Background Information - Job-specific
WEC Background:
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally, is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.
WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WECโs ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NDC Partnership:
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each countryโs strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnershipโs work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnershipโs work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).
Country Context
In 2021, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) joined the NDC Partnership and designated the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU), within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology as the Focal Point Entities.
Given the plethora of climate change and environment programmes and projects being implemented by the SDU, there is need to increase the visibility of the Unit and showcase its work on NDC implementation and other related environmental challenges affecting SVG. There is also the specific need to support the implementation of the NDC Partnership Plan in the areas of, inter alia, education, capacity building and increasing the knowledge of the general public to climate change and other relevant topics, in order to broaden the engagement and support for this work in SVG. There are a number of important stakeholders that will be targeted through this outreach effort including, government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, and vulnerable groups such as women and youth, all of whom are critical to the fight against climate change and contributing to the implementation of the NDC Partnership Plan for SVG.
Functional ResponsibilitiesThe Communications and Outreach Specialist will be assigned to work with the SDU for at least a year and will collaborate closely with the Director of the SDU, formally reporting to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Communications and Outreach Specialist will require periodic meetings with the SDU Team, the sequence of the meetings will be defined and agreed upon later.
The initial duration will be one year, with a possibility of extension in case of request and availability of finances. It is primarily a work-from-home assignment, either from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines or from another CARICOM country, with periodic online meetings with the SDU and other relevant stakeholders. If based outside Kingstown, the consultant is expected to travel to Kingstown approximately up to 4 times per year, and no more than 5 working days duration per travel. In this case, travel expenses will be covered by UNOPS.
This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, a maximum of 220 working days.
* This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office or government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.
** In order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines or have a valid residence permit in the Country or for the CARICOM region.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
**** The contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) will be evaluated based on the nationality of the preferred candidate.
The Communications and Outreach Specialist for SVG is expected to assist the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) with Strategic Communications, Media Management, and Online Content Development to support stakeholder engagement in NDC implementation and related topics.
The following responsibilities are part of the embedded advisor role:
Strategic Communications
Develop and support the implementation of the Communications Strategy for the SDU.
Maintain a Communications Toolkit consisting of standard, re-branded templates for different target audiences.
Provide technical advice on SDU brand positioning, website, social media channels, collateral, and other materials.
Based on inputs from the SDU, support or lead development of relevant content including:
Press releases
Social media content
Speeches or talking points
Support the promotion and distribution of knowledge products.
Support event organization for COP29 and COP30, including speaker identification and outreach, invites and event promotion.
Media Management
Improve SDUโs media coverage by developing a media engagement strategy and updating target media lists comprised of a comprehensive database of journalists, social media influencers, and other necessary platforms.
Identify and support opportunities to create visibility for SDU through its networks, high-level Champions, relevant events and partnerships with like-minded organizations and academia.
Assist with daily media monitoring by scanning online media for relevant news, interviews and articles mentioning SDU programmes, initiatives, and relevant topics.
Online Content Management
Conceptual design and development of a website to highlight SDU programmes, initiatives, and other relevant topics.
Design and implement a web content management strategy that increases audience traffic to and engagement with the SDU public facing website.
Ensure web-content is regularly updated with quality, creative multimedia content.
Ensure website member portal and full website backend technically maintained with support from technical experts.
Design and implement a social media strategy to increase audience volume and engagement with SDUโs social media accounts.
As part of this strategy, design and deliver online communications campaigns, including for priority SDU issues, themes, and other activities such as events and publications.
The Communication Specialist shall support the SDU in any other communications/ knowledge management tasks that may arise during the assignment period.
CompetenciesDevelops 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. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
Master Degree preferably in Mass Communications, Journalism, or related field.
Bachelor's degree in in related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree
Experience
Required
At least 5 yearsโ experience working in communication, journalism and/or print media.
At least 2 yearsโ experience related to climate change, adaptation/mitigation planning and/or implementation, environmental management, natural Resource Management/ public policy, or social Sciences in relevant field.
Asset
Good knowledge of the UNFCCC, its Paris Agreement, and the NDC.
Excellent record of accomplishment in implementing strategic communication and advocacy campaigns.
Familiarity with national media practices, local media, social media platforms, and a well established network of concepts with local journalists.
Experience working in developing countries, including small island developing states (SIDS), on climate change and other development issues.
Experience organizing and facilitating engagements, events, and stakeholder dialogues.
Language
Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Proficiency in Spanish is an asset.
Contract type: ICA
Contract level: Local ICA 10 / International ICA 2. The contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) will be evaluated based on the nationality of the preferred candidate.
Contract duration: One yea, max of 220 working days, with a possibility of extension subject to performance and budget.
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
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.