Public Information Officer (1 Post)

Result of ServiceThe assignment will result in the implementation of the ICCWC Visibility Strategy 2024-2026 in close coordination with ICCWC partners (through the ICCWC Technical Experts Group, partners’ Public Information Officers, and National Coordinators in ICCWC Priority 1 countries) and the CITES Communications Officer. The work will specifically result in: i) enhanced demonstration of ICCWC’s impact on the ground (benefits to countries/national law enforcement); and ii) sharing of knowledge, best practices, lessons learnt, success stories and information on combating wildlife crime. In turn, these results will contribute to the delivery of ICCWC’s visibility objectives under the ICCWC Vision 2030 and its associated ICCWC Strategic Action Plan 2023-2026. Work LocationThe assignment is home-based. Regular communication with the CITES Secretariat and reporting to the ICCWC Coordinator and ICCWC Support Officer will take place via appropriate and agreed online communication channels. Expected duration21 May 2025 until 20 May 2026 (12 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. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between States. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is located in Geneva. The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) is a collaborative effort of five organizations: the CITES Secretariat, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Bank Group (WBG) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Its aim is to strengthen criminal justice systems and provide coordinated support at national, regional and international levels to combat wildlife crime (https://iccwc-wildlifecrime.org/). This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s role as Chair of ICCWC and in support of the implementation of the ICCWC Visibility Strategy 2024-2026 that guides outputs to achieve ICCWC’s visibility objectives under the ICCWC Vision 2030 and its associated ICCWC Strategic Action Plan 2023-2026. The consultant will actively coordinate and liaise with ICCWC partners to implement the ICCWC Visibility Strategy. The assignment will require cooperation and collaboration with the CITES Communications Officer, the ICCWC Technical Experts Group, partners’ Public Information Officers, and National Coordinators in ICCWC Priority 1 countries. Outputs/Work Assignment: The consultant will deliver the following outputs: 1. Develop targeted campaigns for ICCWC activities and key events, including support the planning and delivery of communications activities around the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20) and relevant meetings of the CITES Standing Committee and ICCWC partner activities. 2. Maintain the ICCWC social media channels and the ICCWC website, preparing messaging and audio-visual content, including news items, success and impact stories, and press releases on a regular basis and according to an annual calendar of relevant communications dates and opportunities. 3. Support relevant deliverables under relevant ICCWC projects, including the development of knowledge products and sharing of knowledge and best practices under the framework of Project GUARD Wildlife. 4. Update and maintain the ICCWC Activity Report platform, collate ICCWC activity information and coordinate with partners to draft and finalize ICCWC Annual Reports. 5. Review, update and design ICCWC knowledge products in their different language versions, including the ICCWC Menu of Services. 6. Update and maintain the ICCWC SEG Visibility folder. 7. Provide input to relevant ICCWC project reports, as required, including by exploring and proposing new ways to highlight successes of beneficiary countries (e.g., via newsletters, partner websites, joint social media posts, blogs and any others). 8. Implement other activities of the ICCWC Visibility Strategy, including develop ICCWC branding guidelines, messaging guidelines and templates to support partners. 9. Coordinate the above activities with ICCWC partners’ Public Information Officers and the CITES Communications Officer, as required. 10. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Visibility Strategy based on an assessment of successes and lessons learnt and provide recommendations as appropriate for the revision of the Strategy for 2027-2030. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree in media and communications (Master’s degree or equivalent) is required. A first-level university degree in combination an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • A minimum of 7 years of experience in media and communications (or equivalent) is required. • Within these 7 years of experience in media and communication, at least 2 years of specific experience in public relations, communications and social media management, creative copy writing, design and content development are required. • Within these 7 years of experience in media and communication, at least 2 years of professional experience in the production (development, design and publication) of annual reports, social media content and other communications materials for international organizations and/or government agencies and/or the public sector is required. • Within these 7 years of experience in media and communication, a previous experience of at least 2 years in working on matters related to CITES and ICCWC is required. • Within these 7 years of experience in media and communication, at least 2 years of specific experience working with ICCWC partners is an advantage. Knowledges and skills: • Good knowledge and understanding of wildlife crime, CITES, ICCWC and the activities of ICCWC partners and how to communicate key outputs/outcomes is an advantage. · Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment, to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel, and to work inclusively and collaboratively with different partners is required. · Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications and in software used for producing basic media/audio-visual content is required. LanguagesEnglish, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Fluency in other French and/or Spanish would be an advantage. Additional InformationReporting lines: The consultant will work under the supervision of the ICCWC Coordinator and ICCWC Support Officer at the CITES Secretariat. Payments will be made upon successful completion, review and quality assurance of the tasks specified under Outputs/Work Assignment above. Competencies: Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks \"outside the box\"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. 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.