Background Information - Job-specific
Santiago network
The Santiago network was established in December 2019 at COP25, as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism, for averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, to catalyze the technical assistance of relevant organizations, bodies, networks and experts, for the implementation of suitable relevant approaches at the local, national and regional level, in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. (decision 2/CMA.2, para 43, noted by 2/CP.25).
The Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Convention and the Paris Agreement subsequently decided on the functions of the Santiago network at COP26 and on the institutional arrangements to enable its full operationalization. Parties agreed the structure would comprise:
A hosted Secretariat that will facilitate its work, to be known as the Santiago network Secretariat;
An Advisory Board, to provide guidance and oversight to the Santiago network Secretariat on the effective implementation of the functions of the network; and
A network of organizations, bodies, networks and experts (OBNEs) covering a wide range of topics relevant to averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage.
At COP28 in 2023, Parties selected the consortium of UNOPS and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) as co-hosts of the Santiago network Secretariat for an initial term of five years, with five-year renewal periods.
While UNOPS provides the necessary administrative and operational support for the effective functioning of the Secretariat, UNDRR provides the Secretariat with technical backstopping and expertise in the domain of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage consistent with the guidelines for preventing potential and addressing actual and perceived conflicts of interest in relation to the Santiago network.
Relevant COP/CMA decisions on the Santiago network can be consulted here. Documents and reports from meetings of the Santiago network Advisory Board are available here.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
Role of the Communications Manager, Santiago network
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director, and in close collaboration with the Senior Programme Manager the Communications Manager for the Santiago network is responsible for developing and delivering on Santiago network communications strategies and activities to shape the Santiago network public image, effectively communicate the network's value proposition, strategic priorities, impact and achievements to diverse audiences and profile the networkโs value for the global response to loss and damage.
The incumbent will play a crucial role in assisting the Director in building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, positioning the Santiago network in the wider loss and damage ecosystem, developing communications content and managing media relations, to ensure the Santiago network's message resonates and drives positive engagement. Functional Responsibilities
Lead on the development and implementation of the Santiago network communications and partnership strategies to ensure coordinated and targeted engagement and communications with existing and prospect partners, as well as external audiences in line with Santiago networkโs strategic objectives, covering all relevant components and action areas, and coordinating its implementation. Shape the Santiago networkโs image in line with its overall goals and objectives, including through the crafting of clear and compelling messaging that resonates with target audiences, including developing countries, contributors, partners, and the general public. Ensure strategic alignment of the Santiago Networkโs communications with key actors in the loss and damage ecosystem, including the WIM Executive Committee (ExCom) and the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), by facilitating shared messaging, joint visibility efforts, and coordinated outreach. Support -n coordinating the planning of the Santiago networkโs knowledge development and sharing activities to maximize the reach of learnings and experiences from Santiago networkโs country and regional operations. External communications and messaging
Manage Santiago network external communications to ensure that key messages and content used in outreach material, statements by the Advisory Board and Santiago network Director and presentations highlight the networkโs value proposition, strategic priorities, achievements and impact. Collaborate with the relevant Secretariatโs teams in tailoring Santiago networkโs communications on technical assistance and membership in a manner that considers accessibility, inclusiveness and simplicity, for a diversity of audiences. Manage and provide creative inputs to Santiago networkโs communication activities and events, including through multi-channel communication (website, social media, email marketing, webinars) and preparation of outreach material, such as flyers, brochures, power-point presentations, regular newsletters etc. Prepare media releases, coordinate media interviews, identify publicity opportunities, and proactively pitch stories to relevant outlets as needed. Maintain and enhance a dynamic online presence of the Santiago network, effectively communicating its activities, success stories and impact, including overall content management, case study development and associated analytics. Ensure quality review and contribute substantive input into reports, speeches, publications, audio-visual products and other related outputs of the Santiago network Secretariat. Support partnership and relationship management with relevant initiatives and organizations by facilitating collaboration, maintaining regular communication, and identifying opportunities for strategic engagement and joint activities Liaise with communications colleagues across the United Nations system, especially UNDRR, UNFCCC and UNOPS to keep aligned with system-wide communications and campaigns and exchange information Contribute to donor relationship management and resource mobilization efforts by developing proposals for a donor outreach and fundraising strategy and support its implementation Collaborate with external vendors and consultants for quality, editing, translation, design and printing of diverse communications materials, reports etc.
Knowledge management
Design, implement, and monitor strategies to capture, organize, and disseminate knowledge generated through the networkโs operations, tailored for and informed by diverse audiences, including youth and children, women and gender groups, people with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples, among others. Support the management of Santiago network knowledge management activities, and propose tools for implementation Contribute to the development of and management of knowledge sharing portals and activities to engage communities of practice at global, regional and country level and support learning and collaboration Identify and recommend digital platforms and tools to support effective documentation, storage, and retrieval of information. Coordinate the production and distribution of briefs, case studies, lessons learned, and other outputs from the networkโs activities.
Santiago networkโs internal communications
Support in developing and managing systems to ensure effective internal communication flows, including with the Advisory Board Develop and maintain Santiago network branding guidelines and style guide to ensure a consistent and coherent approach across all communication products. Draft and distribute internal newsletters, updates, and briefings to maintain alignment and awareness across internal stakeholders. Ensure key internal documents, decisions, and resources are systematically archived and accessible to relevant stakeholders in internal repositories Facilitate information flow and knowledge exchange between technical teams, regional hubs, and other UN entities to foster synergy. Assist with communications tasks related to internal processes, reporting, or knowledge events as needed. Provide additional support as required.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in Communications, International Relations, Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, Business Administration, or related areas is required. A first level university degree preferably in the above-mentioned fields or related areas in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media, or related fields, is required. Experience in developing and executing communications strategies is required. Experience in the fields of development, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, loss and damage, or related climate change processes is highly desirable. Experience in communications within international organisations is highly desirable. Experience in managing media and public relations activities, including multi-media content creation, is highly desirable.
Language
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Staff - FTA
Contract level: P4 (ICS-11)
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability. For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.