Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is recognized as 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 United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), established in April 2012, has a membership of 150 Governments and aims to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The IPBES secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany, where this position is based.

Job Overview:
The Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the communications team at IPBES. This position involves assisting in the planning and implementation of various communications activities, handling administrative tasks, and providing specialized assistance in the production and delivery of communication products and services. The incumbent will be responsible for researching information sources, compiling data for communications products, and serving as a focal point for media coverage of IPBES activities. The role also includes organizing special events, managing digital assets, and overseeing marketing activities. The Communications Assistant will work closely with the Communications Officer and other team members to ensure effective communication strategies are executed, particularly in relation to biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Communications Assistant include:

• Assisting in the coordination of planning and implementing IPBES communications activities.
• Handling administrative coordination through data processing in the ERP system.
• Providing specialized assistance in the production and delivery of communication products.
• Researching and compiling information from various sources for communications products.
• Serving as an information focal point for media coverage and coordinating outreach efforts.
• Organizing and executing special events in collaboration with partners.
• Performing functions related to photo and electronic asset management.
• Overseeing the distribution of publications and managing digital inventories.
• Coordinating online marketing and promotion activities. 1
• Assisting in the production and editing of multimedia projects. 1
• Participating in planning and executing live broadcasts. 1
• Managing updates to internal databases and web pages. 1
• Providing guidance and training to junior staff. 1
• Assisting with data collection and analysis for reporting purposes. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting, or a related area is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience in communications related to environmental issues, particularly biodiversity, is desirable. Familiarity with working in a communications team within the United Nations system or an international organization is also preferred. Administrative experience in a communications team and experience with stakeholder engagement and relationship management are beneficial. Proficiency in using ERP systems and experience in data analytics are desirable.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered with reduced experience requirements. There are no specific job-specific qualifications listed beyond the educational background.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in public communication, international broadcasting, or a related field. This experience can be reduced to five years for those with a first-level university degree. Experience in communications about environmental issues, particularly biodiversity, is highly desirable. Additionally, experience working in a communications team within the United Nations system or an international organization is preferred, along with administrative experience in a communications context and experience in stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable, and knowledge of German is also considered beneficial. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. Knowledge of a language is defined as being 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The appointment is a fixed-term appointment limited (FTA-limited) and is subject to local recruitment. Applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusively applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.