Communications Specialist

Result of Service The main objective of the position of the Communications Specialist is to ensure the effective delivery of communication activities to be carried out within the framework of the project Development of subnational capacities for the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan in Costa Rica, as set in the cooperation agreement signed between UNEP and the Government of Costa Rica.

To this end, the Communications Specialist will work closely with the National Project Coordinator and the Climate Change Adaptation Training and Capacity Development Specialist of the Project Management Unit to design a virtual adaptation training program, which includes tools and guidelines to facilitate climate adaptation action at the subnational level, as well as conduct awareness raising activities and knowledge sharing events with national and subnational stakeholders in Costa Rica. Likewise, the consultant will work closely with UNEP’s Communication team to contribute to the dissemination of project deliverables at the regional and international levels, to promote synergies and share lessons learned.

By doing so, the consultant will contribute to the effective implementation of the following outputs included in the project: - Output 2.2: Tools, training, awareness raising and participatory processes for public and private stakeholders at local level are designed and conducted in 20 pilot cantons - Output 3.2: A continuous training platform for local governments is developed - Output 5.3: Governmental and private sectors stakeholders of national, regional, and municipal levels know the results and products of the project

To contribute to the effective implementation of the afore mentioned outputs, the Communications Specialist will perform the following activities: - In collaboration with a Local Adaptation Planning Specialist, organize one virtual and one in-person knowledge sharing event to share results and lessons learned on adaptation planning and implementation at the local level, based on results of processes undertaken in 20 pilot cantons. - In collaboration with a Local Adaptation Planning Specialist, design and implement a communications strategy to increase engagement with the virtual training programs developed by the project through the DCC MINAE Virtual Climate Classroom. - Elaborate communication products for sharing overall project results with different audiences, as well as lessons and key recommendations emerging from the project. This includes: - Continuously adjust the project’s website within the DCC MINAE website, to include the most relevant and updated information on project advances. - Develop communication products for information sharing within UNEP and MINAE websites (blogposts, publications for social media) and with other communications channels (press releases, articles, etc.). - Ensure that communication on the project and the NAP implementation process is done in language and format that is tailored to the different relevant target audiences. - Establish relations with appropriate communication channels and ensure the effective delivery of relevant communication messages and materials. - Identify service providers to design or draft communication materials and publications and assist in overseeing of procurement and delivery of expected products. - Respond to requests for information by media or other entities, as delegated. o Liase with DCC MINAE and UNEP’s Communication teams to create monthly blog posts associated with progress in adaptation planning and implementation, along with social media posts.

• Support UNEP and DCC MINAE’s Communication team to identify and showcase best practices and lessons learned of adaptation to climate change in Costa Rica.

• Carry out any other relevant communications and awareness raising duties within his/her technical competence as requested by the National Project Coordinator and/or the UNEP Task Manager.

  Work Location Ministry of Environment and Energy, San José, Costa Rica

  Expected duration 6 months

  Duties and Responsibilities 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 UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region - including 16 small island developing States -with a population of about 588 million people- to implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The office works to serve the needs of the region and its activities are integrated activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

In terms of supporting countries in the region attain the global commitments signed within the framework of the Paris Agreement, UNEP’s Latin America and the Caribbean Sub-programme on Climate Change aims at strengthening the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. In this framework, the UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change, through its Climate Change Unit leads and supports several initiatives oriented at designing, promoting and implementing innovative mitigation and adaptation solutions at the national and subnational level, and strengthening the transparency framework of the countries.

The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including the ecosystem-based approach, are implemented and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP’s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that cross-cutting issues such as /gender equity and women empowerment are effectively integrated in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.

In this context, the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica and UNEP have agreed on the implementation of the project Development of Sub-national Capacities for the Implementation of the National Adaptation Plan in Costa Rica, framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The project is aimed at reducing the vulnerability of Costa Rica to the effects of climate variability and climate change through the creation of adaptive capacities. Specifically, the project has the objective to strengthen the country's capacity to integrate adaptation into regional and municipal planning, including the participation of government entities, the private sector, and civil society.

The project seeks to achieve its objective through: - Strengthening existing planning frameworks at the regional and cantonal levels, by recognizing the crucial role of subnational authorities in adapting to climate change; - Involving key stakeholders in the planning and implementation of adaptation at these levels; - Producing cantonal risk assessments to identify adaptation needs, based on available and relevant knowledge, and a validated and efficient methodology; - Creating institutional and technical capacity and promoting agreements at different levels; - Developing adequate monitoring and reporting mechanisms for adaptation at the subnational level and linking them to the national metric system for climate change monitoring and evaluation.

To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office is recruiting a Communications Specialist to provide communications support to the Project Management Unit during the implementation of the project as set in the GCF funding proposal document. The Communications Specialist will operate under the overall supervision of the Adaptation Programme Officer at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office and will assist the National Project Coordinator in the execution of the project. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica and other national consultants and government counterparts.

The Communication Specialist is expected to work over a 6 month period, 20 hours per week (distributed between Monday to Friday and between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, to be arranged with the consultant), and to be seated in the Climate Change Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (DCC MINAE) in San Jose, Costa Rica. The consultant will also be required to travel around the country to engage in communication and awareness raising activities.

Qualifications/special skills ACADEMIC: ¿ Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media, climate change or closely related field is required

PROFESSIONAL: ¿ Must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience in climate change or environment-related communications.(required) ¿ Required experience leading projects or teams developing climate change communications strategies or events. ¿ Demonstrated experience working with government entities, private sector or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Costa Rica is an advantage. ¿ Desirable ample knowledge of issues related to climate change communication. ¿ Must have previous experience performing communications tasks, preferably in international development organizations. ¿ Previous experience working with government entities in Costa Rica is an advantage.

SKILLS: ¿ Proficiency in MS Office (MS Word, Excel and Outlook) software applications. Proficiency in design and layout software packages is an advantage. ¿ Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences. ¿ Ability and willingness to travel to urban and rural regions of the country. ¿ Excellent interpersonal communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement and public relations.

COMPETENCIES: ¿ Professionalism: Is results-oriented and committed to excellence. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Demonstrates adaptability to change and willingness to engage in continuous learning. Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views. ¿ 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. ¿ 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 audience.

Languages ¿ Fluency in Spanish is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.