Org. Setting and Reporting

Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries to address desertification, land degradation, and drought. The functions of the secretariat are, among others, to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies; to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions. The mission of the Communications, External Relations and Partnerships (CERP) unit is to elevate the UNCCD issues on the global agenda and build coalitions for action to address desertification, land degradation and drought. To achieve this goal, the unit communicates relevant and persuasive policy messages, promotes the brand and overall reputation of the institution, bridges the science-policy interface, and builds partnerships that expand the UNCCD’s reach with key stakeholders such as civil society, the media and the private sector. This position is located in the UNCCD Headquarters in Bonn, Germany. The incumbent reports to the Chief, CERP Unit.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, CERP Unit, the incumbent is responsible for general and specialized knowledge management and information services. In particular, incumbent is responsible for good maintenance and improvement of the internal and external knowledge management platforms, including UNCCD online publications catalogue, audiovisual database, website and intranet. S/he is also responsible for the production of UNCCD publications, information and promotional materials, and contributes to the secretariat’s awareness raising, communication and education activities, including the organization of events and exhibitions. The major duties and responsibilities are as follows: 1. Provides general and specialized knowledge management and communication services in support of the activities of the secretariat. a) Acts as the guardian of institutional knowledge, including files and archives of the official documents from the Conference of the Parties (COP) and Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC) sessions. b) Champions knowledge sharing across the secretariat. Provides training to the secretariat staff members on how to use internal and external knowledge management and communication platforms. Assists the staff members, consultants, interns and visitors in identifying and retrieving the information sources, materials and documents needed. c) Establishes and manages digital platforms for management of multimedia assets, including photo, video and audio materials. Advises on relevant copyright provisions and digitalization options. d) Designs, revises and updates the UNCCD resources section on the website and intranet in cooperation with relevant units in order to provide timely and relevant information services to users. e) Coordinates continuous management of the UNCCD e-library, including regular updating of records and any required platform upgrade and maintenance, in coordination with ICT colleagues. f) Manages the UNCCD contact database and makes suggestions for its continuous improvement. 2. Assists in the production of UNCCD publications, information and promotional materials a) Assists with the development of publications, including ISSN and ISBN registrations, liaison with authors, translators, publishers and graphic designers. Ensures compliance with editorial standards and copyright requirements. b) Assists in the development of strong and innovative concepts for new products, outreach and promotional materials in line with UNCCD branding and sustainability requirements, including liaising with relevant units and external vendors in their production. c) Organizes and monitors the process of distribution of UNCCD publications and materials at meetings and events. Receives, responds and organizes the shipment of information/promotional materials to events related to UNCCD activities and external enquires for information/materials. d) Assists the preparation and implementation of public procurement procedures. Maintains inventory records of materials procured by the unit. 3. Contributes to the secretariat’s awareness raising, communication and education activities. a) Provides assistance in the establishment of national, regional and global information networks to share information on desertification, land degradation and drought and sustainable land management. Takes the lead in the production of regular UNCCD newsletters. b) Promotes the work of the secretariat through public awareness events, presentations, information stands, exhibitions, and other relevant activities. c) Manages the UNCCD exhibition and information stands at key events (e.g. UN Day, World Day to Combat Desertification, CRICs and COPs). d) Contributes to the capacity building and education programmes of the secretariat, including proposing and organizing relevant initiatives and events. e) Acts as the main point of contact for UNCCD logo requests. Advises staff and external parties on applicable logo use procedures and ensures compliance with UNCCD branding guidelines. 4. Performs any other job-related activity required to achieve the goals and objectives of the UNCCD and as required by the Executive Secretary.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to knowledge management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection, management, analysis, and visualization using various methods, including Microsoft tools. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. 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. Able to interpret and communicate data and institutional achievements in support of broader organizational goals 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. 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. COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in knowledge management, information network administration, communications or related field at national or international level is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher degree in sustainable development, knowledge management, information management, communications, or closely related area. Fully proficient computer skills and use of software such as Microsoft Office suite is required. Knowledge and practical experience in knowledge management and strategic information management involving databases, publications, multimedia assets, etc., is desirable. Knowledge and practical experience in communications, including public outreach campaigns, is desirable. Previous experience in budget management – administrative and procurement management, as well as travel and logistical arrangements is desirable.

Languages

For this post, fluency in English, with excellent drafting skills is required. Working knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment to this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension provided performance is satisfactory and funds are available. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. It is open to citizens of the European Union (EU) member states or holders of residence and a valid permit to reside and work in Germany, without restrictions, is required. 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 candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take up the appointment.

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.