NDC Behavioural Change Communications and Outreach Specialist (Communications Specialist), Antigua and Barbuda

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information - UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

Infrastructure

Procurement

Project Management (full service, back on track)

HR and Transactional Services

Grants Management

Technical and Advisory Services

Project Information

WEC Background:

The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio under the UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office has built strong partnerships and has effectively been managing a portfolio of 490 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 WEC’s 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 country’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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

With NDC Partnership support, Antigua and Barbuda updated and submitted an ambitious NDC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in September 2021 with a mitigation target of 86% renewable energy generation from local sources by 2030. The NDC Partnership is supporting Antigua and Barbuda on the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), development of an NDC Financing Strategy, development of a blended finance window with its national environmental fund and mainstreaming climate change planning into national procedures and processes.

The Department has submitted a request to the NDC Partnership for an In-country NDC Behavioural Change Communications and Outreach Specialist to support the coordination of communications around NDC implementation, with a key focus on the energy transition and just transition. The Specialist will provide key technical support to influence behavior change of stakeholders through communication and outreach strategies and campaigns. These stakeholders include workers affected by the transition, private sector interest groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the youth, members of vulnerable groups, and small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The Behavioural Change Communications and Outreach Specialist will also support national delegates and negotiators in the preparation for, during and after national climate change conferences and other meetings organized by funding agencies and partners.

Transparency and effective communication will enable the public and relevant stakeholders to gain a clear picture of national climate actions and encourage buy-in, support and collaboration around national priorities. The position directly contributes to the achievement of just transition commitments of the NDC and aligns with the Action for Climate Empowerment’s (ACE) six elements - climate change education and public awareness, training, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation.

The behavioural change communications and outreach technical assistance will help to close communication gaps for key stakeholders on the contents of the NDC. Additionally, it will contribute to accelerating the rate of implementing the adaptation priorities in the NDC. This entire activity will build on the current support being received by Antigua and Barbuda through the NDC Partnership’s Partnership Action Fund and previous support through the Climate Action Enhancement Package Initiative.

Institutional Arrangement

The NDC Behavioural Change Communications and Outreach Specialist will be based at the Department of Environment in Antigua and Barbuda supporting the implementation of NDC related activities and collaborating with staff from government ministries to support the advancement of NDC implementation. The Behavioural Communications and Outreach Specialist reports to the NDC Partnership Regional Manager, and day-to-day coordination with the NDC secondary focal point (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer). The Specialist will also coordinate communication activities with the Department’s Public Education Training and Information Unit (PETI) Outreach Officer, as needed.

Deliverables will be quality reviewed by the Department of Environment’s NDC Focal Points, Coordinators of its Multiyear Strategic Readiness Support Programme, and renewable energy focal points at the Department, and the Just Transition focal point in the Ministry of Finance-Project Management Unit.

Summary of functions

The Behavioural Change Communications and Outreach Specialist is expected to carry out the following specific tasks categorized in three broad areas: Communications and Project Management; Media Management; and Online Content Development.

I. Behavioural Change Communications and Management

Review and revise existing tools and develop new and innovative ones for vigorous and impactful communication, media engagement, publicity and knowledge and information management.

Develop and publish content for the Department’s website, social media, newsletter, bulletins and other information materials published by the Department.

Develop and maintain the Department’s ambitious communications work plan.

Operationalize the Just Transition Behavioural Change Communications Strategy and Youth Engagement Strategy and Action Plan for NDC implementation.

Conduct Knowledge Attitudes and Perception (KAP) surveys or equivalent to better understand youth understanding of climate change and their sustainability-related behavioural patterns and thoughts.

Scale up communication, outreach and advocacy activities on climate action, using a broad range of channels (including social media) with a focus on youth, not only as a target group, but also as key drivers.

Maintain a Communications Toolkit consisting of standard, re-branded templates targeting different multiple audiences.

Support development and dissemination of relevant content including: press releases, social media content, speeches, talking points, factsheets, website content and knowledge products.

Produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns and strategies, which lead to impactful change.

Liaise with external vendors, contractors, and consultants to copyedit, write, design, develop, and translate products to audiences.

Engage with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Unit and the Data Management Unit to develop monthly email newsletter and a bi-annual State of Environment bulletins and provide updates to the relevant audiences.

Contribute to the development of training materials for key stakeholders in relation to the energy transition and just transition.

Provide graphic design support for communication products.

Support event promotion

Support national delegates and negotiators in the preparation for, during, and after COP28 and other meetings organized by funding agencies and partners.

II. Social Media Management

Support the development of a social media strategy under the guidance of the Communications Manager, including curating the social media calendar, working with staff to source and draft social content, and designing branded templates.

Regularly track and evaluate success metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate social media audience engagement and growth.

III. Online Content Management

Design and implement a web content management strategy that increases audience traffic to and engagement with the 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 social media accounts.

Design and deliver online communications campaigns related to NDC implementation, themes, and other activities such as events and publications.

The Behavioural Communications and Outreach Specialist shall support the Department of Environment in any related other communications/ outreach tasks that may arise during the assignment period.

Master’s degree in Gender studies, social development, social studies or related subject areas.

Bachelor's degree in related discipline in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Required

Five years of full-time, relevant experience in communications, journalism, public relations, event management or a similar field

Experience developing social media content and scheduling and building a social media calendar

Practical experience in climate change, adaptation/mitigation planning and implementation.

Assets

Experience organizing and facilitating engagements, events, and stakeholder dialogues

Experience with the design of publication materials using graphic design tools, software and platforms

Working experience in the areas of climate change, sustainable development, economic policy, and international development

Experience with multilateral and bilateral development partners

Knowledge of media and communications skills will be an added advantage Language Requirements

Contract type: ICA Contract level: ICSC 10 - LICA 10

Contract duration: Retainer contract (home-based). Duration up to 12 months (max. 220 working days).

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

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. 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.