Communications Officer

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) is a strategic public-private partnership between UNEP and the global financial sector. UNEP FI works with over 200 financial institutions, signatories to UNEP Statement of Commitment by Financial Institutions on Sustainable Development, and a range of partners and organizations, to embed environmental, social and governance considerations in financial decision-making. Through its industry, thematic and regional activities, UNEP FI promotes the adoption of sustainability practices by financial institutions and the finance sector at large.
UNEP FI needs a consultant to work on all of its communication requirements, including digital, web based, paper and currently does not have the relevent professional expertise internally to carry out the stated tasks as shown below.

Through these services the Initiative will be able to engage a broad range of financial institutions, including commercial banks, investment banks, venture capitalists, asset managers, and multi-lateral development banks and agencies – in a constructive dialogue about the nexus between economic development, environmental protection, and sustainable development. The services will also help promote the full integration of environmental considerations into all aspects of the financial sector’s operations and services and help foster private sector investment in environmentally sound technologies and services. Finally the services will help the Initiative to broaden its outreach both within UNEP / UN and external to governments, private sector and multi-stakeholders.  

In line with the work programme delivered during the UNEP FI Annual General Meeting and approved by UNEP, and under the direction of UNEP FI Head and Liesel van Ast, UNEP FI Membership and Regional Co-ordination Manager, the consultant will carry out the following project tasks for the UNEP FI Communications Programme of Work – as shown below in 4.

• Implement a global communications strategy that has clear objectives, messaging and transmission channels for each target audience.
• Maintain a strong brand for UNEP FI, including impactful and fit-for-purpose publications, web site, videos, social media.
• Provide substantive inputs for the development of project and topic-related communications strategies and strengthen existing communications products, with a specific focus on messaging for key stakeholder groups (financial institutions, donors, governments, etc.).
• Liaise internally to develop and coordinate content for websites, social media and corporate communications material to build internal and external visibility and increase interest among key stakeholder groups.

Specifically, the Consultant will perform the following tasks:

• Promote UNEP FI events, publications and news.
• Support the coordination and implementation of media campaigns. Contribute in ensuring that all external communications are coordinated in terms of delivery and have a common branding and style. Assist in the development of relevant templates (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) to facilitate this.
• Oversee press engagement, support in maintaining a high-quality media database and media monitoring reports as needed.
• Manage the preparation and production of publicity brochures, factsheets, policy papers, case studies, promotional videos, photographs, multimedia material, etc. as well as in recommending new communications products.
• Brief and co-ordinate the management of service providers (designers, video producers, etc.)
• Coordinate the content for 3 websites (UNEPFI.org, PSI, PDC), direct online strategy and complete daily web updates (have taken on some of the webmaster’s job in that I am doing the updates for the extranet, and other team members.)
• Manage members extranet content and updates.
• Establish key tracking and performance indicators and review web metrics reports related to most read content. Ensure the overseeing of user research and determine audience needs, act on audience feedback.
• Assist with the organization and coordination of press conferences, press briefings, interview and media events.
• Manage three social media channels including feature stories and other media materials.
• Co-ordinate  the overseeing of the development, production and distribution of all core publications.
• Co-ordinate with UNEP FI regional co-ordinators in their work with specific knowledge products.
• Actively participate in communications for UNEP FI outreach work to members, other financial institutions, other UN agencies, NGOs, think-tanks.
• Handle other external communications on behalf of UNEP FI as necessary.
• Write and distribute member communications and emails, as well as monthly newsletters.
• Update and manage contact database for member mailings.

• Organization and management of the communications for events such as joint initiatives like Climate Action events is undertaken.
• Organization, planning, management of the communications, marketing and promotion for 2018 Global Roundtable.
• Members’ communications delivered, including production of 5 member’s newsletters.
• Communications and planning for COP 24 2018 is undertaken.
• UNEP FI website and members’ extranet content are up-to-date, and new team members are trained in use of website and extranet.
• All external communications are coordinated and have a common branding style.
• All UNEP FI news and developments are communicated to key audiences.
• Media database, Media Monitory Reports, and Press Engagement are undertaken.
• Press conferences, interviews and media events are organized for launch activities/thought leadership.
• Management of relationships with key media such as Responsible Investor and Environmental Finance, management of subscriptions to those publications, undertaken.   
• Communications undertaken for UNEP FI’s TCFD investment and insurance pilot project outcomes.
• Marketing and communications for ecosystems projects and support communications for  Advancing Environmental Risk Management framework (communications efforts are led by NCFA).
• Marketing and communications undertaken for launch of ESG in Underwriting Guidelines.
• Marketing and communications for launch of Banking Principles global consultation supported.
• Marketing and communications undertaken for launch of paper on Luxembourg Roadmap for Sustainable Finance and Regional Roundtable for Europe in Luxembourg.
• UNEP FI’s community platform /LinkedIn Group established.
• Marketing and promotions for Regional Roundtables in 2019 undertaken.
• UNEP FI Overview and brochure are produced.
• Communications undertaken for climate change and portfolio decarbonisation campaigns.
• Communications on Sustainable Stock Exchanges and fiduciary duties initiatives supported.
• Communications overseen for training programme.

a. Education 

Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, international relations, finance, environment, or public relations. A Bachelor degree with 2(two) additional years of relevant experience may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree.

b. Work Experience

At least 5(five) years working experience in communications. Up-to-date proficiency with communications best practices, including social media. Experience in implementing communications strategies.  Exceptional proven writing, editing and written communication skills. Creative and resourceful strategist with a track record of proactivity.

c. Language

Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an asset.

Excellent oral and written communications skills, strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain good working relations in a multicultural and geographically dispersed environment; Interest in economics, business, finance, or environmental sciences; Ability to cope with heavy work loads, multiple and diverse projects in an organized and timely manner; Attention to detail. The incumbent is expected to work independently and must have significant latitude to be self-directed and be highly motivated. English is the working language of UNEP FI. 

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. 

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.