Communications Officer - UN REDD
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BACKGROUND
The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations Collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in developing countries. The Programme was launched in 2008 to assist developing countries prepare for and implement REDD+, and builds on the convening power and expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
As a partner country of the UN-REDD Programme, Sri Lanka is committed to developing the necessary capacity to implement REDD+ according to the components of REDD+ readiness that have been identified. The Sri Lanka UN-REDD NationalProgramme will thus contribute to ensuring that Sri Lanka is prepared to effectively participate in the REDD+ mechanism resulting from the UNFCCC negotiations, by focusing on key elements of REDD+ readiness.
The overall objective of the Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme is to“support the Government of Sri Lanka in catalyzing the establishment of key mechanism and process and development of capacities, required to implement REDD+.”
Note:
This position is being advertised in anticipation of having the recruitment finalized pending funding award and finalization of the project agreement. The final appointment of the chosen candidate will be dependent on IUCN being awarded the necessary funding for this position.
As a partner country of the UN-REDD Programme, Sri Lanka is committed to developing the necessary capacity to implement REDD+ according to the components of REDD+ readiness that have been identified. The Sri Lanka UN-REDD NationalProgramme will thus contribute to ensuring that Sri Lanka is prepared to effectively participate in the REDD+ mechanism resulting from the UNFCCC negotiations, by focusing on key elements of REDD+ readiness.
The overall objective of the Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme is to“support the Government of Sri Lanka in catalyzing the establishment of key mechanism and process and development of capacities, required to implement REDD+.”
Note:
This position is being advertised in anticipation of having the recruitment finalized pending funding award and finalization of the project agreement. The final appointment of the chosen candidate will be dependent on IUCN being awarded the necessary funding for this position.
JOB DESCRIPTION
IUCN Sri Lanka is supporting the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its communication and knowledge management technical assistance to the United Nations collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (the UN-REDD Programme).
The Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme is a four year national programme implemented by the Forest Department with technical support through United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNEP. The Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme will contribute to ensuring that Sri Lanka is prepared to effectively participate in the REDD+ mechanism resulting from the UNFCCC negotiations, by focusing on key elements of REDD+ readiness.
The overall objective of the National Programme is to “support the Government of Sri Lanka in catalyzing the establishment of key mechanism and process and development of capacities, required to implement REDD+.” The Programme’s component on communications and knowledge management is considered as a key component to ensure the success of the Sri Lanka’s REDD+ preparatory process.
In this context, IUCN Sri Lanka is seeking the services of a dynamic professional as a Communications Officer, to be based at the UN-REDD Programme office in Palawatta, Battaramulla. Under the quality assurance support of the IUCN and the direct supervision of the National Programme Manager, Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme, the Communications Officer is expected to ensure that information on the National REDD+ preparatory process and key initiatives of the UN-REDD Programme is communicated effectively to a range of diverse stakeholder groups in Sri Lanka and abroad, using multi-media and different approaches.
To provide communications support to the National Programme, the Communications Officer (CO) will be recruited and will be based at the PMU. The CO will be part of the PMU and will report to the Programme Manager (PM).
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the PM, the CO shall be responsible for developing communications protocols between Programme partners and materials and methods for publicity, information and consultation purposes. The CO is responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of information about the Programme provided through materials and media; targeting, adapting and translating messages and materials for particular audiences; and for ensuring that all communications products conform to the required specifications of UN agencies, the UN-REDD Programme, the Government of Sri Lanka and implementing partners.The CO is also responsible for ensuring that communication channels amongcolleagues in the National Programme as well as between all Programme partners including IUCN flow effectively, efficiently and promptly, including the delivery and presentation of reports, as required under the UN-REDD Programme.
DUTIES:
1 The CO will lead in ensuring that information on the National REDD+ Programme and Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme is communicated effectively to other stakeholders in Sri Lanka and internationally.
2 Identify relevant stakeholder groups, their general interest areas related to REDD+ and most appropriate and effective modes of communication to reach out to them;
3 Coordinate and organize the meetings for the Communications Network and provide appropriate guidance;
4 Prepare key messages regarding REDD+ and the role of the UN-REDD Programme respectively for the government and non-government stakeholders in consultation with the NPD, PM and technical staff members of PMU;
5 Work closely with IUCN on key thematic areas of communication, particularly on the infographic work for green economy and REDD+ in Sri Lanka, and monitor and ensure the delivery of the product;
6. Develop necessary strategies, plans and tools (e.g. website, brochures, etc.) to ensure that information on the national REDD+ readiness process and the UN-REDD Programme is communicated effectively to relevant stakeholders in the country and internationally;
7 Coordinate engagement with the media and act as a focal person for all media inquiries related to the UN-REDD National Programme;
8 Support technical staff members of PMU in preparing targeted communication and learning materials for different work areas of the UN-REDD National Programme;
9 Assist with the packaging of information for sharing lessons and experiences from different work areas with internal and external audiences;
10 Coordinate with partner organizations and initiatives to disseminate information on the UN-REDD National Programme;
11 Provide regular updates to stakeholders at the sub-national, national and international levels and ensure the accessibility of information;
12 Support the PM to oversee stakeholder engagement process in the REDD+ readiness phase;
13 Arrange translation and interpretation as required and appropriate; and
Assist the PM with relevant work planning and budgeting.
