Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Friday 3 Jun 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (ROLAC), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office (SRO), located in Kingston, Jamaica, is a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the Caribbean environment.

UNEP is an implementing partner in the European Union (EU) Action for the Caribbean financed by the 11th European Development Fund on circular economy in general and of solid waste management in particular. The Action seeks to improve the resource efficiency of Caribbean economies and is aligned with the EU’s Green Deal, including green economy approaches and obligations regarding Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). UNEP’s support will focus on the normative, knowledge and policy engagement components of the Action, strengthening national legislative frameworks and facilitating sub-regional and Caribbean- wide action.

The geographic scope of the Action includes the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Member States (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba). Other partners of the Action programme include the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and the Agence Francaise de Developpment (AFD), who will be focused on piloting technical interventions in selected countries. UNEP will promote uptake of best practices, lessons learned and appropriate and successful technology options.

This Action Programme includes a specific Communication and Visibility (C&V) plan. A common programme communication strategy will be defined from the start of the project, in accordance with related guidelines from the EU external actions and in agreement between the different partners, including GIZ and AFD. This C&V strategy and the programme knowledge management will be guided by UNEP.

In this context, the UNEP is seeking to engage a suitable candidate for the post of Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist, who will be responsible for the further development and implementation of the Communication and Visibility Plan and the knowledge management strategy of the Action Programme. She/he shall work under the day-to-day supervision of the Regional Project Coordinator within the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), with the overall guidance of the Head, Caribbean SRO, and UNEP Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution. She/he will be based at the UNEP SRO in Kingston, Jamaica. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the candidate shall initiate his/her assignments on a home-based basis, until the conditions to travel to the duty station are considered adequate.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Project Coordinator within the Project Coordination Unit (PCU), with the overall guidance of the Head, Caribbean SRO, and UNEP Regional Coordinator on Chemicals and Pollution, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer (Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist), will:

• Further develop, adapt, update, implement, and monitor the Communication and Visibility strategy of the Action. • Support the development of visual identity and branding of the programme and oversee its adequate use. • Lead the development of the programme website (English/Spanish), develop the content, and update the information as needed. • Coordinate project outreach, including through social networks, awareness campaigns and public awareness material, including press/media releases. • Produce a regular information bulletin or newsletter on the project (issued in English and Spanish) and support its wide distribution within the region. • Provide technical inputs on the production of regular and relevant publications/information material. • Further develop and implement the knowledge management strategy of the programme. • Provide support in development of the programme related knowledge products, such as assessments of waste management in the region, or guidelines for the integrated management of waste and circular economy. • Establish and coordinate the project knowledge platform or clearing house mechanism, including project information system, database development, indicator-related information, and monitoring system. • Support project information exchange activities and events. • Ensure the development and maintenance of information management tools. • Ensure the development of a library (primarily electronic) for the PCU. • Generate and maintain a directory of relevant entities, stakeholders and persons engaged in work related to the implementation of the project. • Liaise with and support engagement of a wide network of programme participants and relevant entities, such as government officials, development partners and donors, technical and scientific organizations, specialized UN Agencies, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, media, and the public at large. • Assist with the administration of other information-related technical issues where required by the Regional Project Coordinator. • Provide policy, logistical and technical assistance in one's area of competence as required, including in project meetings. • Support as appropriate the technical, scientific and research activities of the project. • Carry out any other related activity requested by project management team. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

As an active UNEP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNEP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• A monthly report describing the activities carried out during the month. • Relevant communication, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement activities related with projects and initiatives on sustainable consumption and production, circularity, and pollution actions are timely achieved. • Research analysis and technical inputs are provided to relevant activities of the team. • Events, workshops, and meetings are organized in a timely and efficient manner, with clear documentation of the process, outcomes and findings. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the field of communication, knowledge management and information exchange at the national and/or international level.

• Experience with computer data bases, web design, social media, and information systems. • Familiarity with the goals and procedures of international organizations, in particular those of the UN and EU. • Experience in training other specialists would be an asset. • Familiarity with waste management issues, circular economy, and problems of the Caribbean SIDS would be advantageous.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in environmental protection volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Demonstrated diplomatic and negotiating skills, and excellent interpersonal skills with sensitivity to cultural and socio-political issues in the Caribbean sub-region. • Excellent organizational abilities to set priorities. • Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as active listening. • Capacity to gather, analyze and synthesize data and generate relevant information.
• Innovation, creativity and critical thinking. • Ability to pick up new terminology and concepts easily.

The incumbent will be based at the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, in Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston is designated a Hardship Category “A” duty station. No special precautions or conditions apply to staff members locating to this duty station.

Jamaica is a Caribbean country with good livening conditions. There is no problem of water and electricity supply. Housing conditions are of varying quality depending on the area. Travelers to Jamaica is advised to take normal security precautions required in larger cities and will receive a security briefing upon arrival to note areas to avoid.

Jamaica has a rich and diverse culture blended from around the world. The official language of Jamaica is English; however, one is most likely to hear the local dialect, Patois. There are a number of international franchises and established local companies that will find the right accommodation for expatriates. Colleagues in the international community are also a good reference point for housing and other related services. Jamaica has over 16 public and six private hospitals located around the island.

Jamaica offers excellent food and dining options from casual dining experiences to fine restaurants.

Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the south eastern coast of the island facing a natural harbour. This is where UN agencies are based and where the international UN volunteer will be working from.

Kingston has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet-and-dry climate, that borders on a hot-semi arid climate, characterised by a wet season from May to November, which coincides with the hurricane season, and a dry season from December to April. During the dry season, there is not much rainfall, however, cold and stationary fronts occur at this time, and often bring heavy showers, especially in March. Kingston is on a coastal location, hence it comes under the influence of the sea, though dense urban development can negate this effect. In the 21st century, Kingston has experienced temperatures as high as 38.8 °C (102 °F) and as low as 13.4 °C (56 °F). Kingston plays a central role in Jamaica's economy.

The vast majority of economic activity takes place within Kingston, and as most government ministries are located in the city, it is a key force in legislation in regard to Jamaica's finances. The high population density (662,426) of the capital city means that the majority of monetary transactions occur in Kingston - stimulating much of Jamaica's local economy. Jamaica has a well-established banking system and all major credit cards are accepted as a means of payment for commercial transactions.

The city is also home to the highest number of schools, hospitals and universities anywhere in Jamaica. There are several good schools in Jamaica at all levels. In addition, there are over 50 tertiary institutions presently operating in Jamaica, which are either publicly or privately owned.

Kingston is also the island's main transportation hub and its largest seaport. Public transportation as well as private taxis are readily available and easily accessible at generally quite low fares.

Jamaica is a unique country and UNEP Caribbean Sub-Regional Office is a unique Programme. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org

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