Communications Specialist - Level B

Result of ServiceEfficient and effective support is rendered to the IPBES Head of Communication in implementation of the IPBES communications strategy. Work LocationOffice-based Expected duration6 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of 150 Governments (see www.ipbes.net) and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Under the overall supervision of the IPBES Head of Communications, the Individual Contractor (Level B) will support the implementation of the IPBES communication strategy in the following areas of responsibility: ‘Traditional’ media • Maintain and further develop the IPBES media contacts database. • Operationalize the traditional media outreach and elements of the pre-launch, launch and initial post-launch periods of the communications strategy for the IPBES business and biodiversity assessment report launch and the 12th session of the IPBES Plenary. • Manage the traditional media team – also on site – for the 12th session of the IPBES Plenary. • Serve as the focal point for all incoming correspondence and queries related to communications and outreach and secondary focal point for stakeholder engagement – especially via the IPBES media and stakeholder email accounts and website contacts. • Liaise and collaborate with all IPBES ‘traditional media’ consultants/contractors. • Monitor, report on and adapt IPBES ‘traditional’ media performance. Outreach material • Draft, proof-read and edit content and work with designers, translation services, printers and others on communication materials/marketing collateral, such as brochures, posters, infographics, videos, presentations, marketing collateral etc. • Identify, liaise and coordinate with appropriate vendors/service providers in support of procurement of such materials, working with the IPBES administrative team. • Manage the process of planning, coordinating and overseeing the shipping of all necessary outreach materials for IPBES uptake events globally. Social and online media • Identify relevant content from online news reports and peer reviewed academic articles that are appropriate for IPBES social media sharing and liaise with the social media team to facilitate this. • Support the content management of the IPBES website relating to media releases, news items, features and the updating and quality control of all communication and stakeholder engagement related elements. • Serve as primary focal point for daily updating and maintenance of the IPBES digital asset management platform. • Collaborate with administrative colleagues to facilitate commercial translations. • Support the social media team with video editing and subtitling. Stakeholder engagement • Identify relevant content from online news reports and peer reviewed academic articles that are appropriate for IPBES stakeholder engagement and liaise with the stakeholder engagement team to facilitate use thereof. • Supporting the regular updating of both the IPBES ‘Impact Tracking Database’ (TRACK) and the IPBES ‘Uptake Tacking Database’ (UPTAKE). • Support to IPBES stakeholder engagement activities – specifically liaison with and support to the project team for the #IPBES12 Stakeholder Day. Day-to-Day communications task • Research, draft, revise and edit communications and outreach messages in the form of articles, speeches, speaking notes, briefing notes etc. • Photography and videography support. • Occasional event logistics and management. • Occasional representation of the IPBES communications unit in internal and external meetings and events. • Limited administrative back-stopping. Qualifications/special skillsA first-level university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. • A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, public relations, marketing or related areas is required. • A track-record of excellence in crafting written communications in English is required. • Working experience working with media monitoring tools is required. • Knowledge and working experience of international environmental (and especially biodiversity-related) issues is desirable. • Relevant work experience in the context of the United Nations is desirable. • Design, layout and editing experience is desirable. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish or Russian is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. 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.