Communication strategy consultant for the Cali Fund

Result of ServiceA comprehensive communication strategy and related implementation plan for the Cali Fund is developed and operationalized, contributing to the effective visibility, engagement, and promotion of the Fund. Key deliverables include: • A fully developed and operationalized communication strategy and outreach plan to engage both existing and new stakeholders, particularly those unfamiliar with the mandate of the Convention and its Protocols, the Multilateral Mechanism, and the Cali Fund – with a clearly defined timeline for information dissemination. • Development and communication of a compelling business case to encourage and support private sector contributions to the Cali Fund. • Events and initiatives related to the Cali Fund are effectively promoted to a broad and diverse range of audiences and stakeholders. • Ongoing maintenance, accuracy, and timely updating of the websites related to Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and the Cali Fund. • Shared digital documents and resources are well-organized and maintained on SharePoint to facilitate easy access and effective collaboration. • Communication plans, progress updates, and results related to the Cali Fund’s outreach activities to relevant stakeholders are disseminated to the intended audience in a timely manner. Work LocationHybrid: Home-based and/or in the office Expected durationSix (6) months with the possibility of a three (3) months extension Duties and ResponsibilitiesORGANIZATIONAL 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 has 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. Digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources emerged as a cross-cutting issue for the three objectives of the Convention during the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2016. The Conference of the Parties at its fifteenth meeting in 2022 adopted decision 15/9 which established, as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including a global fund (now known as the ‘Cali Fund for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the Use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources’ or ‘Cali Fund’). In 2024, decision 16/2 set out the modalities for operationalizing this multilateral mechanism. The Cali Fund is a UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund seeking to mobilize new streams of private funding for biodiversity action worldwide, in support of the three objectives of the CBD. Large businesses in sectors dependent on the use of publicly available genetic data and metadata from nature and commercially successful are expected to contribute a portion of their profits or revenues to the Cali Fund. At least half of the funding of the Cali Fund should be allocated to the self-identified needs of indigenous peoples and local communities globally in recognition of their role and contributions as custodians of biodiversity. A second stream of funds will support developing country Parties in their conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, through direct payments to dedicated national entity. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer and the direct supervision of the DSI Programme Management Officer, the consultant will perform the following duties: • Develop and implement social media strategies to raise awareness and enhance the visibility of the Cali Fund, support the development of its business case through compelling storytelling, and expand outreach to new audiences, particularly within the private sector. • Develop compelling and strategic video scripts to effectively communicate the objectives of the Cali Fund; support the editing, production, and dissemination of video content across appropriate digital platforms, ensuring consistency with the messaging and goals of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its Protocols. • Support the development, drafting, and review of official documents, including reports, proposals, budget-related materials, notifications, and other relevant content, in alignment with the communication objectives of the Cali Fund. • Collaborate closely with the Communication and Awareness Unit to ensure activities and outputs are consistent with and effectively support the overall communication strategy of the Convention and its Protocols. • Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities related to Digital Sequence Information (DSI) and broader communication initiatives, as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications/special skillsAcademic qualifications: A first level university degree in environmental science, law or policy, communication or related fields is required. Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of work experience in the field of environmental issues, communication, marketing, social media management, graphic design or related areas is required. Experience within a Multilateral Environmental Agreements or multilateral funding organization sphere is desirable. Skills: • Excellent understanding of international, multilateral or environmental processes; • Strong understanding of international or multi-stakeholder settings, or of multilateral funding organizations; • Demonstrated ability to translate complex issues and nuanced technical information into clear, compelling, and accessible content tailored for broad public audiences, with a particular focus on engaging the private sector is required; • Proven ability to write clearly and concisely and excellent communication skills for interacting with various stakeholders, including Parties and other external entities, regarding DSI, the Multilateral Mechanism, the Cali Fund and financial contribution business cases, and related matters; • Experience in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator (or equivalent), photo and video editing software, social media platforms including Facebook, X, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube is required; • Strong organizational skills for managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and follow-up actions are tracked. Competencies: Professionalism - Communication - Teamwork - Client Orientation - Planning and Organizing LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable. NOTE: \"Fluency equals a rating of \"fluent\" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and \"Knowledge of\" equals a rating of \"confident\" in two of the four areas. Additional InformationTravel to meetings may be required. No FeeTHE 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.