Communications Consultant

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is seeking a Communications Consultant - Arabic Language to support media engagement with Arabic-speaking audiences.

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit and help drive media coverage around key UNCCD initiatives, including the Silk Road Campaign for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists .

UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It supports countries in addressing desertification, land degradation and drought.

Job Summary

• Employer: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
• Job Type: Contract
• Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Category: Communications
• Closing Date: 2026-10-06

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a media engagement plan for Arabic-speaking audiences around key moments, including the Silk Road Campaign for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
• Liaise internally and externally to identify newsworthy and regional angles on key Convention issues.
• Suggest and develop print and multimedia content for Arabic-speaking audiences, including case studies, feature stories and interviews.
• Prepare key messages, press releases, op-eds, media advisories and other communications materials in Arabic or other languages as required.
• Proactively pitch Arabic-speaking media, including developing story ideas and thought-leadership pieces.
• Coordinate media outreach around key events.
• Liaise with Arabic-speaking spokespeople, including UNCCD leadership, experts and key decision-makers.
• Prepare talking points for spokespeople and coordinate media interviews.
• Translate or adapt content from English or other languages into Arabic while adhering to UN editorial standards.
• Support analysis of Arabic-speaking media coverage, including key-message penetration, spokespeople quoted and estimated earned media cost.
• Manage follow-up interviews and public inquiries.
• Perform other project-related tasks as required.

Requirements

• A first-level university degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or a related field .
• Knowledge of environmental, policy and outreach issues relevant to the work of UNCCD.
• Experience creating quality media content, including excellent Arabic writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of online video-conferencing platforms and relevant digital outreach tools.
• Candidates must have excellent writing and editing skills in Arabic , together with fluency in spoken and written English.
• As this is a remote consultancy, the selected candidate will be required to have: A laptop or desktop PC running Windows 11 or newer, or a Mac with the latest macOS update. A reliable high-speed internet connection. An antivirus application that receives regular updates. A modern browser with regular updates enabled. Regular Windows updates enabled where applicable. A mobile phone for Multifactor Authentication through SMS or an Authenticator App.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: careers.un.org