Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. UN Environment's Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This post is located in Ecosystem Division at the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan - Barcelona Convention Secretariat (MAP) in the Athens duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Coordinator, MAP Athens, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Responsibilities
- Develop and ensure implementation of information programmes to publicize priority issues, major events, programme initiatives and accomplishments, and major activities of the MAP Barcelona Convention system; draft information strategies, monitor and reports on progress, take appropriate follow-up action, and analyse outcomes; participate in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.
- Monitor and analyse current events, public opinion, press coverage, and information needs of the Parties and key constituents; identify issues and trends and advise management and where appropriate, MAP components on appropriate responses.
- Promote and coordinate media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars, and special events) of priority issues and major events; develop a media strategy and action plan, initiate pro-active media outreach.
- Propose, arrange and participate in press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
- Initiate and sustain professional relationships with key MAP partners, service providers and constituencies including translators, designers, printers, Bureau Chiefs, editors, journalists for international news media, counterparts and mid-level officials in government, non-governmental organizations, businesses, academia and other areas of civil society, including MAP partners.
- Produce or oversee production of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, social media etc.); propose topics, undertake research, determine appropriate target audience, prepare production plans, write drafts, edits copy, and coordinate design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
- Plan and coordinate the production of publications of the MAP Barcelona Convention Secretariat, ensuring adherence to mandates, strategic objectives and environmental sustainability directives as well as collection of specific contributions from MAP components.
- Prepare, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
- Establish and run a centralized MAP Library network with the assistance of the Librarian, Information Technology and Administrative Assistant, with automated access-point to information and data, serving as gateway to Mediterranean environmental libraries.
- Develop and maintain information architecture of the websites of the MAP Barcelona Convention Secretariat; coordinate and exercise quality control over website content; follow up with and advise content managers to ensure information is up-to-date and adhere to standards for style, clarity, and coherency of content; create standard formats and templates for web sections and web pages.
- Plan and coordinate exhibitions and side events during the meetings of the Conferences of the Parties and their subsidiary bodies.
- Participate in the planning and preparation of the budget, work programme and spending plan for the information program of the Secretariat.
- May play a lead role on communications and information-related matrix teams and/or task forces, overseeing and coordinating the work of Professional and General Service staff, consultants and interns.
- Act as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc, including the task of spokesperson to media organization and other bodies and focal point for the Regional Activity Centre for Information and Communication (INFO RAC).
- Prepare and deliver lectures to visiting students and academics.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to biodiversity and interlinked sustainable development goals. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
- 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.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, public relations, environmental sciences, international relations, business or public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Relevant working experience in the Mediterranean region, in particular at regional and/or intergovernmental level, is desirable. Working experience on communication, and or information [or speech-writing] at international level is desirable. Minimum of two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of other UN Mediterranean languages is desirable. NOTE: 'Fluency' equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand), and 'Knowledge of' equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.
Application instructions
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