Consultant-Communications Outreach Strategist (in the Russian language)

Result of Service

To promote the UN publication “Managing infrastructure assets for sustainable development – A handbook for local and national governments.”

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

The consultant will work from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position is located in the International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch of the Financing for Sustainable Development Office of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The consultant reports to the Economic Affairs Officer, International Tax and Development Cooperation Branch. The Branch work programme includes policy analysis and support to intergovernmental processes and capacity building on tax, development cooperation and other financing for development issues. The Branch carries out DESA’s capacity development programme on tax and other financing for development matters and serves as Secretariat to both the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters and the Development Cooperation Forum. More information can be found at: https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/about/desa-divisions/financing-development.html.

Under the supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, the consultant will be responsible for the following work assignment:

• Develop strong grasp of concepts and examples laid out in the Handbook, along with its strategic purpose, style and tone of writing and key messages.
• Provide a brief situation analysis pertaining to challenges on infrastructure asset management in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, with examples from specific cities and countries as well as 3-4 data points from reputable sources.
• Develop communication objectives in Russian and English based on key messages of the Handbook and their relevance for infrastructure asset management challenges in the region.
• Identify key audiences for Handbook in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and identify 3-4 headline messages in Russian and English for each key audience (to be included in ‘social media package’ – see below).
• Devise, implement and keep up-to-date social media communication strategy to communicate headline messages to key audiences and promote Handbook in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on their most widely used platforms; this strategy should include but is not limited to:

o Summary of situation analysis

o Communication objectives

o Analysis of key audiences and stakeholders

o A ‘social media package’ that can be shared with partners for streamlined promotion and contains: 20+ tweet-like messages (with data points and quotes), 5-6 visual cards (example)*, a one-page flyer, infographics*, slide decks, Flipboards (example) and more

o A monitoring and evaluation plan to measure the impact of the communication and outreach plan in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan

o A clear timeline of tasks and activities.

• Identify and reach out to key partners in the region within the UN system, as well as development banks, central government agencies, local governments associations, think tanks and universities in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to explore and implement partnerships to support the implementation of the social media strategy and the launch of the Handbook.
• Reach out to online and print media outlets to explore possible entry points for contributions, including op-eds, articles and reports on Handbook related activities, such as online workshops and field training; coordinate the development and publication of at least three blog posts / articles / op-eds to promote the Handbook and related activities in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
• Organize at least three online launch events in different parts of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan in collaboration with key partners.
• Compile summary reports in English of promotional strategies used, their effectiveness (with metrics) and recommendations for sustaining momentum.
• These must comply with UN branding guidelines.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: A first-level university degree in social sciences, urban development or related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in outreach, communication, journalism or a related filed is required.

Proficiency with relevant social media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, and other communication tools is required.

Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development issues is desirable.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English and Russian is required.

Additional Information

Professionalism- Knowledge of the work of the UN and its specialized agencies.

Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development issues and infrastructure asset management. Proficiency with relevant social media platforms. Ability to communicate effectively both verbal and in writing in Russian. Familiarity with UN editorial guidelines. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating fender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly

interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and

exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to

match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;

identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates

appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for

contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time

efficiently.

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.