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Work at UNITAR as a Consultant/Individual Contractor – social media management and digital communication: Apply Now

Ednah Carrick March 27, 2026

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Closing Date: 29 March 2026

Work at UNITAR as a Consultant/Individual Contractor – social media management and digital communication: Apply Now

Background

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) delivers on its mandate to strengthen the capacities of individuals, institutions and countries 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 – digital communication and social media – is located in the Office of the Executive Director. Under the supervision of the Strategic Communications Adviser, the Individual Contractor will be supporting the delivery of the Institute’s 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 UNITAR’s 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 Strategic Communications Adviser, the incumbent will:

Strategic Planning and Policy Development

Lead the implementation and iterative refinement of UNITAR’s 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 UNITAR’s 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.

Social Listening and Reputational Management

Monitor online conversations and sentiment across social media platforms and relevant digital channels to identify emerging issues, misinformation, public concerns, and opportunities related to the organization’s mandate.
Conduct reputational risk assessments by analysing trends, spikes in engagement, or negative sentiment, and preparing timely briefings for senior management or communications teams to support informed decision-making.
Coordinate responses to reputational risks, including recommending mitigation actions, drafting aligned key messages, escalating high-risk issues per internal communication protocols, and ensuring adherence to UNITAR communication and branding standards.

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

Use digital analytics tools (e.g., Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics) to generate performance dashboards and insights.
Track and report on KPIs (reach, engagement, conversions) and adjust tactics accordingly.

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).
Review web articles submitted by programme units, ensure consistency and quality of articles.
Maintain and update UNITAR’s 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.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

Staff and collaborators in the Office of the Executive Director and in various programme units and offices 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 Section to coordinate the procurement process for communication and social media related services and products.

Results expected

Social media channels audit review done, recommendations provided.
Social media channels are managed and monitored on a daily basis.
Increase in engagement, followership and influence of UNITAR’s social media accounts.
Reputational risks identified and mitigated.
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.

Minimum requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in digital media, communication, marketing, journalism, public relations, business administration, liberal arts or a related field.

Experience

Experience with social media tools (content creation and management) and digital analytics for efficient management of digital communication is required.
Experience producing written content as well as videos and graphics for social media is required.
Experience in social listening tools and reputational management preferred.
Proven track record managing institutional accounts and digital campaigns with measurable results is preferred.
Demonstrated track record of results-based strategic planning and implementation of digital campaigns is preferred.
Knowledge and experience with paid advertisement for social media is preferred.
Previous experience in working in an international organization is an asset.

Language

Excellent command of English and working knowledge of French (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language would be an advantage.