Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of almost 150 Governments (see www.ipbes.net) and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This position is located at the IPBES secretariat at the Bonn duty station in Germany. The incumbent will report to the Communications Officer / Head of Communications and will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination of planning and implementing IPBES communications activities, and related administrative tasks. • Handles administrative coordination, including through data processing in the Enterprise-Resource-Planning (ERP) system, in support of communications team work, recruitment, procurement, special training and other programmes. • Provide specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services. • Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compiles and presents information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services for external audiences. • Serve as an information focal point on IPBES activities open to accredited press and stakeholders, coordinates media coverage and information outreach on important events; compiles, produces and distributes to journalists and IPBES stakeholders basic information on the whole spectrum of IPBES activities; briefs relevant parties on policies and procedures governing media coverage of IPBES, clearance/accreditation requirements, etc.; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates logistic and technical arrangements/requests and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; researches, evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations and control media access to press briefings, etc.;. • Organize and executes special and commemorative events, coordinating with diverse partners to highlight and publicize key events. • Performs junior photo- and electronic asset librarian functions that include provision of public information to requesters of photographic and other digital materials, and cataloguing/indexing of photographs and other electronic communication assets. • Oversee the shipping and distribution of publications and audio and video materials; ensures the good management of the digital and physical inventory and archives, as well as the proper safekeeping/preservation of historical and promotional audio/visual materials. • Serve as the online marketing and promotion coordinator by overseeing the day-to-day marketing activities and working closely with the audio/visual webmaster to ensure successful branding techniques; undertakes proactive call and directs mail initiatives to build a client base and nurture relationships; produces a wide range of promotional products; and develops data collection mechanisms to gather data on the audience and end-users of IPBES audio/visual products. • Assist in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, podcasts and website projects: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements, etc.; selects and catalogues sound/ visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; prepares detailed “shot lists” of video and film material; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc. • Participate in planning and execution of live broadcasts or taping of messages and programs; books studio time and schedules pre-production and post-production editing sessions for conventional broadcasting and Internet posting; performs digital audio editing of inserts and other recorded components of programmes; coordinates the narration, excerpts and music segments of scripts for final taping or broadcasting; produces scripts, cue cards, etc.; arranges for interviews, including two-way live interview situations; provides logistical support and facilitates the movement of technical personnel and artists during live broadcasts; identifies and selects appropriate and relevant excerpts of speeches and statements for voice-over processing and language adaptations; coordinates translation/adaptation of scripts, the recording of narrations and the preparation of electronic titles and graphics, etc. • Assist in the electronic dissemination of programmes; prepares, maintains and updates web page, to include drafting and editing content; uploads/downloads audio files and maintains file structure. • Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with authors and other experts as required; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the IPBES web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc. • Manage updates and further develops internal databases; updates website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. • Provide guidance and training to junior staff. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to the communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research and gather information from a variety of sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

A High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting or related area is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Experience working in communications about environmental issues, especially biodiversity, is desirable. Experience of working in a communications team in the United Nations system or International Organizational is desirable. Administrative experience in a communications team is desirable. Experience of diverse stakeholder engagement and relationship management is desirable. Experience using Enterprise-Resource-Planning (ERP) systems is desirable. A minimum of one (1) year or more experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable. Knowledge of German is desirable. NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four area.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred to take-up the appointment. When completing the AP form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Contact Us” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.