Openings at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Competencies

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be "clients" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Applicants must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

• enrolled in a graduate school (second university degree) or higher in the area

or

• in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or
• have graduated with a university degree (as defined in a) and b)) and must commence the internship within a one-year period of graduation.

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Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the consultant will include, but are not limited to The consultant will work on a full-time basis. The consultant will be home based.

Coordination

• Work with, coordinate with and train national research partners on Communication related topics to ensure development of national communications products
• Work with the Ecosystems Division Advocacy and Communication Group to improve the coordination and efficiency of the advocacy and communication efforts, as advocacy focal point for the Biodiversity and Land Branch at UNEP; mainstreaming of TEEBAgriFood activities via this Advocacy and Communication Group
• Ensure effective knowledge management by coordinating the flow of information, communication and advocacy products from country partners to global TEN and UNEP workstreams, and as such connecting work across silos
• Ensure smooth workflow between the Economics of Nature Unit and the UNEP Communication Division. Liaise with Head of Content & Head of Multimedia to ensure visibility of TEEB Communications products on global UNEP Channels
• Liaise with Head of Web to ensure a new and improved UNEP TEEB presence for the EU-funded project on unep.org, as teebweb.org is being phased out
• Work with partners to identify and coordinate key moments for advocacy and public-facing communication activities for TEN
• Oversee the day-to-day work of those contributing to TEN communications: Communications Consultants, Graphic Designer, Videographer, Website Consultant etc.

Content creation

• Develop and oversee the development of impact stories for EUPI projects through a wide variety of communication tools and products (e.g. infographics, geospatial platforms, storymaps, dynamic blog pieces, human interest stories), using data and insights from TEN workstreams.
• Visit EUPI partner countries to coordinate video production and develop multimedia content to be highlighted on unep.org
• Develop country policy briefs jointly with EUPI country leads and national country institutions.
• Develop social media content in collaboration with EUPI partners, at country level as well as at global level, through UNEP and TEEB social media channels
• Reach out to and liaise with media/journal outlets in EUPI partner countries to arrange news stories and press releases.
• Coordinate the development of materials and media briefings for EUPI advocacy events
• Develop TEEBAgriFood content for blog articles, audio-visual materials, newsletters and website updates, based on identified user needs from national project partners and global end users

Qualifications/special Skills

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, International Relations, Journalism, or Environmental related areas is required. A first university degree with a combination of two (2) years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in Journalism or Communication for International Development is required
• Previous work within the UN System or International Organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in oral and written English is required.

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Responsibilities

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme / project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the partners client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the partners client will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries,
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to environment dimensions of food systems. 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. 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.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable development, agriculture or food systems, and/or environmental sciences, or a 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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, with at least two (2) years working on food systems and biodiversity, climate and/or pollution dimensions is required.
• Experience in programme management within the UN or similar large institution is required.
• At least Three (3) years of international experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience working in and coordinating diverse teams 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 the position advertised fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish and Portuguese 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.