Event Moderator

The final expected output from the consultant is to deliver expertly moderated sessions at COP17, ensuring an engaging and impactful experience for all participants. This includes the development of an effective engagement strategy, the preparation of tailored introductory materials and questions, the execution of a dry run, and the moderation of all agreed-upon sessions. The consultant will also facilitate meaningful interactions through interviews with key speakers and experts, ultimately contributing to the promotion of sustainable land management and the objectives of the UNCCD. The culmination of these efforts will enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the events, fostering valuable discussions and outcomes.

Home-based.

2 weeks in Agusut 2026.

Background note: Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought (DLDD). (www.unccd.int) In conjunction with the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UNCCD in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the UNCCD will host a wide range of activities throughout the conference. These events will be livestreamed to audiences around the globe, and additional individual events will take place in the Conference’s designated areas. The UNCCD is seeking experienced senior events moderators to develop, facilitate, and moderate a coordinated program for the events during the two-week conference. The moderators will ensure dynamic, engaging, and inclusive discussions that contribute to the goals of the conference. Duties & Responsibilities: Under direct supervision of the Chief of Communications, External Relations and Partnerships, the moderator will support the UNCCD team to facilitate and ensure a smooth flow of all agreed-upon sessions during COP17 in Ulaanbaatar. As moderator, the selected candidate will engage with high-level personalities, including representatives from the UNCCD. Before the Event: Familiarize themselves with the core mandate of the UNCCD and its initiatives, including its goals related to land restoration and drought resilience. - Research and review the profiles of speakers and prepare appropriate introductory notes to present them during the sessions and for use in publicity materials. - In consultation with the planning team, develop a strategy for running the sessions, identifying interesting topics and candidates for post-event interviews, and preparing a maximum of five interview questions. - Prepare a brief report of lessons learned with recommendations. During the Event: - Host and moderate all agreed-upon sessions, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all participants. - Ensure a smooth, efficient, and professional atmosphere during sessions, including virtual participants. - Present summaries of discussions, highlighting new ideas, key takeaways, conclusions, and recommendations as appropriate. - Conduct interviews with selected speakers or participants upon request, capturing key insights. Post Event: - Submit a brief report of the assignment, including best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for future actions.

- An advanced university degree, such as a Master’s or equivalent, in communications, journalism, public affairs, public relations, public advocacy, environmental management, or other related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. - A minimum of seven years of experience in communications, journalism, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience working with international media and demonstrable experience in moderating high-level events, with UN experience considered an advantage. Having a significant presence on social media is considered an advantage.

- Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is an advantage.

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.