Communications Officer

OCHA

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.   UN Environment's Climate Change Division delivers effective strategic guidance and high-impact action in support of the transition towards climate stability. UNEP provides capacity building and technical support to governments to enhance their policy and implementation capacity and helps them access finance to align to the Paris Agreement, decarbonize, anticipate and adapt to climate impacts. Its work is guided by ambition, innovation, credible science, alignment to global climate goals and needs of individual countries.  UN-REDD is the UN knowledge and advisory platform on the forest solutions to the climate crisis. UN-REDD was launched in 2008 and builds on the convening capacity and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UN-REDD's goal is to help realize forest solutions to the climate emergency by avoiding carbon emissions and fostering carbon sequestration. In pursuing this international goal, UN-REDD promotes approaches that ensure the environmental integrity of carbon emissions reductions while supporting non-carbon benefits – from safeguarding biodiversity to supporting local livelihoods and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples. UN-REDD supports 65 partner countries to advance the implementation of the Paris Agreement, particularly Articles 5 and 6, in order to reduce deforestation, promote sustainable land uses, advance international cooperative approaches to climate mitigation and mobilize climate finance to turn the tide on tropical deforestation. In particular, UN-REDD supports nationally led REDD+ processes and promotes the informed and meaningful involvement of all stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in the implementation of REDD+ activities agreed under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  This post is located in the Climate Change Division, at the Nairobi duty station with the UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (UN-REDD). Under the direct supervision of the Head of Knowledge and Advocacy of UN-REDD, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Responsibilities

(a) Deliver on the UN-REDD Programme Knowledge Management (KM) and communications strategy with emphasis on the Africa region.  
• Liaise with UN-REDD Programme partners and other relevant institutions to ensure continued delivery of the UN-REDD Programme KM and communications strategy and workplan.  
• Support in the mainstreaming of the role of KM and communications in the UN-REDD Programme including through providing inputs on KM and communications activities for annual and semi-annual Programme progress reports.  
• Support the inter-agency Communications and Knowledge Management Working Group.  
• Promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major achievements and events of the Programme and its Partner Countries including through proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, brokering media interviews, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.  
• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press, identify issues and trends, and advise management on appropriate action/responses.  
• Manage and grow contact lists including: general info subscribers, media, newsletter subscribers, weekly roundup subscribers.  
• Support national-level communication teams.  
• Point media inquiries to respective REDD representatives and technical experts.   (b) Report on the achievement of defined communication outcomes.  
• Draft and implement communications and media plans and actions including issue-specific plans and social media plans.  
• Produce or oversee production of types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of KM/communications products including press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches / talking points, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, social media engagement, annual reports, policy briefs and info briefs.  
• Facilitate at least four news articles related to lessons learned, highlights and key achievements of the Programme and/or its Partner Countries for each issue of the newsletter.  
• Facilitate at least one opinion piece focused on a key REDD+ topic for the blog each month authored by a UN-REDD Programme technical expert, Partner Country expert, or guest expert.  
• Draft, design and disseminate REDD+ Weekly Round Up.  
• Manage the design and delivery of the UN-REDD Programme website; as well as the day- to-day content management of the site, including global news and event announcements.  
• Coordinate the submission of proposed and final articles for the Programme newsletter, including the: reviewing content to avoid duplication and/or contradictions among agencies; copyediting text,; editing and quality assuring all submitted photos; researching REDD+ jobs, events, media coverage; uploading final articles to website; lay outing newsletter using an agreed template in Constant Contact; and disseminating during the first week of each publication month.  
• Ensure adherence to UN-REDD Programme editorial style guide, templates, logos, and maintain high quality standards of all communication material including through supporting agencies with supply of logos, templates.  
• Manage and populate the Image Bank and YouTube video archive.  
• Monitor and report on the uptake / reach of KM/ communications materials.  (c) Events and Knowledge management:  
• Develop the knowledge management work plan, and monitor/report progress against this.  
• Support the development and implementation of regional and global events at the margins of climate, biodiversity and relevant summits such as regional climate weeks, including supporting the drafting of concept notes, identifying and liaising with speakers, brokering spaces/venue, and ensuring smooth implementation of the event.  
• Support the implementation of regional knowledge exchanges, webinars, South-South exchanges of experiences and lessons learned.  
• Undertake survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyze and interpret responses, in order to monitor and enhance the uptake of learning, KM and communication materials.  
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.  
• Perform any other relevant duties.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the UN-REDD programme, Knowledge Management (KM) and communications strategy. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision making and convey resulting information to management. 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.  COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.  PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first university degree with a combination of two years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.  Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant working experience in the field of communication and/or knowledge management applied to climate action, ecosystem conservation and or its sustainable use, is required    Experience in developing and implementing communication and/or knowledge management strategies for global multi-stakeholder partnerships within the context of climate action, ecosystem conservation, or its sustainable use, is required.    Good working knowledge of Internet, as well as electronic communications, including website management, social media platforms, and online engagement strategies, is required.    Experience in writing, editing, producing, and disseminating communication and knowledge products for diverse audiences, is required.    Managerial and administrative experience is desirable.    Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required; knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable.  NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension.  Candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position.   Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professional's programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.   Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.   When completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.   Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.   The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff.  Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.   At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.  All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs.  The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.   All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term "sexual exploitation" means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term "sexual abuse" means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.  The term "sexual harassment" means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator's working relationship.  Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.  Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.  Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.   By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c).  Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised.  This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.  Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on "Manuals" in the "Help" tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.   The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.  Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

______________________________________________________________________

Important Application Information:
Please submit your application only via the official website of the hiring organization or by using the "Apply" button on CinfoPoste, which will redirect you to the organization's application site. Applications submitted through other job portals will not be forwarded to the respective organization and will not be considered. To ensure your application reaches the right destination, always follow the official application process as indicated in the job posting.

How cinfo Can Support You in the Application Process for This Position

- Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
- For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.
______________________________________________________________________

Sector:

Role:

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

---