Communications Specialist

Contract

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

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices, and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use, and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices, and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision-making and the building of corresponding activities.

The Associate Communications Officer is primarily responsible for the development and implementation of Global Environmental Facility (GEF) communications efforts and for ensuring that these are integrated into the wider communications efforts of the Branch and Division. This position will be based within the GEF Chemicals and Waste Team, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP office based in Gigiri, Nairobi. The GEF helps developing countries and those with economies in transition to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits in six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change, international waters, ozone layer depletion, land degradation, and chemicals and waste. As part of its duties, the GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit is in charge of supervising a portfolio of ongoing projects, developing new projects to be submitted to the GEF, and assist countries to close finished projects.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer and the direct supervision of the programme Budget Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

· Drafts, in consultation with the UNEP Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Coordination Office, Communications Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, and UNEP GEF Chemicals and Waste unit, an internal and external communications strategy and annual communications plan (internal and external with targets and indicators) for the unit. · In line with the above strategy, drafts in consultation with other members of the branch and GEF Unit, information and other relevant communication materials or products for target audiences which include brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, websites content, design and management, social media and news-feeds inputs, etc. · Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with the same. · Helps organize or participates in the organization of meetings, seminar, missions, press briefings, interviews, etc.; and prepares briefing materials, key messages, and statements prior to the participation in such events. · Compiles and analyses the data and other information necessary for the preparation of communication brochure, website, reports, background, and briefing notes, in particular in the area of hazardous chemicals and waste. · Ensures integration of GEF Communications efforts into the communications of the Branch and Division. · Carries out basic research on selected aspects of critical areas of the Portfolio Manager's main functions, including inclusion policies, gender, and disabilities, etc., to include collecting, analysing, and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.

· In consultation with others, identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities, and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience. · Generation of various communications outputs such as drafting quarterly communications, report to UNEP Regional Offices, project updates, newsletter, e-mails to stakeholders, introduction of new projects, etc. · Provide Editorial support for the Unit, Branch, and Division. · Work closely with the communications team in developing key messages and themes of major UNEP events to promote relevant policy or science messages. · Work to increase the visibility of the GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit work across the Industry and Economy Division and UNEP and with external partners. · Identify and develop communications tools that showcase GEF Chemicals and Waste projects and activities. · Coordinates quarterly and annual reporting cycle to the UNEP GEF coordination office. · Carry out any other related duties and responsibilities as required.

· Accountability · Adaptability and flexibility · Creativity · Judgement and decision-making · Planning and organising · Professionalism · Self-management

the field of Public Relations, International Relations, Communications is required.

· Knowledge of SharePoint Designer, Visio, Power Business Intelligence Shell or Visual Studio is an advantage. · Proven editorial skills, including research, writing, substantive editing, copy-editing and proofreading, oral and writing communication skills is required.

. 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 Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and 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 UNEP’s mandate, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

The International Expert UNV will be stationed in Nairobi.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighbouring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties.

Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at

purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP.

The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”