Division: Communications & Engagement Division
Contract Type: Consultancy (Consultant)
Announcement Number: 26/CON09/C&E
Duty Station: Remote
Duration: 18 months (August 2026 – November 2027), up to 313 working days
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist to support the COP 31 and COP 32 Presidency Youth Climate Champions (PYCC). The consultant will help strengthen awareness of youth engagement in climate action through strategic communications, multimedia storytelling, and stakeholder engagement.
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Action Empowerment Unit Lead and the Digital Media Lead within the Communications & Engagement Division.
Purpose of the Consultancy:
The successful consultant will support the COP 31 and COP 32 Presidency Youth Climate Champions by:
- Demonstrating the importance of meaningful youth participation in climate policy and action.
- Promoting the role of the Presidency Youth Climate Champion as a bridge between young people and climate decision-makers.
- Elevating youth storytelling, particularly stories from rural youth and climate innovators, to influence global climate narratives and policy.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement communication strategies to raise awareness of the Presidency Youth Climate Champion’s role, work plan, and impact.
- Produce high-quality multimedia communication content for diverse audiences.
- Translate technical objectives and outcomes into clear, engaging, and evidence-based communication products.
- Develop and maintain a consistent communications narrative supporting youth engagement and Presidency priorities.
- Manage social media strategies and messaging across digital platforms.
- Coordinate the production and dissemination of communication content from PYCC activities.
- Draft speeches, talking points, briefing notes, opinion pieces, and other communication materials.
- Provide real-time editorial and communications support during events.
- Coordinate communications activities with Presidency communications teams to ensure consistent messaging.
Expected Deliverables:
- Communication strategies promoting awareness of the Presidency Youth Climate Champion.
- A clear and consistent communications narrative supporting youth engagement.
- High-quality multimedia communication products.
- Coordinated production and dissemination of communication content.
- Speeches, briefing notes, talking points, and communication materials.
- Real-time communications support during key events.
Qualifications:
Education
- University degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Economy, or a related field.
Experience:
- At least five (5) years of professional experience in journalism or strategic communications.
- Proven experience producing communication materials for diverse audiences.
- Strong editorial writing and storytelling skills.
- Experience in digital communications and social media management.
- Experience developing multimedia content.
- Excellent research, analytical, and fact-checking skills.
- Ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- Experience working with international organizations or the United Nations system is desirable.
- Experience supporting communications for a public figure is an added advantage.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an advantage.
Duty Station:
- Remote.
- International travel will be required, including participation in climate events, Pre-COP 31, and COP 31, as necessary.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their applications through the UNFCCC online recruitment portal:
http://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment
Application Deadline:
9 August 2026 (23:59 CET)
Please Note:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- UNFCCC is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic background, religion, or disability.