Environment and Energy Group Communications Specialist (re-advertised)

The Bureau for Development Policy (BDP) is responsible for articulating UNDP’s development policy, using evidence gathered through country applications, regional experiences and global interactions. BDP has a key role to play in helping country offices to accelerate human development by supporting the country offices in the design and implementation of programmes and projects that effectively contribute to the national-level policies and results. Driven by demand, and working through the Regional Bureaux and the Regional Service Centers, BDP provides the tools, analysis and capacities that country offices need to make a real difference in UNDP’s practice areas.

BDP’s support of UNDP’s strategic plan 2008-2011 is focused in 4 focus areas: Poverty Reduction; Governance; Environment and Sustainable Development; and HIV/AIDS; and 2 thematic areas: Capacity Development and Gender Equality; and Women’s Empowerment. Within the Environment and Sustainable Development focus, four strategic areas of intervention are identified:

• mainstreaming environment and energy
• mobilizing environmental financing
• promoting adaptation to climate change
• expanding access to environmental and energy services for the poor

Within BDP primary responsibility for delivering results within the Environment and Sustainable Development focus area rests with the Environment and Energy Group (EEG). This is composed of around 65 professionals in the New York headquarters, and a further 82 located at 6 regional centres around the world. The regional advisors directly support the environment programme managers in the UNDP country teams within their region.

The Communications Specialist is responsible for all aspects of EEG’s communications work including:

1. development and implementation of an EEG communications strategy within the BDP context and overall UNDP strategy;
2. outreach and media relations including development of contacts, networks and media opportunities, and their use including the distribution and dissemination of materials, arranging press briefings, photo opportunities, and the like;
3. sourcing, drafting, editing and otherwise preparing and producing material for press briefings, publication in print, web, sound, or video;
4. providing internal advice to all staff in the EEG team on issues related to communications.

The EEG Communications Specialist works closely with the other communications specialists in BDP, the Communications Office of the Administrator, and other communications teams throughout UNDP.

The EEG Communications Specialist reports directly to the EEG Director and the UNDP/GEF Executive Coordinator and works in close coordination with the EEG Practice Manager.

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Strategy, Targets and Framing of UNDP EEG Communications
2. Outreach and getting the UNDP EEG message across
3. Drafting, Editing and Production
4. Internal advice, guidance, quality control and coordination of EEG Communications

1. Targets, Strategy and Framing of UNDP EEG Communications and Messages

• Identifying key target audiences, both externally and internally
• Identifying and defining key communications targets for each audience
• Identifying and defining key needs and opportunities for communication
• Strategically framing UNDP’s Environment and Energy work and messages
• Developing and continually updating a strategic EEG communications programme

2. Outreach and Getting the Message Across

• Identifying and producing key EEG communications messages for key target audiences
• Identifying, developing and maintaining a network of strategic contacts
• Pro-active and strategic dissemination of EEG messages and materials
• Identifying, developing and using strategic media opportunities including interviews, press briefings, photo opportunities, television, video, and the like to get EEG’s messages across
• Maintenance of the EEG public website

3. Drafting, Editing and Production

• Drafting materials of all kinds including statements, press releases, material for publication, or recording
• Sourcing, editing and finishing work of all kinds
• Organizing translation of materials
• Organizing publication of written, graphic, web, audio, and video materials of all kinds,
• Sourcing and maintaining an up-to-date fully representative “library” of current EEG material

4. Internal guidance, quality control and coordination

• Providing guidance to staff throughout EEG on any issues related to communications
• Maintaining quality control for all EEG communications materials
• Maintaining relations with the UNDP Office of Communications and the global network of Communications Focal Points
• Supporting EEG engagement in key environment meetings such as CSD, COPs, and the like 

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Analytic

• Ability to review, synthesize and summarize complex materials

Communication

• Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media campaigns, including well-written information about UNDP, its objectives and activities.
• Ability to effectively manage an advocacy campaign
• Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
• Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office

Planning and Organizing

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently

Creativity

• Actively seeks to improve programmes or services
• Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things

Commitment to Continuous Learning

• Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession
• Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates
• Shows willingness to learn from others
• Seeks feedback to learn and improve

Vision

• Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction
• Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, media studies, journalism, broadcasting, international relations or equivalent
• At least 7 years experience as a communications specialist in a fast paced internationally focused company, NGO, governmental or intergovernmental department or organization, preferably with an environment or energy focus
• Significant skills and experience with a wide range of communications media
• Highly organized, detail oriented and able to work independently
• Exceptional writing ability in English
• Broad understanding of environmental issues
• Significant experience in public speaking, as a spokesperson, press secretary, or equivalent, would be an asset
• The ability to work in other UN languages would be an asset