing and messaging collateral through development of digital (graphic design) initiatives. Proven professional experience in content development, report writing in English, related to development issues, environment, and sustainability. Proven professional experience developing and implementing style guidelines, brand use guidelines or visual identity manuals. Proven professional experience in using Creative Cloud software, especially InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Professional experience in web management platforms including Drupal and WordPress. Language: Excellent proven writing and editing skills in English. Spanish, French and/or other UN languages is an advantage.