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Communication Consultant

New York City

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The purpose of the REACT project is to promote the mainstreaming of environmental sustainability in the UN system, focusing in particular on peacekeeping operations, by supporting the United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) in their efforts to improve their own environmental and energy performance. Peacekeeping operations are international missions mandated by the UN Security Council to operate in specific countries and parts of countries for specific periods. The operations usually take place in locations with a fragile environment and a serious lack of infrastructure. The environmental footprint of UN Peacekeeping Operations is not benchmarked against any specific standard or other organization but it is considered to have significant room for improvement in a large number of critical areas. UN Peace operations represents over 50% of the current UN system Climate Footprint and as such are instrumental in reaching the UN wide target of Climate Neutrality by 2020 that is demanded by the Secretary General and the UN Chief Executives’ Board.

UNEP will act in the role of an in-house technical assistance (TA) team and will provide expertise to support DFS in planning, designing, financing and implementing a range of actions that will cumulatively result in a substantial reduction in the environmental footprint. Within DFS, a primary partner of UNEP will the Global Support Centre based in Brindisi, Italy. The GSC provides a wide range of engineering, logistical and IT support to missions.

Functional Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to assist the delivery of the DFS Environmental strategy by assisting the REACT project with the development and initial implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy inclusive of training to staff on better environmental behavior.

Develop a comprehensive communications strategy in support to the DFS Environmental Strategy with clear roll out activities and timelines

  • Assess the current practices and processes to communicate about the Environmental strategy in DFS and REACT.
  • Interview key players in DFS and in the REACT team.
  • Assess how the environmental strategy and overall environmental matters are being communicated ; if necessary visit some missions to meet their communications teams.
  • Analyze how best practices information is collected and transmitted to member states and suggest improvements/ develop templates for more effective communication.
  • Draft communications strategy. 
  • Organize internal workshops to familiarize the DFS and REACT teams with the strategy, agree on activities, deadlines and discuss resources needs.
  • Support the DFS team in its approval and presentation to management.
  • Support the strategy roll out and work with DFS and REACT to disseminate information to and from missions about their environmental performance.
  • Raise capacity in missions (environmental teams and communications teams).
  • Assist with the day to day communication needs of the DFS team in New York (briefs to member states or to stakeholders).
  • Assist with internal communications flows as needed (documentation templates and record system)

Review currently available evidence (good practice examples, existing data from missions, input from UN environment) of improvements in environmental management and performance amongst missions: 

  • Analyse existing best practices sharing platforms (DFS COSMOS; UN Environment Greening the Blue) and review existing best practices available on these platforms.
  • Interview DFS; GSC, mission environmental officers and UN Environment teams to gather further best practices. 
  • Once gathered evidence, deliver the review of best practices into a standardised “best practices” format that  will constitute the template for how DFS will communicate about the strategy’s progress.
Develop Training modules to ensure staff awareness on their personal and collective responsibility towards environmental management, in particular:
  • Design and implementation of the environmental component for the pre-deployment training for military and police personnel highlighting lessons learned in environmental management and performance. 
  • Design concept and delivery materials for an Online training to be proposed to all civilian staff as a possible mandatory training and accompanying campaign materials.

Education

An advanced university degree in communications, English literature, social sciences, international affairs or a relevant field is required.
A first level university degree in relevant field with additional two years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

A minimum of  7 years of experience in corporate strategic communications, training, change management, and/or campaigns management including social media is required.
Familiarity with the UN system and culture and in particular with UN peace operations or humanitarian operations is an asset.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
Previous exposure to cross cultural and multi-ethnic working environment is an asset.
Proficiency in using software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is required (both oral and written). Knowledge of an additional UN language is an advantage.  

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International ICA level 2
Contract duration: 6 months with possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

This vacancy is now closed.
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