Communications Specialist (FCLP) - Retainer

Mid Senior Communications & PR

Overview

Lead and oversee implementation of FCLP's communications strategy.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in communications or related field with five (5) years of relevant experience is required.
• First level university degree (Undergraduate, Bachelor's degree or equivalent) preferably in communications or related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience in Communication working on Sustainable Development, Biodiversity/Nature/Climate Change, Civil Society Engagement, Partnerships.
• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Proficiency in Spanish and French is desirable.
• Experience in UN system organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience organizing events, workshops, or training is considered an asset.
• Experience working with governments, local and/or indigenous communities is an advantage.

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 - Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations 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 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 partners headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS DSIP has been requested to support The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP).

The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) was launched by world leaders at COP27 and aims to accelerate global progress to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation, through a voluntary and focused partnership of countries that are making a strong contribution to this agenda through national action and international collaboration. The importance of the target in the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use of halting and reversing forest loss by 2030 has now been emphasized by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement in the outcome of the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement.

To achieve its mission the FCLP members intend to:

• Maintain high-level political attention on forests and climate;
• Provide their combined political support to accelerate and scale implementation of a prioritised number of Policy Action Areas;
• Support implementation of the participating countries' self-determined national goals and encourage all countries to be even more ambitious over time; and
• Demonstrate impact and be answerable for commitments made.

The FCLP’s strategic direction is determined by the Steering Committee, comprising ministers from FCLP member countries, on behalf of their leader. The initial Steering Committee comprises Colombia, Costa Rica, DRC, France, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Kenya, Norway, UK and USA, and is Chaired by the United Kingdom and Guyana. 32 countries are now members of the FCLP, which together make up 35% of the world’s forests and over 60% of GDP.

The FCLP is supported by the Secretariat, which is managed and operates under the oversight of the Secretariat Board. Personnel work remotely.

To implement FCLP’s communications strategy, the Communications Specialist, together with a Communication Agency will work with the Secretariat to make enhanced use of the website and have a stronger set of communications resources (templates, brand guidelines, graphics, visual assets) to make FCLP’s communications instantly recognisable and more impactful as a brand.

While the Communications Specialist leads and oversees implementation, the agency will be implementing activities.

Functional Responsibilities

FCLP’s communications strategy will focus on enhancing communications with its two key audiences:

Members. For members, enhanced use of existing products such as the newsletter, website and members’ portal will ensure clarity of communications for members and highlight key messages and actions members can take to participate in FCLP’s work. This could include becoming involved in a workstream, attending FCLP-organised information sessions and webinars with external partners and political-level activities. Providing simple explainers and briefs to members about existing work should also be explored.

External partners, including non-member governments, civil society, private sector actors. For this group, we will increase the clarity of FCLP’s brand identity and mission. We will use social media, op-eds, press releases and publication of reports (e.g. Annual Report) to communicate FCLP’s mission and objectives. This will serve to increase understanding of FCLP and its work among potential partners and other actors in the climate and nature space, and to create interest around FCLP’s activity throughout 2025, up to COP30, likely to be a major moment for forests, climate and nature in global climate policy discussions.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director - Policy, the Communications Specialist will carry out the following tasks:

Day-to-Day Management of the Communications Agency

• Be the focal point for discussions with the Communications Agency (note procurement brief attached)
• Oversee task management, prioritisation and dissemination of relevant information to the Agency as required.
• Facilitate effective engagement between the Agency and relevant members.

Set Annual Communications Priorities

• In conjunction with the agency, consult with members and the Secretariat to determine the communications priorities for the FCLP.
• Reassess priorities with the Secretariat and members on a quarterly basis.
• Develop a prioritised delivery and resourcing plan.
• Organise, coordinate and oversee implementation of key activities on a quarterly basis.

Coordination of FCLP Workstream Requirements

• Convene discussions with key Secretariat staff and government leads to support identification of communications support required on each workstream.
• Facilitate engagement of Communications Agency for outsourced work.
• Support workstreams to develop messaging, products, social media packages as set out in annual workplans.
• Supporting national press offices where required.

Coordination of FCLP Event Activities

• Manage handover from preparation to activation between FCLP team and Agency. This might include coordinating between key internal stakeholders to produce briefing or developing draft media products to handover.
• Lead on specific event communications where directed by line manager.

Social Media Management - Manage website updates - Manage social media updates - Support with activation of internal messaging framework

Education/Experience/Language requirements

*******FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY******

Education: - An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in communications, media studies, journalism, international relations, public/media relations, public relations, event management or related field with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR - First level university degree (Undergraduate, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in communications, media studies, journalism, international relations, public/media relations, public relations, event management or related field with seven (7) years of relevant experience.

Required Work Experience: - Relevant experience is defined as experience in Communication and in 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 in UN system organizations is highly desirable. - Experience organizing events, workshops, or training is considered an asset. - Experience working with governments, local and/or indigenous communities is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Proficiency in Spanish and French is desirable.

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 (ICA) - Retainer modality Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA-2) or Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA-10)

Contract duration: 6 months with the possibility of extension subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and the duration of the project.

Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA-2, depending on the incumbent's personal situation (candidate with national ID or resident permit), a local fee scale (LICA-10) might be applied in determining the contractor's fee.

A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.

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 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org