Communication Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The Adaptation Fund (AF) was established by the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change to finance concrete adaptation projects and programs in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The Fund started serving the Paris Agreement as of January 1, 201

• The AFCIA programme was initiated in 2020, aligned with the Adaptation Fund's Strategic Pillar 2 on Innovation, which aims to support the rollout and scaling of successful innovations, encourage new adaptation practices, tools, and technologies, and generate evidence on conditions leading to successful innovation. The AFCIA phase I programme, implemented by UNEP and executed by CTCN, provided 25 technical assistances in 23 countries between 2020 and 2025, reaching nearly 99.5 million people. The second phase of the AFCIA programme (AFCIA II) aims to support developing countries in testing, scaling up, and embedding innovative, transformative, and locally led climate adaptation technologies within National Systems of Innovation to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change. The Adaptation Fund has a significant budget allocated for these initiatives, with a focus on enhancing visibility and dissemination of innovative climate adaptation technologies globally.

Job Overview:
The Communication Lead will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive communication and knowledge management strategies for the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA II) and its Coordination Services Programme. This role is crucial for enhancing visibility, coherence, and dissemination of innovative, locally led climate adaptation technologies and lessons on a global scale. The communication lead will oversee the delivery of specific outputs related to knowledge and capacity on adaptation technologies through Digital Public Goods and other instruments. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including project managers, specialists, and communication officers from different implementing entities. The communication lead will also be responsible for contracting and supervising relevant service providers to accomplish the communication tasks effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Lead will have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: 1) Developing and implementing a communication strategy that aligns with the UNEP CTCN AFCIA II communication strategy and the wider AFCIA programme communication strategy. 2) Ensuring knowledge sharing by identifying lessons learned and providing guidelines for promoting innovative climate adaptation technologies. 3) Formulating project success stories and developing technology factsheets. 4) Organizing virtual and in-person events, including knowledge transfer workshops and participation in international conferences. 5) Supporting the creation of Digital Public Goods and platforms for sharing learning on adaptation technologies. 6) Compiling existing documents and data, coordinating translations, and overseeing the layout and printing process. 7) Supporting the implementation of coordination, management, and monitoring services for the AFCIA programme. 8) Developing a multi-media communication strategy and supervising the maintenance of the AFCIA joint webpage. 9) Organizing Steering Committee meetings and facilitating communication among implementing entities. 10) Establishing a Community of Practice to engage partners and extract lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in design, communications, journalism, knowledge management, education, environment, or related disciplines. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in developing and implementing communications programs at an international level. Experience in assessing communications needs and developing communication strategies is essential. Previous assignments in convening stakeholders and facilitating global knowledge networks are highly valued. Demonstrated experience in creating various knowledge and communication products, including impact reports, publications, social media content, and online articles, is required. Past experience in the environment or climate sector, particularly in climate change adaptation, would be a strong advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as design, communications, journalism, knowledge management, education, environment, or related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies in the context of climate adaptation and innovation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in developing and implementing communications programs at an international level. Candidates should have a proven track record of assessing communications needs and developing effective communication strategies. Experience in the environment or climate sector, particularly related to climate change adaptation, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for the dissemination of knowledge and information.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and expected to last for one year. Travel may be applicable, with arrangements and payments managed by UNEP. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.