Vacancy #: 6519 Unit: Ramsar Convention Secretariat Organisation: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) Location: Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, Gland, Switzerland Reporting to: Deputy Secretary General Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 01 September 2023 Type of contract: Max-term (24 months with possibility of renewal) Closing date: 02 August 2023 BACKGROUND The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It was the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.
The Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services to the Conventionโs Contracting Parties for the operations and implementation of the Convention.
Under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary General with dotted line reporting responsibilities to the Secretary General, the post-holder provides communications support and undertakes assigned activities and tasks to increase public awareness about wetlands and the Convention. The post-holder is responsible for the supervision and contributions of the Communications Officer (P1) position. JOB DESCRIPTION 1. Identification, creation and utilization of communications content
โข Based on needs identified by the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and the Director, Science and Policy, undertake external and internal scans of relevant information to support the communications, policy and representation objectives of the Secretariat of the Convention;
โข Follow current news, science and global dialogue on matters related to wetlands and advise Secretariat leadership on emerging trends and issues, and how the Convention can be positioned to increase relevancy and action for wetlands;
โข โTranslateโ technical papers and information into audience right language so that technical information can be understood by target audiences;
โข Liaise with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) for the mutual exchange of information, messages and identify opportunities for the dissemination of content developed by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands;
โข Analyse meeting documents to identify key opportunities and messages for effective engagement from the Secretary General and the Secretariat in various policy processes (e.g. climate, biodiversity, water, disaster risk reduction);
โข Draft and prepare written and video statements for the Secretary General and the Secretariat;
โข Prepare briefings, press releases, statements and talking points for Secretariat leadership participation as panellists and speakers at global meetings and events;
โข Prepare joint statements, articles, Op-eds between Secretary General and other heads of MEAs and other relevant international organizations;
โข Write speeches and scripts for Secretariat leadership;
โข Write thought leadership and opinion pieces that effectively communicate strategic messages and actions for Secretariat leadership and the Convention;
โข Provide content and content plans/calendars for social media channels including the Conventionโs and the Secretary Generalโs Twitter accounts, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Monitor the social media landscape to identify trending topics, themes and dialogues;
โข Serve as the Secretariat focal point with the CEPA Oversight Panel supporting the work of the Oversight Panel and implementing Secretariat CEPA activities;
โข Provide guidance and advice to the STRP and Director, Science and Policy on how to make STRP outputs target audience right. Edit STRP outputs as requested to ensure they clearly communicate key ideas and messages and speak to the target audience;
โข Provide regular briefings to Secretariat leadership and staff on emerging wetland related issues, trends and global Leads on media outreach;
โข Liaise with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Communication team as the Convention is a core partner and develop relevant content linked to wetlands and restoration.
2. Other duties
โข Supervise and guide the Communications Officer, overseeing their work; set clear performance expectations in line with the Secretariat workplan, monitor progress, and provide feedback.
โข Copy edit papers, communications to Parties and official meeting documents (e.g. Standing Committee papers, meeting reports, COP resolutions) as requested;
โข Draft papers, communications and written outputs as requested;
โข Provide guidance and advice to Secretariat staff on communications content issues;
โข Other duties as requested by the line manager or Secretary General.
The above job description contains the main duties and responsibilities for this position. However, in a small organization such as the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, staff members are expected to show flexibility in their approach to work and be willing to undertake other tasks that are reasonably allocated to them but which are not part of their regular job description. Where any task becomes a regular part of a staff memberโs responsibilities, the job description will be changed in consultation with the manager, the staff member and the Human Resources Management Group. Anyone of the three may initiate the consultation.
REQUIREMENTS โข Education:
โข University degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related communications field.
โข Experience:
โข At least 10 yearsโ experience in developing and managing content, and developing communications products;
โข In-depth understanding of environmental issues. Experience in wetlands, water, climate, biodiversity or related fields advantageous;
โข Experience in working in an intergovernmental organization and providing communication support to senior staff;
โข Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment within a global context;
โข Experience in media outreach and managing media inquiries.
โข Skills:
โข Excellent command of written English is required. Knowledge of French and Spanish would be an asset
โข Ability to work independently and deliver quality products within agreed deadlines.
โข A strong aptitude and ability to communicate both informally and formally. Well-developed presentation, interpersonal and networking skills.
โข Awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and gender issues and commitment to incorporate these in their work and in the relations with the Convention on Wetlandโs constituency.
โข Commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development. SALARY The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 100'355 and CHF 125'444. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the \"Apply\" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: http://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
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