Communications Specialist - Level B

Support IPBES communication strategy implementation efficiently.

This opening expired 7 days ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNEP - United Nations Environment Programme

Open positions at UNEP
Logo of UNEP

Application deadline 7 days ago: Friday 3 Jul 2026 at 03:59 UTC

Open application form

Overview

Support IPBES communication strategy implementation efficiently.

You have:

  • A first-level university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required.
  • A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, public relations, marketing or related areas is required.
  • A track-record of excellence in crafting written communications in English is required.
  • Working experience working with media monitoring tools is required.
  • Knowledge and working experience of international biodiversity science-policy issues is required.
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.
  • Knowledge of French, Spanish or Russian is desirable.
  • Prior working experience of IPBES and its communications is desirable.
  • Relevant work experience in the context of the United Nations is desirable.
  • Design, layout and editing experience is desirable.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Efficient and effective support is rendered to the IPBES Head of Communication in implementation of the IPBES communications strategy.

Work Location

Office-based

Expected duration

4 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. Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of more than 150 Governments (see www.ipbes.net) and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Under the overall supervision of the IPBES Head of Communications, the Individual Contractor (Level B) will support the implementation of the IPBES communication strategy in the following areas of responsibility: • Maintain and further develop the IPBES media contacts database. • Serve as the focal point for all incoming correspondence and queries related to communications and outreach and secondary focal point for stakeholder engagement especially via the IPBES media email account and website contacts. • Liaise and collaborate with all IPBES 'traditional media' consultants/contractors. • Monitor, report on and adapt IPBES 'traditional' media performance. Outreach material • Draft, proof-read and edit content and work with designers, translation services, printers and others on communication materials/marketing collateral, such as brochures, posters, infographics, videos, presentations, marketing collateral etc. • Identify, liaise and coordinate with appropriate vendors/service providers in support of procurement of such materials, working with the IPBES administrative team. • Support the process of planning, coordinating and overseeing the shipping of all necessary outreach materials for IPBES uptake events globally. Social and online media • Identify relevant content from online news reports and peer reviewed academic articles that are appropriate for IPBES social media sharing and liaise with the social media team to facilitate this. • Manage the content of the IPBES website relating to media releases, news items, features and the updating and quality control of all communication and stakeholder engagement related elements. • Support daily updating and maintenance of the IPBES digital asset management platform. • Collaborate with administrative colleagues to facilitate commercial translations. • Support video editing and subtitling for the social media team. Stakeholder engagement • Identify relevant content from online news reports and peer reviewed academic articles that are appropriate for IPBES stakeholder engagement and liaise with the stakeholder engagement team to facilitate use thereof. • Regular updating of the IPBES 'Impact Tracking Database' (TRACK). • Support IPBES stakeholder engagement activities. Day-to-Day communications task • Research, draft, revise and edit communications and outreach messages in the form of articles, speeches, speaking notes, briefing notes etc. • Photography and videography support. • Occasional event logistics and management. • Occasional representation of the IPBES communications unit in internal and external meetings and events. • Limited administrative back-stopping.

Qualifications/special skills

A first-level university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. • A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, public relations, marketing or related areas is required. • A track-record of excellence in crafting written communications in English is required. • Working experience working with media monitoring tools is required. • Knowledge and working experience of international biodiversity science-policy issues is required. • Prior working experience of IPBES and its communications is desirable. • Relevant work experience in the context of the United Nations is desirable. • Design, layout and editing experience is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish or Russian is desirable.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.

Potential interview questions

How have you maintained media contacts in your previous positions? This question assesses your experience in media relations and maintaining contacts. Discuss specific strategies and tools you've used to build and maintain relationships with media contacts.
Can you provide an example of content you have created for communications or outreach? The interviewer is interested in your content creation skills and the type of material you have produced. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with media monitoring tools. Which have you used? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure that communication materials are high-quality and engaging? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to engage stakeholders effectively? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you tell us about a time you had to manage multiple projects simultaneously? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role do you think social media plays in today’s communication strategies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle negative press or media inquiries? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 16 days ago - Updated 7 days ago - Source: careers.un.org