Associate Public Information Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. It 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. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in addressing environmental issues on a global scale. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), established in April 2012, is a key initiative under UNEP, with a membership of over 150 governments. IPBES aims to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services, responding to the needs of governments and stakeholders. The IPBES secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany, and plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration among various stakeholders in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Job Overview:
The Associate Public Information Officer will be stationed at the IPBES secretariat in Bonn, Germany, and will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Communications and the overall supervision of the IPBES Executive Secretary. This role is pivotal in enhancing the visibility and understanding of IPBES's work and its impact on global biodiversity and ecosystem services. The officer will be responsible for tracking, researching, and analyzing information on assigned topics, developing media communication products, and maintaining a global database of key media contacts. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying information opportunities and strategic partnerships, as well as organizing events such as conferences and press briefings. The officer will also lead efforts to collect and analyze data to inform communication strategies and ensure effective dissemination of information to target audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Public Information Officer include:

• Tracking, researching, and analyzing information on assigned topics/issues; gathering information from diverse sources to assess news value and potential impact.
• Developing media communication products and press materials, including drafting media/press briefings, releases, key messages, media packets, reports, brochures, video clips, and newsletters.
• Organizing the clearance, production, and distribution of information material; conducting photo and graphic research; and maintaining digital information assets.
• Maintaining and growing a global database of key media contacts.
• Preparing initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in various media and publications based on official IPBES and UN documentation.
• Identifying and proposing information opportunities and activities, considering the target audience.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key contacts and stakeholders to facilitate communication efforts.
• Organizing or participating in conferences, seminars, and press briefings, and preparing briefing materials for senior officials.
• Responding to inquiries and information requests, and preparing related correspondence. 1
• Leading team efforts to collect and analyze data, providing insights for data-driven planning and reporting. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, or closely related fields. A first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of public information and communication strategies, particularly in the context of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, or closely related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. Additionally, successful completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in data-driven communication strategies.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, public relations, external communications, or a closely related area is required. This experience should ideally be within the United Nations or a similar international organization. Candidates should have professional experience in communicating about biodiversity science and policy to non-specialist media, as well as experience in building and maintaining media relations. Experience with social media in the context of the United Nations or intergovernmental organizations is also desirable. Candidates with experience related directly to IPBES and in organizing large inter-governmental meetings will be preferred.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level IV in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French or Spanish is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in these languages. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and audiences.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, which may be subject to extension. The selected candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and the United Nations does not concern itself with applicants' bank account information. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.