Consultant for Communications in the Economics of Nature Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system for addressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to be the leading global environmental authority, UNEP sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the UN system. It serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, coordinating the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review, and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and capacity development for environmental policy implementation, thereby strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and those with economies in transition. The Economics of Nature Unit (TEN) specifically focuses on valuing biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural capital to inform decision-making, particularly through initiatives funded by various partners, including the IKEA Foundation.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting communications and visibility activities across a portfolio of projects that aim to value biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural capital. This position is particularly focused on initiatives funded by the IKEA Foundation, including the project 'True Value Accounting: Making the Economic Case for Food Systems Transformation in Kenya and India.' This project applies the TEEBAgriFood Evaluation Framework to assess the impacts and dependencies of agri-food systems on various forms of capital across agro-ecological value chains. The consultant will also support communications for the DG INTPA-funded project aimed at enhancing agrobiodiversity through the implementation of the TEEBAgriFood Framework across multiple countries, including Brazil, Ghana, India, and Indonesia. Additionally, limited communications support will be provided for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project focused on building resilience in urban populations through ecosystem-based solutions in Lao PDR. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Economics of Nature Unit in the Ecosystems Division, ensuring that communications strategies are coherent and operational, thereby increasing awareness and understanding among key stakeholders about the value of nature and natural capital.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks, including coordination and content creation. In terms of coordination, the consultant will work closely with national research partners to ensure the development of national communications products that align with UNEP TEEB standards. This includes managing the flow of information and communication products from country partners to global TEN and UNEP workstreams, thereby connecting efforts across different silos. The consultant will also ensure effective collaboration between the Economics of Nature Unit and the UNEP Communication Division, liaising with various heads of departments to maintain visibility of TEEB communications products on global UNEP channels. Furthermore, the consultant will oversee the day-to-day work of contributors to TEN communications, including communications consultants, graphic designers, and videographers. In terms of content creation, the consultant will develop impact stories for TEN projects using various communication tools and products, such as infographics and dynamic blog pieces. They will also create country policy briefs in collaboration with country leads and develop social media content in partnership with research partners at both the country and global levels. Additionally, the consultant will support the development of materials for advocacy events and create content for TEEBAgriFood initiatives, ensuring that it meets the needs of national project partners and global end users.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, International Relations, Journalism, or a related environmental field. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in Journalism or Communication for International Development, particularly with a focus on food systems transformation, is required. Previous experience within the UN System or International Organizations related to Food System Transformation is desirable. Additionally, experience in developing immersive storytelling tools such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) is also considered an asset. Candidates should have experience in developing communications products in at least three of the five project countries: Ghana, Indonesia, India, Kenya, and Lao.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Communications, International Relations, Journalism, or Environmental studies. In cases where candidates possess a first university degree, they must also have a combination of professional experience and academic qualifications that equate to the advanced degree requirement. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of communication in the context of international development and environmental issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in Journalism or Communication for International Development, with a specific emphasis on food systems transformation. Candidates with previous experience working within the UN System or International Organizations on Food System Transformation will be given preference. Additionally, experience in developing immersive storytelling tools, such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), is desirable. The candidate should also have a proven track record of developing communications products in at least three of the five project countries, which include Ghana, Indonesia, India, Kenya, and Lao.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates who are fluent in both languages will have a competitive advantage in this role, given the international nature of the work and the diverse stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be home-based and will last for a duration of 24 months. The position does not specify additional notes regarding compensation or benefits, but it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The UN also does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts.