Communications & Regional Liaison Office (RLO) Support

Result of Service

• Successful outreach and media engagement for UNCCD initiatives in China.
• Effective engagement with vendors, contractors and stakeholders in the setup of RLO Asia.
• Effective Chinese participation in key UNCCD events.
• Strengthened partnerships with Chinese stakeholders to advance UNCCD’s mission.

Work Location

Homebased

Expected duration

April to August 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is an international agreement on good land stewardship. It helps people, communities, and countries to create wealth, grow economies and secure enough food and water and energy, by ensuring land users have an enabling environment for sustainable land management. Through partnerships, the Convention’s 197 Parties set up robust systems to manage land degradation and drought promptly and effectively. Good land stewardship based on a sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, builds resilience to climate change and prevents biodiversity loss. Land also plays a key role in the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, securing rural livelihoods and creating green jobs, supporting community resilience and maintaining the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services.

The basic functions of Global Policy Advocacy and Regional Cooperation (GPARC), including the Regional Liaison Office (RLO) for the regional annexes, are the framing of relevant and persuasive policy messages and the delivery of related strategic advocacy on issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought; building partnerships with key stakeholders and governments to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of the Convention; the coordination of the programme of work of the UNCCD institutions at the regional, sub regional and national levels; the facilitation of effective communications between country Parties and headquarters. The Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit supports the mandate of UNCCD by providing an overall strategic direction on communications, external relations and partnerships, underpinned by innovation and the use of effective tools. It leads and coordinates UNCCD’s engagement with key stakeholders and builds partnerships to mobilize corporate resources and raise the visibility of land issues on the political and public agendas. Furthermore, it acts as the UNCCD brand guardian, leading global strategic communication at corporate and programmatic levels, nurturing creativity and ambition to reach new audiences with world-class, science-based communication and advocacy. UNCCD is expanding its engagement in China by strengthening communications, partnerships, and regional coordination efforts.

The individual contractor will play a dual role:

1. Communications & Partnerships Support (50%) – Reporting to CERP Chief, developing and executing outreach strategies to increase UNCCD’s visibility in China, supporting key events such as COP17, and managing stakeholder engagement.
2. GPARC- Regional Liaison Office-Asia Support (50%) – Reporting to RLO Asia and assisting in the establishment and operational management of the GPARC-RLO Asia, providing logistical and administrative support, and facilitating government and partner engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Chief of Communications, External Relations and Partnerships and the daily guidance of the Regional Liaison Officer for Asia and the Pacific, the individual contractor will perform the following:

1. Communications & Partnerships Support (50%)
   • Develop and implement outreach plans for key events in China (e.g., Desertification and Drought Day 2025).
   • Identify and develop newsworthy content, including case studies, feature stories, interviews, press releases, and op-eds in Chinese.
   • Translate and adapt official UNCCD content from English to Chinese, ensuring adherence to UN editorial standards.
   • Proactively engage with major Chinese media outlets (e.g., Xinhua, CGTN, People's Daily) to enhance UNCCD’s visibility.
   • Coordinate media outreach and engagement of high-profile personalities in China, including Land Heroes and Land for Life Award laureates.
   • Assist in developing new partnerships and cooperation frameworks with Chinese stakeholders to advance UNCCD’s mission.
   • Facilitate China’s participation in UNCCD events, including mobilizing government and non-Party stakeholders.
2. GPARC- Regional Liaison Office - Asia Support (50%)
   • Office Establishment & Operations
     • Support the setup and logistical coordination of the RLO, including liaising with government agencies, securing office space, and facilitating the registration process and compliance with Chinese government regulations regarding UN operations in China.
     • Coordinate communications with vendors and contractors regarding procurement and operational setup (e.g., office equipment, IT infrastructure, security).
     • Support visa and residency permit procedures for incoming UNCCD staff and official visitors.
   • Administrative & Logistical Support
     • Provide logistical and programmatic support for the RLO in conducting relevant engagements.
     • Assist in liaising between UNCCD, Chinese authorities and UN entities in China.
     • Organize and provide support for meetings, workshops, and official visits, including scheduling, drafting briefing materials, and tracking action items.
     • Support engagement with stakeholders based in China including through mapping of key agencies and organizations and entry points for the UNCCD.
     • Compile information to develop country and subregional briefs and/or factsheets, with a particular focus on Northeast Asia.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree in communications, international relations, public policy, or a related field is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, media engagement, or policy advocacy, preferably within UN or international organizations is required.
• Proven experience in stakeholder coordination and government liaison, particularly in China is required.
• Prior involvement in office setup and operational support is an advantage.

Languages

Excellent writing and editing skills in Chinese and fluency in English is a requirement.

Additional Information

• Strong expertise in communications and public relations.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in Chinese and English.
• Ability to navigate administrative processes in China.
• Experience in engaging Chinese government and non-Party stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities, with experience in event planning and logistics.