Background
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) delivers on its mandate to strengthen the capacities of beneficiaries through training, capacity development, applied research and related activities. Annually, the Institute organizes over 1400 learning and knowledge-sharing events benefiting close to 550,000 beneficiaries all around the world.
The position of Individual Contractor โ digital communication and social media - is located in the Communication and IT Support Unit (CITSU), which oversees all communications activities and IT resources at UNITAR. CITSU develops and implement communications strategy and gives advice on various communications related issues to programmes. The Unit manages various online platforms such as the intranet, website, Event Management System, virtual learning platform as well as several social media channels.
Under the supervision of the Chief of Unit, the Individual Contractor will be supporting the delivery of the Instituteโs communications strategy. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for creating dynamic and engaging social media and digital content and ensures its consistency. He/she provides support to all programme units in implementing various communication activities, coordinate different campaigns and implement the UNITARโs communications strategy from social media and digital communication side.
The Contractor will also be accountable for facilitating smooth information flow among various departments of the Institute, and for supporting the planning and implementation of a range of internal training and events.
Description of Duties/Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief, Communication and IT Support unit, the incumbent will:
Strategic Planning and Policy Development
Lead the implementation and iterative refinement of UNITARโs digital communication strategy and social media policy. Review baseline engagement across digital platforms and propose targeted interventions to enhance visibility and relevance. Advise on emerging platforms (e.g., TikTok, Threads, Bluesky) and digital innovations to reach youth and underserved groups.Content Creation and Campaign Management
Develop inclusive, engaging, and visually compelling multimedia content (videos, infographics, animations, human-interest stories). Manage an editorial calendar aligned with UNITARโs programmatic priorities. Produce and edit content for high-visibility campaigns, observances, and events, ensuring consistency with the UNITAR brand and values.Platform Management and Community Engagement
Manage and monitor day-to-day operations of social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook). Facilitate real-time engagement, community building, and proactive responses to trends and audience feedback. Coordinate with partners, influencers, and UN Communications Groups to amplify UNITAR messaging.Digital Accessibility and Inclusion
Ensure all digital content and platforms comply with the UN Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) and disability-inclusive standards. Promote gender-responsive and culturally inclusive storytelling.Analytics, Reporting, and Optimization
Email Marketing and Website Content Management
Manage and optimize segmented mailing lists; draft and disseminate newsletters, course announcements, and surveys using email marketing tools (e.g., Mailjet). Maintain and update UNITARโs corporate website and landing pages, ensuring UX and accessibility best practices.Event Support and Visual Production
Provide event-based communications support including live social media coverage, digital promotion, registration support, and post-event reporting. Photograph, film, and edit materials from events or field activities as needed.Capacity Building
Deliver tailored training sessions on digital tools, inclusive communications, and platform management for UNITAR personnel and collaborators.Other tasks
Perform other tasks assigned by the Chief of CITSU.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following Staff and collaborators in the Communications and IT Support Unit, in various programme units and the Office of the Executive Director in order to deliver and assist in delivering communication services and products. Staff and collaborators of other UN agencies and international organizations to collaborate and promote UNITAR content and campaigns. Vendors and service providers of communication services that are used by UNITAR. Administration and Procurement Unit to coordinate the procurement process for communication and social media related services and products. Results Expected Social media channels review done, recommendations provided. Social media channels are managed and monitored on a daily basis. Increase in engagement, followership and influence of UNITARโs social media accounts. Increase of global social media campaigns. Improvement in consistency of social media content. Communication effectiveness report issued, recommendations proposed. Assistance given to all programme units in social media management, website management, online course announcement and other relevant communication tasks. All tasks performed in a professional manner, within a set schedule and under budget. CompetenciesProfessionalism
Excellent knowledge in the field of corporate social media management, digital communication, theories and tools. Experience in creating multimedia content for social media and other digital channels, including campaign visuals and videos. Experience in managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) for an organization and excellent knowledge on challenges and opportunities in managing corporate social media channels. Experience and knowledge in social media and web analytics, has ability to define relevant key performance indicators, to collect data, issue reports and give advice for improvement. Experience and knowledge in creating and issuing html-based e-newsletters using email marketing platform, and in using email analytics, has ability to report and give advice for improvement. Experience in creating communication campaigns for different audiences, including messaging and visuals, and in measuring the impact of the campaign.Planning & Organizing
Excellent planning and organizational skills and ability to prioritize own work, delivering results and quality work, including when working under pressure.Commitment to continuous learning
Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in the field of social media, digital communication and new technologies. Ability to adapt new trends and development to the organizational context.Communications
Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as concept note, blogs, web articles, training materials and presentations. Excellent oral and writing skills both in English and French, especially writing compelling, concise and engaging content suitable for different target audiences and channels. Ability to evaluate information needs and to provide appropriate and targeted information accordingly.Technology awareness
Fully proficient in computer skills, with ability to use a variety of software and applications. For this post, the knowledge of social media platforms (twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn), MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Yammer), Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud (photoshop, illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc.,), social media management platform (such as Hootsuite or Metricool), email marketing tool (such as Mailjet or Mailchimp), social media content planning tool (Trello), web analytics tool (such as Google analytics) is required.Teamwork
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal effectively with multiple constituencies and to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.