Event coordination Specialist

Result of Service

To support the coordination and delivery of the Changwon Initiative Pavilion at COP17.

Work Location

Hybrid(Office and home-based)

Expected duration

2.5 months between 1 July to 15 September 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities

Background note: The objective of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. The UNCCD secretariat seeks an experienced and highly motivated event coordination consultant to support the communications activities of a flagship initiative and its dedicated Pavilion during the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to be held from 17 to 28 August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (COP17). The objective of this consultancy is to organize and coordinate a Pavilion during UNCCD COP17. This includes the preparation and organization of the Pavilion programme and logistics. The overall coordination of the Pavilion will be carried out in close collaboration with the Communications, External Relations and Partnerships Unit. Duties & Responsibilities: The C/IC will work under the Global Mechanism in close collaboration with the Communications, External Relations and Partnerships Unit and report directly to Programme Officer Duckha Jeon. Specific project or work area the C/IC will contribute to; 1. Event planning and coordination, including but not limited to the coordination of logistics for the set‑up and operation of the Pavilion in Ulaanbaatar and the development of a coherent and strategic Pavilion programme. - Preparations include close coordination on logistics with the designer, the team in Mongolia, and the donor. - In addition, preparations will include, but are not limited to: selecting and curating side events; developing an overall event strategy, including a detailed approach, concept, format, and timeline; coordinating daily thematic priorities and ensuring their visibility at the Changwon Initiative Pavilion; and ensuring that all side events and their outcomes align with the overall narrative and objectives of the Pavilion. 2. On‑site coordination and delivery, including but not limited to: drafting and implementing daily run‑of‑show schedules and scripts, as required; briefing, coordinating, and supporting speakers and moderators participating in Pavilion events; and overseeing the preparation, time management, and smooth execution of all Pavilion activities to ensure successful delivery. 3. Preparation of a comprehensive post‑event report on the Pavilion, including key outcomes, highlights, and recommendations.

Qualifications/special skills

- Master’s degree in communications, international relations, political science or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - Minimum seven years of work experience in communication, event coordination, public relations or related field is required. - Demonstrated experience in organizing events in United Nations settings, preferably Conference of Parties. - Demonstrated ability to work with diverse teams, including virtually. - Excellent planning, organization and teamwork skills are required. - Strong client orientation competency, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, anticipate client needs, and deliver timely and high-quality support and services

Languages

For the advertised post, fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of other UN Official languages and Korean would be an asset.

Additional Information

Only individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. For remote consultancies, the selected candidate will be required to have a laptop or desktop PC (with Windows 11 or newer) or Mac (with the latest MacOS update), as well as a reliable, high-speed internet connection. An Office 365 license will be provided by the UNCCD to enable the candidate to access official emails, SharePoint, OneDrive and other office applications, such as Word and Excel. Further computer requirements: An antivirus application which receives regular updates; Browsers must be a newer version with regular updates enabled; Regular Windows 11 updates should be enabled with Windows laptop or PC. In addition, a mobile phone will be required to enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) through SMS or the Authenticator App.

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.