Editorial and Content Management Support to the GM, Bonn

UN Campus, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany Postal Address: PO Box 260129, 53153 Bonn, Germany Tel. +49 (0) 228 815 2800 Fax: +49 (0) 228 815 2898/99 E-mail: secretariat@unccd.int Web-site: www.unccd.int

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy to provide Editorial and Content Management Support to the Global Mechanism A. Background The Global Mechanism (GM) is a subsidiary body of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), with a key role to play in supporting countries to increase financing for sustainable land management (SLM).

One of the fundamental ways the GM supports country Parties is through the provision of information and knowledge on finance for SLM. To this end, the Communications Group raises awareness, shares information, stimulates dialogue and generates knowledge, ultimately empowering the GM's constituencies and partners.

In particular the Group generates key information and knowledge management to its constituents on SLM finance related issues within the UNCCD context; and provides focal points and other relevant institutions with communications instruments and tools for managing knowledge related to SLM.

The GM's South-to-South Cooperation Programme stresses the importance of cooperation between Maghreb countries, promotes decentralized cooperation, strengthens information and experience exchange with sub-Saharan countries, and reinforces dialogue and partnership with other Mediterranean countries. As the Programme steps up its activities in 2014, particularly with the recent launch of a new local community initiative called FLEUVE, the GM increasingly requires communications support for the following programmes and initiatives in which it is closely engaged.

(i) scope|acp is the UNCCD component of a multi-partner programme funded by the European Union, entitled, 'Capacity Building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries' (ACP MEAs). scope|acp is being funded by the European Union, and coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). scope|acp is a South-South Cooperation programme focusing on crucial cross-cutting challenges and opportunities for combating desertification. The programme achieves this objective through capacity-building, knowledge management, partnership-building and interaction among multi-actors to support resource mobilization.

(ii) The Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative (GGWSSI), which has gradually emerged as the flagship initiative of the African solidarity to combat effects of climate change and desertification, with a view towards improving the living conditions of the most affected populations. The GM is one of the main partners in the initiative, where it helps to promote a conducive environment for upscaling financial resources for the initiative. The Communications Strategy and Plan for the GGWSSI is part and parcel of the overarching,

Regional Harmonized Strategy for the Implementation of the 'Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative'. Achieving its goals, will require the development of compelling communications materials that relate the value of investing into SLM projects and programmes.

(iii) FLEUVE - Front Local Environnemental pour une Union VertE (Local Environmental Coalition for a Green Union) is a recently launched initiative elaborated by the Global Mechanism (GM) of the UNCCD and funded by the European Union, which aims to help boost financial resources at the community level in 10 African countries. The development of communications materials will be crucial in getting this initiative off the ground and in relating key messages to a broad range of stakeholders.

B. Expected outputs

Against this backdrop, the consultant will work under the direct supervision of the GM's Communications Officer as follows:

1. drafting, editing, proofreading and posting texts in English for publication on the GM's corporate website, using the web Content Management System;

2. formulating press releases, newsletters, communiqués and media backgrounders for broad dissemination amongst UNCCD constituents;

3. supporting the development of selected communications and knowledge materials, including by consolidating texts and key messages, ensuring the logical flow of concepts and readability;

4. strengthening the GM's online presence including by providing support to the GM's social media coverage;

5. undertaking extensive editing/restructuring of key documents drafted by GM staff;

6. providing support to the SLM Finance platform, by updating content, publishing news and events items and formulating key messages;

7. supporting the development of key communications products for the Great Green Wall for the Sahel and Sahara Initiative;

8. developing a brochure on the key lessons learned and achievements from the scope|acp project;

9. supporting the south-south cooperation programme to as it enters a new phase in the upcoming FLEUVE project; and

10. performing other related duties, as required.

C. Organization of work and an indicative schedule

This consultancy service will be for the duration of 3 months from 6 January 2014 to 31 March 2014. At the beginning of service, the consultant will prepare a detailed organization of work and timetable.

D. Qualifications

The consultant should have:

An advanced university degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines such as sustainable development, social sciences, communications;

A minimum of five years of experience working in a communications capacity, preferably in the field of international development;

Good knowledge of the UNCCD process and/or international cooperation frameworks and process concerning sustainable development issues including the linkages between DLDD imperatives and reducing poverty, addressing climate change and conserving biodiversity;

Good knowledge of and previous engagement with the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative would also be an advantage;

Mother-tongue in oral and written English. Knowledge of other UN official languages would be an asset; and

Familiarity with United Nations system and procedures.

E. Contractual Terms

A contract will be issued for the period from 6 January 2014 to 31 March 2014. Fees will be based on qualifications and the level of experience.

F. Submission of applications

Applications should be submitted by e-mail to staffing@unccd.int, together with a UN Personal History Form or CV, specifying the position.

The deadline for applications is 30 December 2013. Only applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.

No telephone calls will be returned. Please address your application as indicated above and please do not address or copy your application to an individual at the Secretariat.