Communication Lead, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

This post is located in UNEP’s Communication Division at the Nairobi duty station and the incumbent reports to the Chief of Public Advocacy and Communications and is responsible for the effective and efficient performance of the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Strategy implementation: Develop, design, plan and implement innovative communication projects and campaigns in support of UNEP's programme of work with a focus on the #GenerationRestoration campaign in support of the UN Decade on Restoration (2021-2030); Provide strategic input and oversight of various communication campaign; Identify sources and seek funding and other assistance for major campaigns. Develop and implement specific fundraising and resource mobilization plans.
2. Partnership management: Identify potential new partners, from the public and private sectors; Draft and tailor donor engagement strategies and manage new relationships; Develop strategic partnerships with key constituencies; Maintain partnerships by organizing and facilitating regular meetings and providing accurate information and reports in a timely manner.
3. Programme Management: Evaluate results and impact of campaign activities and report on developments, trends and attitudes; Prepare or oversee preparation of a diverse range of information communications products related to various campaigns and donor relationship; Conduct research and channel analysis by using relevant information/data to effectively formulate campaigns that amplify UNEP messages to wider audiences.
4. Content and activity implementation: Plan, coordinate and implement activities related to the organization of large special events; Provide guidance and direction in the conceptualization of large events by designing event concepts, organizing coordination meetings with internal and external partners; Act as a focal point on the specific issues with regard to activities relating to special events and large communication campaigns.

Competencies

1. Professionalism: Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to effective campaign management. Ability to coordinate and manage complex communication campaigns and events; establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. 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.
2. 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; tailor's language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
3. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; Thinks ''outside the box''; Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in mass communication, marketing, political sciences, cultural studies, development studies, environmental communication, ecology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

1. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in campaign management, marketing, communication, behavior-change project management, two of which at the international level, is required.
2. Direct work experience with environmental communication is required
3. Experience in working for the UN system or any other international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both Oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an added advantage.

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 post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. 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.

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.

Internal Applicants – 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, irrespective of the administering entity, 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.

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 "need Help" link.

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.