Communications Contractor

The Individual Contractors will strengthen the communications capacity of the United Nations Youth Office by supporting the timely delivery of high-quality communications products, digital content, multimedia storytelling and strategic campaigns that enhance the visibility and impact of the Office's work. Successful completion of the assignment will contribute to effective communications around the Office's priority initiatives, improved digital engagement, regular production of flagship communications products, and successful communications planning and delivery for the UN Youth Townhall in December 2026.

New York, USA

Sept - Dec 2026

Background: The United Nations Youth Office was established by General Assembly resolution 76/306 as a dedicated entity for youth affairs within the United Nations Secretariat. The Office leads system-wide coordination on youth, advances advocacy and policy coherence on youth issues, and promotes the meaningful engagement of young people in United Nations processes and decision-making. Within the Office, the Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy Section leads strategic communications, public advocacy and external engagement to strengthen awareness of the Office's mandate, amplify youth voices, support the implementation of key initiatives and partnerships, and promote youth participation across the United Nations system. The Section manages the Office's global communications portfolio, including strategic campaigns, digital communications, social media, multimedia storytelling, executive communications, editorial products, newsletters, events communications and media engagement. Objective and Scope of Work: The United Nations Youth Office seeks to recruit two Communications Contractors to provide communications, editorial and multimedia support across the Office's communications portfolio through the end of 2026. Working under the supervision of the Chief of the Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy Section, the Individual Contractors will contribute to the planning, development and delivery of strategic communications products and campaigns that enhance the visibility and impact of the Office's work. This includes supporting digital communications, editorial content, multimedia production, executive communications, newsletters, campaign implementation and communications around major events. A key area of responsibility will be supporting the communications planning and implementation for the inaugural UN Youth Townhall, to be held from 8 to 10 December 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany, including pre-event communications, on-site communications support, multimedia content production and post-event storytelling. Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Chief of the Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy Section, the Communications Contractors will: • Support the implementation of the communications strategy and editorial calendar for the UN Youth Office. • Draft, edit and produce high-quality communications materials, including feature stories, blogs, speeches, talking points, web content, newsletters and other narrative products. • Support planning, drafting and scheduling of social media content across the Office's digital platforms. • Assist in the planning and delivery of social media content and digital communications for the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. • Support multimedia storytelling, including coordinating and producing short-form videos, interviews, reels and other audiovisual content. • Support production and dissemination of the Office's monthly newsletter, Youth2030 Pulse. • Support communications planning and implementation for global observances, campaigns and advocacy initiatives. • Support communications planning and delivery for the UN Youth Townhall, including content planning, editorial support, social media coverage, multimedia production, coordination of communications materials and post-event communications. • Support monitoring and reporting on communications performance, including basic analytics and preparation of communications reports. • Undertake other communications and editorial assignments as required.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media studies, public relations, international relations or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least two years of progressively responsible experience in communications, digital communications, journalism, public information or a related field is required. Demonstrated experience drafting high-quality written communications products for diverse audiences is desirable. Experience managing or supporting social media communications and digital content production is desirable. Experience supporting multimedia communications, including video production and storytelling is desirable. Experience supporting communications for campaigns, events or international organizations is desirable.

Fluency in written and spoken English is required, and proficiency of other UN Languages is desirable.

Not available.