BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is at the forefront of addressing the environmental impact of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, recognizing its pivotal role as a cross-cutting enabler for sustainable development. The ICT sector, while instrumental in driving progress, is facing heightened scrutiny due to the environmental implications associated with the production and use of digital technology, leading to increased Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and energy use.
Digital companies are actively contributing to the global goal of achieving a carbon-free planet. They are making significant efforts such as purchasing renewable energy, investing in carbon removal, issuing green bonds, and advocating for environmental policies. Additionally, digital products and services are enabling emissions reductions in various sectors.  
The ITU and the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) have collaborated on a joint report titled "Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2024." This report, now in its third edition, examines the emissions and energy usage of 200 leading tech companies worldwide. It assesses their climate data and targets and serves as a valuable resource for companies to learn from best practices and enhance their emissions reduction performance. The report sheds light on the operational emissions and electricity consumption of the ICT sector.  
The launch of the report will involve discussions on key findings and feature insights from companies, civil society, governments, and UN agencies. The ITU is seeking a consultant to play a pivotal role in the launch of the report and disseminating key messages from the report to the media, contributing to the broader sustainability goals of the ICT sector.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The consultant will design and implement a joint communications campaign, with a call to action which aligns with the Green Digital Action initiative, to promote the Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2024.
ITU and WBA plan to prepare a joint communication strategy around the launch of the Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2024, to achieve maximum awareness and media coverage, and to ensure alignment in the key messages and approach taken by each partner. To reach the widest audience possible, the campaign will include the following concrete deliverables produced by the consultant:

• Content development (1): preparation of key messages and highlights from the report. The consultant will prepare key messages and highlights from the Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2024 and compile this content to be addressed to different audiences such as policy makers, industry, academia and consumers. The use of infographics contained in the report should accompany the text. In addition to the consultant sharing these key messages and highlights with different audiences, they will be used by ITU and WBA in their social media campaigns and any other relevant promotional activities for the Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2024. The consultant is encouraged to use these key messages and highlights in his/her deliverables.
• Content development (2): preparation of one feature article/op-ed for media players. The consultant will draft at least one feature article or op-ed to express his/her views on the subject matter of the Greening Digital Companies: Monitoring Emissions and Climate Commitments 2024 and will use this piece to make further reference to the key messages and highlights of the report.
• Content distribution: ensure key messages and highlights are distributed to media players. The consultant will distribute the content he/she has developed, and where relevant the content prepared by ITU and WBA, to key media outlets to ensure timely and impactful distribution. The dates for the embargo launch of the report will be confirmed by ITU and WBA.
• Identification and edit of key messages to effectively resonate with the target audiences, enhancing the campaign’s reach and impact. Create engaging headline ideas that capture the attention of the target audience, promoting widespread dissemination of the campaign. 
• Preparation of a virtual launch and press conference for leading media and journalists. Plan and execute a virtual launch event and press conference, targeting prominent media outlets and journalists to amplify the report’s visibility. Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless and impactful virtual launch event.
• Working in close collaboration with BDT COMMS.

CONCRETE DELIVERABLES

• Identification and preparation of key messages and highlights from the report to attract media attention.
• Preparation of at least one feature article/op-ed for media players.
• Distribution of key messages and highlights to key media players.
• Preparation of a virtual launch and press conference for leading media and journalists.

COMPETENCIES

Crafting data-driven content, compelling media messages, coordinating the design and implementation of a publication launch across various communication channels, ensuring consistent and coherent messaging among all partners involved. Expertise in media outreach, relationship building with journalists and influencers, and data-driven campaign analysis will be essential to achieve maximum awareness and media coverage.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: University degree in media, journalism, publicity, communications and news related areas.

Experience: At least ten (10) years of experience in the publicity of international environmental reports, news and articles.

Languages: Knowledge of English at advanced level.

REMUNERATION INFORMATION

400 USD per working day.