Consultant on Strategic Communications and Institutional Positioning

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is entering a new strategic phase within a dynamic regional and multilateral context. This role supports ESCWA's efforts to strengthen strategic communications and institutional positioning to enhance its leadership and impact across 21 Member States. The position is within the UN Secretariat, specifically the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to design and draft high-level communication strategies and reports that will position ESCWA to lead effectively during a period of significant regional transitions. The role aims to articulate a coherent narrative for ESCWA, encompassing its strategy, institutional positioning, and regional cooperation efforts, culminating in a March 2027 flagship event. It involves voicing the region's cross-cutting themes, connecting flagship initiatives like AI and Just Financing to the broader strategic narrative, and applying contemporary branding methods to enhance ESCWA's and its Member States' development narratives. The consultancy will also leverage technology to expand reach and multilingual production capabilities.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop a report on the Strategic Landscape and Forward Positioning, identifying opportunities and recommending leadership areas for ESCWA. They will create an Institutional Positioning Framework (2026-2030) using modern branding techniques, defining ESCWA's voice and value proposition. Additionally, the consultant will draft Editorial Line materials for the Executive Secretary, design a roadmap for the Road Flagship convening, and prepare an AI Flagship and Communications Blueprint, including an AI-enabled communication plan and measurement strategy. Finally, they will develop a Communication Design System to ensure a coherent and accessible visual identity across all ESCWA outputs in multiple languages.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, institutional positioning, and narrative development is required. Experience in public sector, international organizations, or comparable environments is necessary. Demonstrated experience in high-level advisory roles, developing communication strategies for senior leadership, and working in multicultural/multilateral contexts is essential. Experience in the Arab region is desirable.

Skills

Strategic communications, Institutional positioning, Narrative development, Public sector communication, International organizations communication, High-level advisory, Senior leadership communication strategy, Multicultural and multilateral context work, Place and nation branding, AI communication strategy, Multilingual production, Communication design systems.

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