Science Communication Specialist

Result of Service The Consultant is expected to provide facilitation services and pedagogical leadership to deliver a series of training workshops that aim to strengthen knowledge and capacity for effective and impactful science communication with the view to optimizing UNEP’s use and efficacy of science, and the organization’s ability to influence public opinion, policy and governance.

The outcomes of this work will contribute to the delivery of the MTS 2022-25 Science-Policy Foundational Subprogramme, and specifically priority actions on “Increasing the uptake of science for transformative action” and “digitizing scientific knowledge”, and to lesser extent, establishing an inclusive science-policy interface that speaks to all.

Work Location Home based

Expected duration 7.5 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), established in 1972, 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. UNEP through the Office of the Chief Scientist provides strategic coordination of and input to the science and analytics that inform the organization's decisions, policies, interventions, and publications.

In delivering the 2022-25 Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), the Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) together with the relevant Divisions will undertake efforts to strengthen organizational capacity for science communication and develop an upskilling plan to deliver innovative high-impact knowledge products. Due to scaled-up activities and the limited number of staff, the Office of Chief Scientist requires a Science Communication Specialist Consultant to support the delivery of UNEP OCS’s workplan to boost UNEP’s capacity in science communication.

Following the successful development and delivery of a pilot Science Communication training course in November - 2022, and the continued interest from staff to take the course, UNEP OCS is seeking a consultant to work with the Office of Chief Scientist to refine and deliver trainings to further enhance the organization-wide capacity for science communication and markedly improved publications and knowledge products. The Consultant will work with OCS to deliver innovative science communication training to improve the coherence, quality and readability of UNEP’s publications and to serve as a driving force for empowered environmental advocacy.

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Programme Coordinator and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, OCS, the consultant is expected to provide facilitation services and pedagogical leadership to deliver a series of training workshops that aim to strengthen knowledge and capacity for effective and impactful science communication with the view to optimizing UNEP’s use and efficacy of science, and the organization’s ability to influence public opinion, policy and governance.

The consultant will be home based, with the possibility of missions as and when required for official duties.

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator, OCS and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, OCS.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

The Consultant will be responsible for the following duties: - Refine the UNEP-specific science communications training materials on including impact-focused knowledge production strategies that target key audiences, and specific impacts - Work with the OCS together with a group of Programme Officers/ Units on a rollout phase 2 of the pilot training program with the view to training up to 120 UNEP staff. The roll out of phase 2 will also involve the testing of the training program to ensure it is fit for purpose and that it reflects appropriate adjustments and lessons learned from the pilot course. - Working with UNEP OCS to devise methods to support sustainability of the training programme in the long term.

Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in one or more specialized disciplines of mass communications, journalism, science communication or a related field is required. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience working as a science communicator at the science-policy interface and preferably in environmental science, sustainability or a related field is required; Experience developing and conducting trainings, workshops and education materials in science communication or related field is required. Demonstrated professional competence in environmental issues and knowledge of topics relating to the work of UN Environment Programme is desirable. Direct experience in developing and/or overseeing publications policies and guidelines for major UN bodies or international organizations is desirable. Deep understanding of publication production processes and communication strategies in major UN or international organizations is desirable. A deep understanding of the science communication tools and processes is an added advantage. Experience in the preparation or coordination of publication policies and strategies in large organizations is desirable. Superior written and oral skills is desirable. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to implement organizational objectives is desirable. Excellent interpersonal skills, works collaboratively to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise is desirable.

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

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.