Advocacy Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.

Background Information - Job-specific

The One Planet network is the implementation mechanism for sustainable development goal 12 and has formed to implement the 10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production. It is a multi-stakeholder partnership across stakeholder groups and regions, composed of 700+ partners, including national and local governments, civil society, businesses, scientific and technical organisations, and international organisations. The One Planet network leads the shift to sustainable consumption and production, by setting the agenda and providing tools and solutions to deliver on SDG12.

The priorities of the One Planet network are defined by its strategy ‘One Plan for One Planet’ 2018-2022 and aim to effectively support countries in delivering on Goal 12 of Agenda 2030 through four strategic objectives. The strategy provides a clear way forward on the shift to sustainable consumption and production and enables the strategic use of the diverse strengths of the network. It places a clear emphasis on strategic communication and advocacy as a key determinant for its successful implementation and to deliver on SDG 12.

Functional Responsibilities

To mobilise action for the shift to sustainable consumption and production it is necessary to demonstrate the relationship between natural resources with consumption and production and the related cycle of economic activities. It is also necessary to reach and engage different stakeholders with different expertise and in different sectors with this information in a way that is relatable and actionable to them.

The advocacy specialist will support the coordinator,10YFP secretariat, in shifting the narrative on sustainable consumption and production to mobilise action in government, business and society

Under the supervision of the coordinator, 10YFP secretariat, the advocacy specialist will have the following responsibilities:

• Conceptualise and implement a comprehensive strategy for advocacy on sustainable consumption and production across the One Planet network
• Research and analyse topics and themes that are identified as strategic in demonstrating how sustainable consumption and production addresses key environmental and socio-economic issues, with the purpose of identifying the evidence-based information that is most relatable and actionable. Propose follow-up actions for uptake across the One Planet network
• Develop written and digital content to disseminate this research and analysis and ensure it reaches and engages key stakeholders.
• Together with the members of the One Planet network implement a content-driven communication approach, including by providing them with tools, guidance, best practices and direct support.
• Implement the website improvement plan as the main public facing window of the network and on sustainable consumption and production, in collaboration with the team and the contracted web development company.
• Provide strategic input to the planning of and contribute to the preparation of outreach at key events, such as the UN Environment Assembly, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and Stockholm +50.
• Identify and oversee the development of initiatives to strengthen the identity and awareness of the One Planet network and the effective use of its communication channels.
• Provide strategic input to the implementation of the One Planet network strategy and to the development of new strategies, including in the preparatory process for the period 2022-2030.

Monitoring and Progress Controls - Research on key strategic topics or themes developed - Improved website, in particular concerning access of information and user experience - Advocacy plans for UNEA, HLPF and Stockholm +50 drafted - Guidance for strengthened communication across the network developed - Quarterly reports on the analytics of the different communication channels and related recommendations.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

• Advanced Degree (Master’s level) in communications, public information, political science or related Degree with a communication and/or political science emphasis;
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with an additional 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu.

b. Work Experience - A minimum of 5 years of experience in advocacy, communications, journalism or relevant field is required. Additional experience is an asset. - Experience in developing and implementing communications and advocacy plans to target key stakeholders on thematic issues is required - Experience in managing digital media channels including websites, social media channels, email marketing is required. - Experience working with diverse international stakeholders to organize, catalogue, and disseminate their activities is required. - Experience in sustainable development is required. Specific experience in the field of SCP is an asset - Prior experience in a UN context is an asset

c. LanguageFluency in written and spoken English is required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level: IICA-2 Contract duration: 12 months

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.