The main objective of the position of Climate Change Communications Specialist is to define an overall communication strategy for the project Building capacity to advance in the National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic. Specifically, the Climate Change Communications Specialist will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by performing the following tasks:
• To liaise between the Project Management Unit and the sectors and organizations related to project implementation, contributing in the coordination and development of training workshops to raise awareness on climate change adaptation issues, among policy and decision makers and implementers at local and national level.
• To liaise between the Project Management Unit and MMARN’s Directorate of Communications to guarantee appropriate involvement and project visibility.
• To cooperate with the Project Management Unit and contribute in the coordination and development of awareness raising workshops targeting municipal, civil society, and community stakeholders on the importance of climate change adaptation planning and implementation, the proposed process to develop, implement and update the NAP and methodologies and critical issues to implement adaptation measures, with particular attention to the sectors prioritized in the Nationally Determined Contributions and the National Adaptation Plan.
• To liaise with the Project Management Unit and contribute in the coordination and development of workshops to discuss climate change adaptation issues, among private sector leaders at local and national levels to raise awareness and increase their engagement in adaptation processes.
• To contribute in the development and maintenance and update of a digital platform for public participation in the process of the National Adaptation Plan.
• To liaise with the Project Management Unit and contribute in the coordination and development of learning exchange visits aimed enhancing south-south cooperation and learn from adaptation solutions being implemented in other countries.
• To liaise with government entities and community representatives with whom the project will be related and establish appropriate communication channels to ensure the effective delivery of communication messages and materials.
• To ensure that communication on the project and the NAP implementation process is done in language and format that are tailored to the different relevant target audiences.
• To develop a communications strategy for the project.
• To identify the need for service providers to design or draft communication materials and publications.
• To compile and distribute all project reports and publications (including identifying target audiences and appropriate distribution channels/modalities).
• To prepare information for social media campaigns to increase project visibility trough the MMARN’s official channels.
• To prepare presentations and materials relevant for project activities as may be required.
• To respond to requests for information by media or other entities, as delegated.
• To carry out any other relevant communications and awareness raising duties within his/her technical competence.
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Expected duration3 months
Duties and Responsibilities
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.
UNEP, through its Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO) located in Panama City, Panama, works closely with the 33 countries of the region - including 16 small island developing States -with a population of about 588 million people.
To implement the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In terms of supporting countries in the region attain the global commitments signed within the framework of the Paris Agreement, UNEP’s Latin America and the Caribbean Sub-programme on Climate Change aims at strengthening the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. In this framework, the UNEP Sub-programme on Climate Change, through its Climate Change Unit leads and supports several initiatives oriented at designing, promoting and implementing innovative mitigation and adaptation solutions at the national and subnational level, and strengthening the transparency framework of the countries.
The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including the ecosystem-based approach, are implemented and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP’s Sub- programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that cross-cutting issues such as /gender equity and women empowerment are effectively integrated in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives.
In this context, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic and UN Environment, have agreed on the implementation of the project Building capacity to advance in the National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic, framed within the Readiness program of the Green Climate Fund.
The project is aimed at reducing the vulnerability of Dominican Republic to the effects of climate variability and climate change through the creation of adaptive capacities. Specifically, the project has the objective to strengthen the country's capacity to integrate adaptation into regional and municipal planning, including the participation of government entities, the private sector, and civil society.
The project seeks to achieve its objective through:
¿ Strengthening the institutional, legal, policy and planning framework;
¿ Engaging key stakeholders in climate change adaptation planning and implementation;
¿ Producing high-quality and pertinent knowledge; and
¿ Building capacity at different levels.
To fulfill the objectives of the project, UNEP LACO is recruiting a Climate Change Communications Consultant to provide operational support to the Project Management Unit and ensure the effective delivery of administrative tasks during the implementation of the project.
The Consultant will operate under the overall supervision of the UNEP Adaptation Programme Officer at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the Directorate for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic and other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts.
ACADEMIC:
• Bachelor´s degree in in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations or a closely related field is required.
• Master’s degree in communication, public relations, and/ or social sciences is required.
• Academic training in sustainable development and environmental issues will be an asset.
PROFESSIONAL:
• Minimum of 7 years of work experience in the dissemination of information and knowledge management is required.
• Experience in the dissemination of environmental and/or social issues related to climate change adaptation in the Dominican Republic is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate communication policies and strategies is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in report writing, presentations design and developing communication strategies and drafting official and non-official documents is desirable.
• Previous experience in the formulation and execution of internal and external communication strategies is an asset.
• Experience in engaging with government institutions and other stakeholders at the national and local levels is desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the use of renewed and creative ideas to turn complex information into clear proposals with attractive content for the public is an asset.
• Experience in coordinating publications, content edition and proofreading are an asset.
• Experience in the facilitation and organization of workshops is an asset.
LANGUAGE:
• Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Fluency in English is required.
SKILLS:
• Excellent political, advisory and facilitation skills.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions and participatory processes with multiple stakeholders in multicultural environments.
• Demonstrated understanding of development planning and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
• Excellent technical leadership and understanding of climate change adaptation concepts, principles and policies. Ability to provide guidance on climate change adaptation, especially as it relates to development planning.
COMPETENCIES:
• Professionalism: Is results-oriented and committed to excellence. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Demonstrates adaptability to change and willingness to engage in continuous learning. Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of views.
• Administrative and operational effectiveness: Ability to perform a variety of tasks related to administration and financial management, e.g., human resources, budget/work programme, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations.
• 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.
• 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.
• Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals; takes leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
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.