The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the world’s 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 environment.

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’s 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 Communications Division communicates UNEP’s core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide.
• The UN General Assembly has designated the years 2021 through 2030 as UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, with the goal of preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. UNEP has been assigned to co-lead on the UN Decade, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), by taking the lead on communication, global advocacy and partnerships.
• The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. Since its successful launch on World Environment Day 2021, the UN Decade has spearheaded several far-reaching and successful campaigns, including most recently the selection and celebration of 10 UN World Restoration Flagships. Communication products included a mini-documentary series, an interactive map and a gamification.
• In the coming years, several thematic campaigns are planned to further increase the reach and impact of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
• The purpose of this consultancy is to support the coordination of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration advocacy campaigns. This position is based in UNEP’s Public Advocacy and Communication Section, which oversees the organization’s public-facing advocacy campaigns, under the Communications Manager of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
• Under direct guidance of the Communication Manager, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and broader oversight from the Chief of Public Advocacy and Communication the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:
  • Lead on coordination, design, and implementation of campaigns on ecosystem restoration, with inputs of and support from all concerned colleagues/offices.
  • Co-lead with expertise the design and implementation of a youth-focused outreach initiative, with inputs of and support from all concerned colleagues and offices.
  • Support the Communication Manager of the UN Decade in campaign-related administrative processes, as instructed.
  • Support the Communication Manager of the UN Decade in other tasks, as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications/special skills

• A master’s degree in journalism, communication, journalism, international relations, social sciences or other 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 master’s degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications is required.
• Knowledge of or experience in ecology, environmental policy or related fields is desirable.
• Experience with the United Nations system is desirable.
• Experience coordinating global campaigns is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of another official UN language is desirable