Senior Communications Consultant - Buildings Portfolio

Result of Service

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Global Lead Communication and Advocacy and Programme Officer of the Buildings and Cooling Unit. Performance will be assessed against: Objective 1: Strengthen the global visibility and influence of UNEP's Buildings Portfolio Indicators • Increased media coverage. • Growth in digital engagement metrics. • Increased stakeholder participation in portfolio activities. • Delivery of strategic communications campaigns. Objective 2: Strengthen the profile and engagement of GlobalABC and associated initiatives Indicators • Increased member engagement. • Successful communications support for flagship initiatives. • Growth in visibility of GlobalABC outputs and activities. Objective 3: Develop high-quality storytelling and multimedia content Indicators • Delivery of storytelling products. • Audience reach and engagement. • Quality and impact of communications materials. Objective 4: Enhance communications support for major international events and advocacy initiatives Indicators • Successful campaign implementation. • Visibility of UNEP's participation at key events. • Delivery of event communications products.

Work Location

Home-based - Candidate must be located within ±2 hours of the Paris (CET/CEST) time zone.

Expected duration

7 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works with governments, the private sector, financial institutions, cities, and international partners to accelerate the transformation of the buildings and construction sector towards a zero-emission, efficient, resilient, and inclusive future. The Buildings and Cooling Unit leads UNEP's work on sustainable buildings, cooling, construction materials, building energy efficiency, climate resilience, and related policy and market transformation initiatives. The Unit hosts and supports several flagship initiatives, including the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), the Buildings Breakthrough, the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC), the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, and a growing portfolio of regional and country-level projects. These initiatives require a strong, coherent, and impactful communications approach capable of engaging policymakers, donors, technical experts, businesses, media, and the wider public. As UNEP expands its leadership role in global climate action through the buildings sector, there is a need for a senior communications professional capable of transforming technical knowledge into compelling narratives, producing high-impact multimedia content, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and elevating the global visibility of UNEP's Buildings Portfolio. The consultant will bring strategic communications expertise, creative storytelling approaches, and innovative campaign development to position buildings as key climate and development solutions. The Senior Communications Consultant will lead strategic communications, storytelling, advocacy, digital engagement, and visibility efforts across UNEP's Buildings Portfolio, including GlobalABC and associated flagship initiatives. The consultant will move beyond traditional communications support to develop compelling narratives, multimedia campaigns, thought leadership content, stakeholder engagement strategies, and global storytelling initiatives that increase awareness, influence policy discussions, strengthen partnerships, and showcase impact. The consultant will work across five strategic pillars: Pillar 1: Strategic Communications and Narrative Development Key Responsibilities • Develop overarching narratives positioning buildings as critical climate, resilience, health, and development solutions. • Create strategic messaging frameworks for different stakeholder audiences including governments, donors, the private sector, media, and civil society. • Ensure consistency of messaging, branding, and communications approaches across all portfolio initiatives. • Develop communications plans for major reports, campaigns, partnerships, and global events. Expected Deliverables • Strategic messaging and narrative framework. • Audience engagement and visibility plans. • Communications toolkits for flagship initiatives. Pillar 2: Storytelling and Multimedia Production Key Responsibilities • Develop compelling human-centered stories illustrating the impact of UNEP's work. • Produce written, visual, and multimedia content highlighting successful projects, policies, and partnerships. • Translate complex technical and policy information into accessible public narratives. • Lead development of innovative storytelling formats that increase audience engagement. Expected Deliverables • Flagship storytelling campaign showcasing buildings transformation stories worldwide. • Feature articles and success stories. • Video concepts, scripts, and multimedia products. • Photo essays and digital storytelling packages. Pillar 3: GlobalABC Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Key Responsibilities • Lead strategic communications support for the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). • Coordinate communications activities with GlobalABC members, partners, and working groups. • Support outreach and engagement activities that strengthen member participation and visibility. • Facilitate communication campaigns that showcase member contributions and achievements. • Support communications related to the Buildings Breakthrough, ICBC, and other GlobalABC initiatives. Expected Deliverables • GlobalABC communications calendar. • Member engagement campaigns. • Stakeholder outreach materials. • Newsletters and member communication products. • GlobalABC success-story series. Pillar 4: Advocacy, Events and Global Campaigns Key Responsibilities • Lead communications planning and execution for major international events. • Support visibility and advocacy efforts around UN Climate Conferences (COPs), regional events, and ministerial meetings. • Support media engagement and strategic outreach opportunities. • Produce communications materials that amplify UNEP's influence within global climate discussions. Expected Deliverables • COP communications strategy and campaign materials. • Executive briefs and key messages. • Event communications packages. • Press materials and media kits. • Campaign concepts aligned with major climate moments. Pillar 5: Digital Communications, knowledge translation and thought Leadership Key Responsibilities • Manage and enhance digital communications activities across websites, newsletters, and social media channels. • Develop communications products that translate technical reports into accessible content. • Support dissemination of flagship knowledge products and policy guidance. • Develop thought leadership content that positions UNEP and GlobalABC as leading voices in the buildings sector. • Monitor audience engagement and recommend improvements to maximize influence and reach. Expected Deliverables • Social media and digital content plans. • Knowledge dissemination campaigns. • Quarterly analytics and communications performance reports.

Qualifications/special skills

Education Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Communications, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Work Experience Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, storytelling, journalism, multimedia production, digital communications, public information, advocacy, or related fields. Demonstrated experience designing and implementing international communications campaigns. Experience producing multimedia and digital storytelling content. Experience supporting senior-level stakeholder engagement and high-profile events. Experience working with international organizations, multilateral institutions, or United Nations agencies is highly desirable. Experience related to climate change, sustainable development, urban development, buildings, construction, energy, or environmental issues is desirable.

Languages

Excellent written and spoken English required. Strong editing and content development skills required. French and other UN languages are desirable.

Additional Information

Core Competencies Strategic Communications Ability to develop impactful communications strategies and narrative frameworks that influence diverse audiences. Storytelling and Content Creation Exceptional writing and storytelling skills with the ability to transform technical information into compelling human-centered narratives. Multimedia Communications Experience developing visual, digital, and multimedia communications products, including video and social media content. Stakeholder Engagement Engage effectively with governments, donors, private sector leaders, media representatives, and international partners. Innovation and Creativity Demonstrated ability to design innovative campaigns and communications approaches that increase visibility and audience engagement. Communication Excellent written and spoken English required. Strong editing and content development skills required. French and other UN languages are desirable.

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.