Consultant for UNEP-GEF International Waters Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the UN system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working with various stakeholders to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. UNEP collaborates with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to assist developing countries in meeting the incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits, particularly in the area of international waters.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of UNEP’s GEF International Waters (IW) portfolio through various communication channels, including digital and print platforms. The position requires the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) pillars: Climate Action, Nature Action, and Pollution Action. The consultant will be responsible for producing high-quality communication materials that showcase the results and impacts of UNEP-GEF IW projects, thereby strengthening stakeholder engagement and promoting cross-project learning. This role involves close collaboration with the Communication Division and the GEF Coordination Unit, ensuring that all communication outputs adhere to UNEP and GEF visibility policies and branding guidelines. The consultant will also support the organization of regional and global events, enhancing communication and outreach for key achievements of the IW portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Developing and implementing a communications strategy that aligns with the GEF IW strategy and UNEP’s MTS pillars.
• Ensuring that all communication outputs adhere to UNEP and GEF visibility policies and branding guidelines.
• Coordinating the preparation and dissemination of communication materials that showcase the results and impacts of UNEP-GEF IW projects.
• Producing high-quality communication materials such as press releases, human-interest stories, factsheets, and multimedia content in collaboration with Task Managers and project-level communications focal points.
• Preparing quarterly newsletters tailored to different audience groups, highlighting global, regional, and national achievements, community engagement, and scalable solutions.
• Updating and maintaining content on the UNEP-GEF International Waters web pages and disseminating success stories through various digital platforms.
• Planning communication around key events such as UNEA and IW Conferences, drafting background notes and briefing materials for media engagement.
• Coordinating the network of project-level communication focal points and leading the collection and organization of project communication materials.
• Monitoring communication outputs and contributing to reporting and data visualization for communication results and portfolio progress.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, environmental sciences, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, or media relations, preferably within an international organization, is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in multimedia content production, website management, and providing strategic communications input on Nature Action, Climate Action, and Chemicals and Pollution Action. Familiarity with GEF programming directions and communication/visibility requirements is desirable, as is previous experience in managing social media.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, environmental sciences, international relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, or media relations, preferably within an international organization. Experience in communication, particularly with UNEP-GEF, is required, along with demonstrated experience in multimedia content production and website management.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is a requirement for this consultancy, along with excellent writing and editing skills. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 12 months. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and the United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.