Research & Communication Assistant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

The Individual Contractor Will Be Responsible For

• Compiling research on the potential of seaweed farming to deliver climate benefits and other human and environmental benefits based on the associated ecosystem services.
• Ensure that information on sustainability of seaweed products is backed by credible science and communicated so that it can be easily understood by all users as part of UNEP’s consumer information policy.
• Assist in coordinating engagement with UNEP internal partners, potential stakeholders, and environmental organizations through meetings and outreach. Partners and stakeholders may include, for example, the FAO, UNEP-FI, the Safe Seaweed Coalition, etc.
• Maintaining communications with the Marine and Freshwater Branch, providing project updates, reporting among other tasks.
• Ensuring smooth communication, advocacy, and outreach work of the UNEP Marine and Freshwater Branch regarding the progress and development of the UNEP seagrass website, blue-carbon ecosystem content, campaign engagement, and other projects as needed.

Qualifications/special Skills

Competency: Must demonstrate ambition as a systems-thinker and clearly demonstrate the following competencies:

• Excellent research abilities and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Computer literacy (especially in use of MS Office programs);
• Strong teamwork, and ability to build relationships;
• Passion for knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Academic Qualifications: A minimum of an undergraduate university degree (or equivalent) in political science, development studies, sustainability, environmental management or another related field is required.
• Experience: 2 years’ experience working in an environment-related field and in communications is required
• Desirable Experience: Knowledge demonstrating experience working with or on ocean-related projects and an understanding of global systems, governance, and frameworks. Work experience in a position of leadership. A strong familiarity with the aims and ambitions of the UN Environment Programme and particularly with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required, and knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage.

Expected duration: Six (6) Months