The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is seeking a Communications Consultant – Arabic Language to support media engagement with Arabic-speaking audiences.
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) Unit and help drive media coverage around key UNCCD initiatives, including the Silk Road Campaign for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists .
UNCCD is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. It supports countries in addressing desertification, land degradation and drought.
Job Summary
- Employer: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Communications
- Closing Date: 2026-10-06
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a media engagement plan for Arabic-speaking audiences around key moments, including the Silk Road Campaign for the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
- Liaise internally and externally to identify newsworthy and regional angles on key Convention issues.
- Suggest and develop print and multimedia content for Arabic-speaking audiences, including case studies, feature stories and interviews.
- Prepare key messages, press releases, op-eds, media advisories and other communications materials in Arabic or other languages as required.
- Proactively pitch Arabic-speaking media, including developing story ideas and thought-leadership pieces.
- Coordinate media outreach around key events.
- Liaise with Arabic-speaking spokespeople, including UNCCD leadership, experts and key decision-makers.
- Prepare talking points for spokespeople and coordinate media interviews.
- Translate or adapt content from English or other languages into Arabic while adhering to UN editorial standards.
- Support analysis of Arabic-speaking media coverage, including key-message penetration, spokespeople quoted and estimated earned media cost.
- Manage follow-up interviews and public inquiries.
- Perform other project-related tasks as required.
Requirements
- A first-level university degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or a related field .
- Knowledge of environmental, policy and outreach issues relevant to the work of UNCCD.
- Experience creating quality media content, including excellent Arabic writing and editing skills.
- Knowledge of online video-conferencing platforms and relevant digital outreach tools.
- Candidates must have excellent writing and editing skills in Arabic , together with fluency in spoken and written English.
- As this is a remote consultancy, the selected candidate will be required to have: A laptop or desktop PC running Windows 11 or newer, or a Mac with the latest macOS update. A reliable high-speed internet connection. An antivirus application that receives regular updates. A modern browser with regular updates enabled. Regular Windows updates enabled where applicable. A mobile phone for Multifactor Authentication through SMS or an Authenticator App.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: careers.un.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and language certifications are typically required for an Arabic Communications Consultant role in Zimbabwe?
Employers usually require a bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or Arabic Studies, plus native or near-native fluency in Arabic and English. Professional certifications such as UN interpreter accreditation or Arabic language proficiency tests (ALPT, CEFR C1/C2) strengthen your application. Experience with international organizations or diplomatic communications is highly valued in Zimbabwe's competitive NGO sector.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Communications Consultant focused on Arabic language?
Daily tasks include translating and interpreting documents from English to Arabic and vice versa, drafting press releases and social media content for Arabic-speaking audiences, and supporting media outreach across Middle Eastern and North African regions. You may also coordinate with regional UN offices, prepare briefing materials for senior officials, and facilitate multilingual stakeholder consultations. Strong digital communication skills and familiarity with content management systems are increasingly expected.
How does the work culture and professional environment differ for UN contract roles based in Zimbabwe?
UN contract positions in Zimbabwe typically follow international workplace standards with formal hierarchies, emphasis on protocol, and multicultural team collaboration. Punctuality, diplomatic communication, and respect for chain of command are essential, though local flexibility around connectivity and power challenges is often accommodated. Building relationships with government and civil society partners requires understanding of Zimbabwe's formal business etiquette and regional sensitivities.
What career progression opportunities exist for communications consultants with Arabic specialization in Zimbabwe?
Successful consultants often advance to senior communications officer roles, regional Arabic media coordinator positions, or permanent UN staff contracts through competitive P-grade examinations. Specialization in climate or environmental communications can open doors to technical advisory roles within UN agencies or international NGOs operating across Africa and the Middle East. Many professionals also transition to diplomatic communications, academic positions, or freelance consultancy with growing demand for Arabic-English expertise.
What benefits are typically included in UN contract positions for communications roles in Zimbabwe?
UN contracts generally include medical insurance coverage, paid annual leave, and pension contributions through the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund for qualifying appointments. Consultants may receive pro-rated benefits depending on contract duration and funding source, with some positions offering housing allowances or relocation support for international hires. Always review the specific terms in your letter of contract, as benefit packages vary significantly between individual consultant agreements and staff contracts.
What do UN recruiters and Zimbabwean employers look for when reviewing applications for Arabic communications roles?
Recruiters prioritize demonstrated Arabic-English translation accuracy, portfolio samples of published communications materials, and proven experience with international development or environmental themes. Strong references from previous UN or diplomatic assignments carry significant weight, as does familiarity with desertification, land degradation, or climate adaptation terminology. Applications should be submitted through official UN portals like Inspira, with tailored cover letters addressing specific competency frameworks and language requirements listed in the vacancy announcement.
