Communication Strategy consultant

I. A comprehensive communication strategy for the implementation of the NBSAP 3.0 (2026- 2035) developed. II. Road map developed for the implementation of the NBSAP communication strategy. III. A detailed report of capacity building support provided to the EPA. IV. Campaign materials are produced for different stakeholders and in different languages. V. Established different communication platforms for the EPA to continue its engagement with different stakeholders.

Sierra Leone

3 months

Background 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. This assignment is in the Nature Frameworks Support Unit of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. UNEP is also one of the key agencies hosting the NBSAP Accelerator Partnership. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership is a country-led global initiative that supports the development and implementation of ambitious National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and collectively achieve the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and, ultimately, the global vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership provides technical and financial support for the implementation of GBF-aligned NBSAPs. This includes strengthening country-driven coordination, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices, and addressing country-specific needs. It also helps raise national profile of countries' NBSAPs, and fast-track implementation through a matchmaking service, increased access to expertise, knowledge and capacity development, and in-country facilitation support. A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) is a country’s principal document for implementing the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It outlines a nation’s approach to conserving its biodiversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and fairly sharing the benefits derived from genetic resources. Sierra Leone is a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). They signed and ratified the convention in 1994 and 1996, respectively. The Country also acceded to the Cartagena Protocol in 2020 and the Nagoya Protocol in 2017. Duties and Responsibilities The NBSAP Accelerator Partnership’s Facilitator Programme is looking for a consultant to assist the Government of Sierra Leone through its Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement of a comprehensive NBSAP national communication strategy that aligns with the country communication and information strategy implemented by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC). This will increase understanding and enhance effective implementation of the country’s NBSAP and track progress. Sierra Leone's biodiversity is severely threatened by deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, illegal logging, mining, and over-fishing, fuel wood production, and infrastructural and urban development leading to drastic habitat loss and species decline. The country's commitment to conserving this biodiversity is reflected in its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP). The Consultant will help develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive internal and external communication plan to align messaging with national goals. Key responsibilities include drafting consistent brand narrative, supporting EPA managing media relations, building capacity of EPA overseeing digital content (website, social media), and analyzing audience data to ensure effective targeted engagement. The rationale for developing and implementing a comprehensive NBSAP national communication strategy that aligns with the country communication and information strategy implemented by the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) is to facilitate the successful implementation of the NBSAP 3.0 by raising the awareness through the whole of government and the whole of society approach, aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework and the NBSAP Accelerator Partnerships objectives. Specific Tasks I. Lead the development, implementation, and a comprehensive communications plan, including setting goals, defining target audiences, and selecting appropriate channels. II. Facilitate the crafting, distribution, and managing consistent messaging across various platforms, including websites, social media, newsletter and press releases. III. Strengthen the EPA Information, Communication and Advocacy Directorate to manage public relations, media contacts list, press releases, and special events to protect and enhance the organization's reputation. IV. Support EPA to ensure consistent, timely information flow to the general public on the NBSAP related interventions to promote engagement and alignment with existing initiatives. V. Facilitate and analyze campaign effectiveness, tracking metrics, and produce regular reports on communication initiatives that relate to NBSAP implementation. VI. Provide capacity to the EPA to develop, maintain and execute crisis communication plans to protect the NBSAP campaign brand during unforeseen events. VII. Train the EPA on how to mobilize resources to support NBSAP communication campaigns and create a brand that is successful for the implementation of the NBSAP (2026-2035). The scope of the communication strategy for the NBSAP 3.0 (2026-2035) is to develop, implement and update comprehensive communications plans, including setting goals, defining target audience and selecting appropriate channels. A road map will be develop for the effective implementation of the communication strategy of NBSAP 3.0, and several training sessions to be held with the EPA to enable them understand crafting, distribution, and managing consistent messaging across various platforms, including websites, social media, newsletter and press releases, to ensure consistent, timely information flow to the general public on the NBSAP related interventions to promote engagement and alignment with existing initiatives. Campaign materials will be produced for different stakeholders and in different languages. The consultant will report to the Programme Management Officer of the Nature Frameworks Support Unit, in close collaboration the NBSAP Accelerator Partnerships Facilitator and with EPA in Sierra Leone.

An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Communication, Development Communication, Communication and Journalism and other related disciplines is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations or journalism related to biodiversity planning, conservation and environmental work is required. Proven expertise in developing and implementing communication strategy, particularly at institution or national level is required Demonstrated experience working on communications for sustainable development, biodiversity, or environmental issues is required. Strong understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) is required. Previous experience working with UNEP, UNDP or Similar international organization is desirable

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of Sierra Leone local languages is an added advantage.

Not available.

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.