Background

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

The UN Women Executive Director frequently engages with Member States, Civil Society, academia, private sector partners and others on issues that seek to advance women´s empowerment. She gives high level remarks on sustainable development, peace and security and global challenges. As a native Arabic speaker, and Arabic being an official language of the United Nations, she often engages in Arabic on these issues. Translating speeches loses a lot of their meaning, as such, UN Women is seeking a consultant to support in taking UN Women messages and knowledge products and developing them into effective communication pieces.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Write and edit a wide range of Arabic-language materials for the Executive Leadership Team of UN women, including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points and press statements, on issues that cover the full spectrum of UN women’s mandate.  

• Consult with the Chief of Staff and senior advisors on the form and content of speeches and other materials, in line with the vision of Executive Leadership, and the Organization’s communications strategy.

• Review and edit draft Arabic-language texts to ensure accuracy, clarity, and effectiveness.

Competencies

  • Proven expertise and experience in researching, drafting, writing and editing speeches, talking points, messages and other spoken and written communications on behalf of senior international figures, in the Arabic language.
  • Demonstrates strong knowledge and understanding of the United Nations’ role in international political, economic and social affairs.
  • Knowledge of and a good understanding of multicultural and gender requirements and ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations.
  • Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
  • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
  • Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
  • Accountability
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Inclusive Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Leading by Example

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree or equivalent degree in political sciences, international relations, journalism, public administration or 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

  • A minimum of seven years of practical experience in communications and public information or journalism and in drafting high-quality materials, including speeches in Arabic, is required;
  • Experience working in varied assignments in the UN System is desirable.