Speech Writer - Lumpsum contract

Contract

This is a IICA-3 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

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. UNEP's mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

The office of the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED) provides oversight to UNEP's effective delivery of the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), expected results contained in the Programme of Work (PoW), as well as delivering on the UN Reform. This necessitates that internal and external communication of UNEP's core messages is aligned to its mandate, with the purpose of enhancing UNEP's global profile. The Writer Consultant will produce compelling and innovative story-optimised content designed to engage the public on issues relevant to UNEP's mandate and edit UNEP text products. The incumbent will be recruited under a UNOPS ICA lump sum contract.

Functional Responsibilities

Ultimate result of services: Visibility for UNEP's programme of work and policy positions through vibrant storytelling and expert editing of text products.

Below are some of the functionalities.

Under the supervision of the Press Secretary to the Executive Director, UNEP, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Research and draft stories, op-eds, press releases and leadership pieces for publication on UNEP website and externally that support UNEP's policy positions and programmatic work on themes related to the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution in line with ongoing work to promote World Environment Day, the Sustainable Development Goals, the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) and other UNEP priorities.
• Draft speeches for the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED) use in their engagement in key flagship events with member states and other external stakeholders; and revise content based on briefing materials and feedback through the office of the ED/DED.
• Write forewords in the name of the Executive Director (ED)/Deputy Executive Director (DED) and for flagship and spotlights publications.
• Craft scripts for video messages by the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED) marking major environmental international days and observance and for events where in-person participation is not possible.
• Generate communications material for two key spotlight reports – the UNEP Emissions Gap Report and the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report.
• Generate communications material for the Ozone secretariat.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media, international relations or related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required;
• A first level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications sector is required.
• Experience implementing strategic communication guidance on behalf of high-level officials is desired.
• Prior experience working in UN agencies and/or international development agencies is an asset.

Language - Fluency in oral and written English is required. - Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) - Lumpsum contract Contract level: IICA -3 Duty station: Home-based Contract duration: 12 Months

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

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.

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 staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• 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. 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.