Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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.

UNEP’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.

UNEP Communication Division delivers UNEP’s core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide. Its portfolio of campaigns and communication projects advances action to address the triple planetary crisis, including public advocacy to promote sustainable consumption and production for a pollution-free planet. Under the direct supervision of the Chemicals and Pollution Action Pillar Lead, Public Advocacy & Communications Section, the Pollution Action Communication Expert will support the implementation of the Chemicals and Pollution Action Pillar strategy and narrative. Through this role, the expert will contribute to facilitating strategic advocacy and communication efforts to drive sustainable transitions in high-impact sectors (such as plastics, textiles, electronics, extractives, and transport) and counter diverse forms of pollution that harm human and planetary health, such as air, chemical and pharmaceutical pollution, taking a leading role in communication efforts about the the environmental dimensions of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Under the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, Chemicals and Pollution Action Coordinator (Pillar Lead), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the implementation of corporate strategies for the Chemicals and Pollution Action Pillar, contributing to the efforts to bring coherence and cohesiveness to the pillar communications.
• Propose innovative approaches and develop consistent materials to reach the target audiences of the Pillar.
• In line with the pillar strategy, draft a wide array of outward-facing materials, including stories, press releases, social media content, video scripts, and proposed content, including for any flagship events, campaigns, and engagement with UNEP Goodwill Ambassadors.
• Translate scientific and technical information into relatable and engaging messages and materials.
• Support outreach strategies for publications.
• Facilitate relationships and partnership building within the context of pollution and AMR.
• Manage digital tools to improve and maintain internal coordination across teams and Divisions, keeping track and facilitating accountability of relevant users.
• Propose or contribute to outreach strategies to increase the uptake of UNEP’s knowledge, messages, and calls to action in key audiences.
• Develop communication materials to advance public advocacy and communication objectives on AMR, especially in relation to the World AMR Awareness Week, the establishment of the Independent Panel of Experts on AMR (IPEA), and the production of relevant publications, in line with the workstream of the Quadripartite Awareness Working group on AMR (integrated by UNEP, WHO, FAO and WOAH).
• Provide UNEP representation in the Quadripartite Awareness Working group on AMR.
• In close coordination with the AMR Quadripartite partners, contribute to the development of joint communication strategies, action plan, and communication materials for targeted audiences.
• Monitor media and online conversations to facilitate the uptake of supportive discourse.
• Integrate the use of innovative tools to develop creative assets.
• Perform other related activities and initiatives assigned by the supervisors.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance, in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• The Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed