Communications Officer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the UnitedNations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York- based UnitedNations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partnersthat are headquartered in New York. SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the project activities for the Global Programme on Nature for Development.

UNDP’s Global Programme on Nature for Development brings together four different initiatives -- the Equator Initiative, theNational Biodiversity Initiative, and Learning for Nature, and the Nature for Life Hub under one program in order to identify, foster, showcase and celebrate nature-based solutions that help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development atlocal, national, and international levels. The work of the Global Programme on Nature for Development contributes to UNDP's Strategic Plan 2018-2021 by charting sustainable development pathways through the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems; and by promoting inclusive and effective democratic governancein the area of natural resources.

The Equator Initiative brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses and grassroots organizations to recognize and advance local sustainable development solutions for people, nature and resilient communities. The Equator Initiative seeks to:

• Recognize the success of local and indigenous initiatives;
• Create opportunities and platforms to share knowledge and good practice;
• Inform policy to foster an enabling environment for local and indigenous community action; and
• Develop the capacity of indigenous peoples and local communities to scale-up their impact.

The National Biodiversity Initiative supports countries to manage their ecosystems and biodiversity in order to improvenational planning and governance of biodiversity, ecosystems, and development, and to promote resilience for sustainable development. The National Biodiversity Initiative works in three project

areas: National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) Support, National Reporting, and Capacity Building. The use of spatial data for spatial planning is a cross-cutting theme across these project areas, including work through our flagship platform UN Biodiversity Lab, created in partnership with UN Environment and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The Nature for Life Hub is a venue for multiple events featuring champions, mobilizers, leaders and speakers who inspire and engage global audiences. The Hub presents an opportunity to hear from political and corporate leaders, the world’s youth, indigenous and community leaders, local authorities and cutting-edge thinkers, leaders and practitioners, who delve deep into specialist topics, practical solutions and ambitious actions to tackle the multi-faceted climate crisis.

Knowledge Sharing is a main goal of the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature, Nature for Life Hub, and the NationalBiodiversity Initiative. The Equator Initiative has a large series of research papers, books, and other publications focusing on local approaches to poverty reduction and conservation, informed by community- based initiatives.180 case studies in over 30 languages have documented the Equator Prize winners’ innovative practices that deliver the win-win-win solutions that ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The National Biodiversity Initiative share knowledge on the role of spatial data in biodiversity planning, policymaking, and reporting through blogs, case studies, and story maps.

Learning for Nature is a capacity-building offer provided by the Global Programme on Nature for Development, cutting across the three areas of work. This program connects biodiversity policymakers, change-makers, and on-the-ground subject matter experts to facilitate the delivery of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets and theachievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Access to the global multi-stakeholder networks mobilized by the Equator Initiative, Learning for Nature, Nature for Life Hub and the National Biodiversity Initiative allows Learning for Natureto circulate knowledge while promoting best practices. Building on our learnings on the ground, Learning for Nature seekssynergies, build linkages, and engage thousands of course participants through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), webinars, self-paced e-learning modules, and private training courses.

For further information please go to

www.equatorinitiative.org, www.nbsapforum.net, www.learningfornature.org, www.unbiodiversitylab.org;https://www.learningfornature.org/en/nature-for-life-hub/.

This is a position to support a project which UNOPS is implementing for the United Nations Development Programme. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of the Global Programme on Nature for Development, the Communications Officer will carry out the following tasks:

• Support the production of knowledge products to effectively share lessons learned and best practices at the global,country, and project levels, and ensure adequate dissemination of the same at the global level.
• Contribute to the development and implementation communications strategies for the Equator Initiative and the Nature for Life Hub.
• Develop social media materials and toolkits to facilitate the knowledge management work of the Equator Initiative and Nature for Life Hub, both internally, among UNDP Country Offices, as well as for other stakeholders and partners. These materials include but are not limited to: social media copy; social media visual assets; shareable social media kits; short videos; newsletters; graphics; and more.
• Disseminate knowledge products and best practices globally, regionally, and nationally and provide data analysis related to knowledge management.
• Support the creation and delivery of presentations regarding the activities carried out by the Global Programme on Nature for Development.
• Coordinate communications activities for the Equator Initiative and the Nature for Life Hub across the Nature for Development Team, UNDP, and external partners. This includes, but is not limited to, making presentations to internal and/or external colleagues, developing shareable communications materials, and developing multi-organization communications strategies.
• Support the creation and delivery of presentations regarding the activities carried out by the Equator Initiative. Participate and support the organization of capacity-building workshops and provide, in collaboration with project managers, basic training and presentations related to communications skills and tools.
• Coordinate the work of the Nature for Life Hub and ensure effective partner engagement across the Hub’s communications strategy and content curation.
• Coordinate with designers, programmers and others involved in creating the Nature for Life Hub Platform to ensure that the platform is developed on time and meets quality standards.
• Support the engagement with designers, programmers and others involved in creating the Nature for Life Hub Portal.
• Support the engagement with other stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples and local communities, to create content for the Equator Prize Award Ceremony, Nature for Life Hub and other events as needed.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems and activities to ensure keyresults and lessons can be effectively captured and featured in knowledge management products, including reports and publications.
• Support sharing of best practices and lessons at global conferences and other events.
• Engage with other stakeholders, including Indigenous peoples and local communities, to create content for Equator Prize Award Ceremony, Nature for Life Hub and other events as needed.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems and activities to ensure key results and lessons can be effectively captured and featured in knowledge management products, including reports and publications.

Monitoring and Progress ControlsThe contractor will be supervised by the Senior Technical Manager of the Global Programme on Nature for Development,and contractor and supervisor will determine progress and next step in mutual communication

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*******FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY**** ***CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY****

Education - A Master’s degree preferably in political science, sustainable development practice, international relations, social development, environmental science, and/or other fields relevant for the topics prioritized by the Global Programme on Nature for Development. - First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced university degree

Required Work Experience - One (1) year of experience working on at least one of the following topics at a conceptual and/or practical level is required: sustainable development, biodiversity/nature/climate change, civil society engagement, partnerships.

Desired Experience (the following experience **is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):** - Experience working with the United Nations is highly desirable. - Communication experience is highly desirable. - Experience organizing events, workshops, or trainings is considered an asset. - Experience creating video and graphic assets is considered an asset, particularly if for social media. - Experience coordinating across large and diverse groups of partners in an advantage. - Experience working with governments, local and/or indigenous communities is an advantage.

Languages - Fluent in English with excellent oral and written communication skills. - Fluency in other UN languages is an advantage.

Competencies

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 (ICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 1- ICSC8) Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance)

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 Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.