Communications and Outreach Consultant Full-time at UNRISD in Geneva, Switzerland

UNRISD is now accepting applications for a Communications and Outreach Consultant to work full-time at the Institute’s offices in Geneva.

Under the supervision of the Head of the Communications and Outreach Unit, and in close collaboration with research and communications colleagues, the consultant will support the research teams in communicating their research and activities to a range of audiences, including donors, policy makers (at international and national levels), civil society groups and academia.

The successful candidate will combine a solid understanding of international development issues with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a passion for promoting social development research to a range of audience groups.

Specific duties

 The consultant will work collaboratively with colleagues in the research teams and C+O Unit on project-level communications, activities related to the Institute’s 50th anniversary, and the UNRISD seminar series. Roles and responsibilities include planning, writing, editing, designing, producing and disseminating digital and print outputs; and organizing outreach events.

1. Work collaboratively with research teams to develop and implement outreach and communication plans for research projects, programmes and activities, including the following: Provide expert advice and support on the communication sections of funding proposals. Write, edit, design and produce appropriate communication tools and outreach products in order to increase the use and influence of UNRISD research among identified audience groups. Outputs may include briefs; web pages and updates; digital media products; social media posts; online discussions; interviews; news, feature articles and OpEd pieces, etc. Ensure that programme/project communications plans and the Institute’s communications strategy positively promote UNRISD’s image, values and identity. Scan the “social development horizon” to identify strategic partners and points of entry for research and knowledge from UNRISD projects. Monitor and solicit feedback on the effectiveness of communications products, channels and messages among key audience groups; track and report on potential impacts and results, and suggest adjustments as necessary.

2. Assist with the development and implementation of a range of outputs and activities in the context of UNRISD’s 50th Anniversary Project, including the following. UNRISD timeline/retrospective: carry out background research, identify and source appropriate inputs, and summarize and write content in engaging, appropriate language. 50th Anniversary events and dialogues: assist with the organization, logistics and publicity; write up and produce a brief following each activity; and contribute to the production of other communications assets (podcast or video). Write and produce highly relevant policy briefs that position UNRISD research in relation to the debates and processes shaping the post-2015 development agenda. Write a synthesis report following the 50th Anniversary conference, planned for autumn 2013.

3. Coordinate and further develop the UNRISD Seminar Series, including identifying and liaising with speakers, organizing logistics, creating publicity (including traditional and social media interest), and producing communications assets (podcast or video).

4. Provide support with other duties of the C+O Unit, including producing the eBulletin, and working with interns to support their learning objectives by involving them in the planning, development, implementation and monitoring of communication products and activities.

Requirements and qualifications

- Excellent overall communication skills, especially writing and editing, and attention to detail.

- Proven ability to summarize complex ideas and analysis in clear, message-oriented, accessible language.

- Excellent understanding of international development issues.

- Project management experience, including strategic planning and the ability to turn plans into practical action and to establish priorities among simultaneous tasks.

- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise and communicate with research and other staff, at all levels of seniority.

- Education to MA level in development studies, social sciences, communications, journalism or similar, and at least two years of directly relevant experience.

- Fluent written and spoken English. Good basic design sense for both print and digital media.

Desirable attributes

- Knowledge of current thinking and practice in development research communications, including both traditional and digital media. Knowledge of the development sector, networks and organizations (including the UN).

- Working knowledge of French or Spanish (or another UN language).

- Experience working in a comparable post, bridging research and communications, in a development agency or research institute.

- Experience working in international environments and of working with international networks.

- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or interest in learning on the job.

Terms and conditions

This is a full-time appointment located at the Institute’s offices at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Remuneration: CHF 4,200 to CHF 5,000 per month, depending on qualifications and directly relevant experience.

Duration: up to a maximum of two years (subject to availability of funding), including initial trial period of six months.

Starting date: 1 October 2012.

UNRISD is not responsible for medical insurance, which is mandatory for the period of assignment.

UNRISD will cover one return ticket at least costly fare.

Application process

Applicants are advised to become familiar with the work of UNRISD as well as the 2010-2014 Research Agenda (available at www.unrisd.org) before applying for this position. If you are interested in the work elaborated above and fulfil the required qualifications, please apply online 

Please use the “Motivation” section for your cover letter, and the “Written Statement” section for a short text (maximum 500 words) on an issue of relevance to the post-2015 development agenda. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to carry out a written assignment before being notified if they have been selected for interview. We regret that due to limited staff resources only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline

15 August 2012 (Midnight, Central European Time).