Nature Subprogramme Strategic Communications Consultant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the global environmental authority, setting the agenda and advocating for the environment. Its Ecosystem Division drives conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems for nature and people. This role, located in the Ecosystem Division's Director's Office, supports increasing the visibility of the Division's impact and outputs, specifically for the Nature sub-programme of UNEP’s medium-term strategy.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to enhance the visibility and impact of UNEP's Ecosystem Division, particularly concerning its Nature sub-programme. The consultant will provide strategic communications expertise to effectively convey the Division's work and raise its profile. This involves developing clear, concise communication materials, including briefing notes, speaking points, and media articles, ensuring messages align with UNEP's priorities. The role also contributes to strategic engagement planning for key events, anticipating communication outcomes, and providing recommendations to boost the Nature sub-programme's visibility. By monitoring news and policy agendas, the consultant will identify opportunities for UNEP to contribute to global debates, ensuring timely responses to major trends and opportunities. This ultimately strengthens UNEP's authoritative voice for the global environment and its efforts in conservation and sustainable development.

Responsibilities

Provide expertise in developing clear, concise, and descriptive communication materials that effectively convey the impact of the Division's work and significantly raise the organization's profile on the Nature sub-programme. This encompasses preparing and reviewing various materials such as briefing notes, speaking points, publication forewords, and media articles, often requiring rapid turnaround. Conduct analytical review, development, and compilation of substantive messages, working closely with technical and policy experts across the division to ensure messaging is consistently clear and aligned with both the Division's and UNEP's broader priorities. Coordinate the planning and seamless delivery for strategic engagement in key events, proactively anticipating opportunities to prepare in advance for optimal communication outcomes, as a core component of the partnership and political engagement strategy. Offer well-researched recommendations to substantially enhance the visibility of the Nature sub-programme. This involves diligently monitoring news and events for strategic engagement, staying abreast of the global news and policy agenda, and recommending how UNEP's perspectives can timely and effectively contribute to key global debates. Additionally, provide critical alerts as needed to respond swiftly to major trends and emerging opportunities. Design and develop compelling content for key advocacy materials and events aimed at raising awareness about the crucial importance of investments in nature for achieving sustainable development goals.

Work Experience

Minimum ten years of work experience in communication or related fields is required. Experience in preparing communication and advocacy materials within an international organizational setting, specifically in an environmental context, is also required.

Skills

Developing clear, concise, and descriptive communication materials. Strategic message development for high-level engagement. Analytical review and compilation of substantive messages. Partnership and political engagement strategy coordination. Monitoring news and policy agendas for strategic opportunities. Designing and developing advocacy content. Knowledge of diverse environment and sustainable development issues (desirable).

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