Jobs at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

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's Communication Division communicates UNEP's core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide.

Responsibilities

This post is located in UNEP/Communication Division at Nairobi duty station. Under the general guidance of the Director, who serves as Publisher for the organization, and under the supervision of the Chief of Section, Digital Strategy, the Public Information Officer (Social Media) is responsible for the following functions:

• Strategy implementation: Ensure implementation of the digital strategy; establish, maintain and develop a strong UNEP multilingual presence through various social media networks such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc. and UNEP’s multilingual websites; Design and implement social media campaigns for UNEP; Undertake activities with regard to social media management and multilingual website work, and outreach to promote UNEP's activities; Identify priority issues, opportunities and major events that require social media and web coverage and engagement; Conceptualize new ways for UNEP to engage in social networks.
• Capacity building: Build information networks and interact with journalists, media representatives and followers/supporters to engage and develop audiences; Develop and sustain partnerships with internal and external partners for successful implementation of UNEP’s social media strategy; Monitor social media accounts, analyze information and prepare analytical reports in order to ensure outreach,engagement and growth of the UNEP’s social media accounts; Prepare and implement social media campaigns. Supervise work of consultants, UN Volunteers and interns.
• Content creation: Write, select, edit, post, update and maintain UNEP’s content on social networking platforms and multilingual web sites in order to increase awareness and broader online and media coverage of UNEP’s activities; Identify and participate in selection of the information transmitted to followers through social media platforms and the website; Monitor feedback and respond to social media followers providing accurate information; Provide ideas and recommendations on how to increase the presence of UNEP on social media and positioning it on the most appropriate channels; Act as a focal point on issues related to social media engagement, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to effective social media communication and engagement; Ability to coordinate and manage complex social media strategies; Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources; Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaigns; Shows pride in work and in achievements; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Adjusts priorities as required; Allocate 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.
• TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, digital media, information studies, marketing or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in social media, website, digital communication and engagement, marketing or directly related field is required.
• Direct experience managing accounts with a global following is required.
• Experience communicating about science-related topics, designing and implementing paid social strategies is desirable
• Experience managing personnel is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

go to method of application »

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.

Through the resolution “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” (UNEP/EA5/L23/REV.1), the United Nations Environment Assembly requested to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), commencing its work during second half of 2022, with the ambition of completing its work by the end of 2024. The resolution established that the INC should develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, which could include both binding and voluntary approaches, based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, taking into account among other things, the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, as well as national circumstances and capabilities, including provisions.

Responsibilities

The position is based at the Nairobi duty station. Under the overall guidance of the Executive Secretary and in consultation with the UNEP Communication Division, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Leads public communications for the INC Secretariat.
• Maintains knowledge management system of the Secretariat.
• Maintaining up to date web-based material on the progress of the INC.
• Ensures implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
• Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.
• Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management
• 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.
• CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related fields is required.
• A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.
• Experience in writing for the web for a complex international organization comparable to the UN is required.
• Experience coordinating communications work across time zones, departments, office and entities is desirable.
• Experience managing a multicultural team working across multiple time zones is desirable.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.