Communications Officer
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the UN system. The Ecosystem Division focuses on conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems. This role is within the Marine and Coastal Unit in Nairobi, reporting to the Chief of the Unit.
Job Purpose
The Communications Officer will lead the design and implementation of the Global Fund for Coral Reef (GFCR) global communications strategy, aligning it with UN priorities and GFCR's objectives. This includes leading GFCR's advocacy positioning on ocean, climate, biodiversity, and sustainable finance, and supporting alignment with international frameworks. The role involves developing and implementing a strategic engagement framework for GFCR and the One Ocean Finance Initiative (OOF), coordinating political engagement, and strengthening partnerships with public and private sectors. The officer will research, analyze information, prepare various written outputs, support meetings and outreach activities, and contribute to data analysis for informed decision-making.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of the GFCR global communications strategy, ensuring alignment with UN system priorities and GFCR's objectives. Lead GFCR's global advocacy positioning across ocean, climate, biodiversity, and sustainable finance policy processes. Support alignment with UN resolutions and international frameworks for GFCR and OOF. Develop and implement a strategic engagement framework for GFCR and OOF, including stakeholder mapping and engagement planning. Coordinate political engagement and mobilization strategies for the One Ocean Finance Initiative. Strengthen relationships with public and private sector partners. Research, analyze, and present information from diverse sources. Assist in communications aspects of policy development, including research and analysis. Undertake survey initiatives, design data collection tools, and analyze responses. Prepare written outputs such as briefing notes, reports, and publications. Provide substantive support for meetings and conferences. Undertake outreach activities, organize meetings, workshops, and conferences. Participate in or lead field missions. Contribute to budget and funding activities. Collect and analyze data for insights and reporting using data visualization methods.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in communication, advocacy, knowledge management, and data analysis within sustainable development, environmental management, climate change, ecosystems, or oceans at the international level is required. Experience in designing and implementing global communications and advocacy strategies is essential. Experience in coordinating political engagement and strengthening partnerships is also required. Three years of experience with international organizations or the UN system is desirable.
Skills
Strategic communications, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, research, policy development support, meeting support, outreach activities, partnership building, UN system alignment, knowledge management, data visualization.