Environmental Communications Specialist

Job Overview

The United Nations Population Fund is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Environmental Communications Specialist to join our team. This role will be responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies to promote the organization's mission and goals.

About Us

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 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.

About the Job

This post is located in Ecosystem Division at the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan - Barcelona Convention Secretariat (MAP) in the Athens duty station. The incumbent will report to the Deputy Coordinator, MAP Athens.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement information programs to publicize priority issues, major events, program initiatives, and accomplishments, and major activities of the MAP Barcelona Convention system;
• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion, press coverage, and information needs of the Parties and key constituents;
• Promote and coordinate media coverage (e.g., press conferences, interviews, press seminars, and special events) of priority issues and major events;
• Propose, arrange, and participate in press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests;
• Initiate and sustain professional relationships with key MAP partners, service providers, and constituencies;
• Produce or oversee production of information communications products (e.g., press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, social media);
• Plan and coordinate the production of publications of the MAP Barcelona Convention Secretariat;
• Prepare initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, and books;
• Establish and run a centralized MAP Library network;
• Develop and maintain information architecture of the websites of the MAP Barcelona Convention Secretariat;
• Plan and coordinate exhibitions and side events during meetings of the Conferences of the Parties and their subsidiary bodies;
• Participate in the planning and preparation of the budget, work programme, and spending plan for the information program of the Secretariat;
• May play a lead role on communications and information-related matrix teams and/or task forces;
• Act as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to biodiversity and interlinked sustainable development goals;
• 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;
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work, and manage conflicting priorities;
• 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;
• 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 and 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

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, public relations, environmental sciences, international relations, business, or public administration or related field is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university 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 progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area is required.

Relevant working experience in the Mediterranean region, particularly at regional and/or intergovernmental level, is desirable.

Working experience on communication, and/or information [or speech-writing] at international level is desirable.

Minimum of 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 UN Secretariat.

For the post advertised, fluency in English and French is required.

Knowledge of other UN Mediterranean languages is desirable.