Communications Support

Result of Service Contribute to and support the Programme of Work on Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Work Location Montreal

Expected duration 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities Organizational setting

The United Nations Environment Programme 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has 196 Parties and three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention.

Duties and responsibilities

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, Communication and Awareness Unit, Office of the Executive Secretary.

- Manage the annual campaign for the International Day for Biodiversity, 22 May 2023, including campaign design, information products, website, social media, audio-visual content, liaison with national focal points, comprehensive report.

- Create and maintain information products that support the CEPA Programme of Work and communications in support of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework; draft website content, texts for information brochures, posters and other outreach products;

- Work with the Public Information Officer to undertake the review and revision of the Programme of work for Communication, Education and Public Awareness including research, drafting of policy documents.

- Work with the Public Information Officer to manage the Informal Advisory Committee on Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA-IAC).

- Provide support for the Rio Conventions Pavilion and its programme of activities at UNFCCC COP 28.

- Provide support for a Kunming-Montreal Pavilion to be held at the GEF Assembly in August 2023.

- Ensure that workflow is managed in collaboration with administration; Manage work and communication with suppliers such as typesetting and graphic design firms, printers and dispatching agencies; coordinate proofreading and translation with relevant Secretariat staff and suppliers. Involvement in data entry, dispatch of publications and other activities.

- Perform other relevant duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, environmental science, or a related field of study is required.

A minimum of two years of work experience in communications in a public sector entity or government is required.

A minimum of one year of experience with website management is desirable.

Proficiency in using new technologies, web-based platforms and social media networks is desirable.

Experience in multimedia communication, including video and other visuals is desirable.

Experience in graphic design and visual communications is desirable.

Experience in communicating issues related to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the UN system and other international sustainable development-related processes is desirable.

Ability to develop and implement communication strategies and campaigns is desirable.

Ability to integrate video and multimedia elements into web content is desirable.

Skills

Excellent computer skills are required, including the following: Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator (or equivalent), social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube.

Strong writing and editing skills in English language along with well-developed editorial judgement is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable.

Additional Information Local Recruitment

Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada.

Travel as it may be 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.