Job Advertisement

Position Title: Communications and Outreach Specialist
Location: Remote, Kingstown
Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Deadline Date: 28-Nov-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established in 1973, UNOPS is dedicated to helping people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. With a mission to provide project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS operates in over 80 countries worldwide. The organization employs thousands of professionals and collaborates with various partners, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector, to deliver impactful projects that contribute to peace and security, Humanitarian Response, and sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Communications and Outreach Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This position is primarily a work-from-home assignment, allowing the specialist to work remotely from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines or another CARICOM country. The specialist will collaborate closely with the Director of the SDU and report formally to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist. The role involves developing and implementing strategic communications, media management, and online Content Development to enhance stakeholder engagement in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) implementation and related topics. The position is expected to last for a year, with a possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The specialist will also be required to attend periodic meetings and travel to Kingstown approximately four times a year for up to five working days each time, with travel expenses covered by UNOPS.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications and Outreach Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement a comprehensive Communications Strategy for the SDU, maintain a Communications Toolkit with templates for various audiences, provide technical advice on brand positioning and media materials, and support the creation of press releases, social media content, and speeches.
• Media Management: Enhance SDU's media presence by creating a media engagement strategy, maintaining a database of journalists and influencers, and monitoring media coverage related to SDU initiatives.
• Online Content Management: Design and develop a website to showcase SDU programs, implement a web content management strategy to boost audience engagement, and manage social media strategies to increase visibility and interaction with SDU's online platforms.
• Event Support: Assist in organizing events such as COP29 and COP30, including speaker identification and outreach, invitations, and event promotion.
• Additional Support: Provide assistance with any other communications or knowledge management tasks that may arise during the assignment period.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Communications and Outreach Specialist position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Master’s Degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, or a related field is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• At least five years of experience in communication, journalism, or print media.
• A minimum of two years of experience related to Climate Change, Environmental Management, or public policy.
• Familiarity with the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement is considered an asset, along with a proven track record in implementing strategic communication campaigns.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and engage with various stakeholders in the context of climate change and sustainable development.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in communication, journalism, or print media. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of experience specifically related to climate change, adaptation or mitigation planning, environmental management, or public policy. Experience working in developing countries, particularly small island developing states (SIDS), is highly valued, as is familiarity with local media practices and a well-established network of contacts with local journalists.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Spanish is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and contribute to the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local ICA Specialist contract for a duration of 12 months, with a maximum of 220 working days. There is a possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds. The role is primarily home-based, meaning the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office or government facilities and will need to use their own laptop and software. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines or possess a valid residence permit in the country or the CARICOM region. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The contract modality (Local ICA or International ICA) will be evaluated based on the nationality of the preferred candidate.