Expected Results/Deliverables:
1 Continuous mapping of stakeholders, areas of interest and modes of communication;
Key messages regarding REDD+ and the role of the UN-REDD Programme;
2 Communications products with collaboration with IUCN on Green Economy and REDD+ in Sri Lanka (e.g. infographics);
3 Appropriate strategies, plans and tools (e.g. website, brochures, calendar of events, etc.);
4 Communications materials and knowledge products from different work areas under the Programme; and
5 Monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports and minutes of meetings
The Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme is a four year national programme implemented by the Forest Department with technical support through United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNEP. The Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme will contribute to ensuring that Sri Lanka is prepared to effectively participate in the REDD+ mechanism resulting from the UNFCCC negotiations, by focusing on key elements of REDD+ readiness.
The overall objective of the National Programme is to “support the Government of Sri Lanka in catalyzing the establishment of key mechanism and process and development of capacities, required to implement REDD+.” The Programme’s component on communications and knowledge management is considered as a key component to ensure the success of the Sri Lanka’s REDD+ preparatory process.
In this context, IUCN Sri Lanka is seeking the services of a dynamic professional as a Communications Officer, to be based at the UN-REDD Programme office in Palawatta, Battaramulla. Under the quality assurance support of the IUCN and the direct supervision of the National Programme Manager, Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme, the Communications Officer is expected to ensure that information on the National REDD+ preparatory process and key initiatives of the UN-REDD Programme is communicated effectively to a range of diverse stakeholder groups in Sri Lanka and abroad, using multi-media and different approaches.
To provide communications support to the National Programme, the Communications Officer (CO) will be recruited and will be based at the PMU. The CO will be part of the PMU and will report to the Programme Manager (PM).
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the PM, the CO shall be responsible for developing communications protocols between Programme partners and materials and methods for publicity, information and consultation purposes. The CO is responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of information about the Programme provided through materials and media; targeting, adapting and translating messages and materials for particular audiences; and for ensuring that all communications products conform to the required specifications of UN agencies, the UN-REDD Programme, the Government of Sri Lanka and implementing partners.The CO is also responsible for ensuring that communication channels amongcolleagues in the National Programme as well as between all Programme partners including IUCN flow effectively, efficiently and promptly, including the delivery and presentation of reports, as required under the UN-REDD Programme.
DUTIES:
1 The CO will lead in ensuring that information on the National REDD+ Programme and Sri Lanka UN-REDD National Programme is communicated effectively to other stakeholders in Sri Lanka and internationally.
2 Identify relevant stakeholder groups, their general interest areas related to REDD+ and most appropriate and effective modes of communication to reach out to them;
3 Coordinate and organize the meetings for the Communications Network and provide appropriate guidance;
4 Prepare key messages regarding REDD+ and the role of the UN-REDD Programme respectively for the government and non-government stakeholders in consultation with the NPD, PM and technical staff members of PMU;
5 Work closely with IUCN on key thematic areas of communication, particularly on the infographic work for green economy and REDD+ in Sri Lanka, and monitor and ensure the delivery of the product;
6. Develop necessary strategies, plans and tools (e.g. website, brochures, etc.) to ensure that information on the national REDD+ readiness process and the UN-REDD Programme is communicated effectively to relevant stakeholders in the country and internationally;
7 Coordinate engagement with the media and act as a focal person for all media inquiries related to the UN-REDD National Programme;
8 Support technical staff members of PMU in preparing targeted communication and learning materials for different work areas of the UN-REDD National Programme;
9 Assist with the packaging of information for sharing lessons and experiences from different work areas with internal and external audiences;
10 Coordinate with partner organizations and initiatives to disseminate information on the UN-REDD National Programme;
11 Provide regular updates to stakeholders at the sub-national, national and international levels and ensure the accessibility of information;
12 Support the PM to oversee stakeholder engagement process in the REDD+ readiness phase;
13 Arrange translation and interpretation as required and appropriate; and
Assist the PM with relevant work planning and budgeting.
Expected Results/Deliverables:
1 Continuous mapping of stakeholders, areas of interest and modes of communication;
Key messages regarding REDD+ and the role of the UN-REDD Programme;
2 Communications products with collaboration with IUCN on Green Economy and REDD+ in Sri Lanka (e.g. infographics);
3 Appropriate strategies, plans and tools (e.g. website, brochures, calendar of events, etc.);
4 Communications materials and knowledge products from different work areas under the Programme; and
5 Monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports and minutes of meetings
REQUIREMENTS
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• Corporate Competencies: *Demonstrates commitment to UNmission, vision and values; *Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and *Ability to maintain effective rapport with different people. • Functional Competencies: *Knowledge Management and Learning *Excellent communication skills; *Shares knowledge and experience; and *Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. • Development and Operational Effectiveness: *Strong analytical skills and the ability to master new material quickly; *Ability to manage priorities in order to meet tight deadlines; *Good interpersonal and report writing skills; and *Creativity and innovation abilities. • Leadership and Self-Management: *Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback; *Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; *Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; *Proven ability to work flexibly and independently as part of a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team; and deliver quality results against tight deadlines. • In addition to the above competencies, the ideal candidate should possess the following; •Master’s degree, or equivalent, in English, communications, information technology, media, or other •At least 3 years of professional experience in managing communications activities; •Experience in utilising communication tools to reach varied audiences from rural communities to private sector and international audiences; •Experience in working with a range of different stakeholders to support their engagement; •Demonstrated awareness of development programmes and private sector initiatives in the country related to REDD; •Experience in working with Government counterparts as well as representatives from development agencies; •Understanding of the role and value of social media in promoting environmental concepts; •High computer literacy with experience in website design and maintenance and working with graphic design packages is an advantage; and •Knowledge of UN requirements for consultation and participation would also be an advantage. |
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
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