Communications Specialist, Global Shield Secretariat (CTC)

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

UNU-VIE is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-VIE is Co-hosting the Secretariat of the G7-V20 Global Shield against Climate Risks (GS). The initiative aims to increase protection for vulnerable people by providing and facilitating substantially more and better pre-arranged finance against disasters.

The Global Shield Secretariat serves as the coordinating entity for the Global Shield, it provides the technical support for the implementation of the Global Shield solutions aligned to the objectives. The Secretariat coordinates amongst stakeholders, guides the fundraising and replenishment of Global Shield funds, drives the strategic development of the initiative, and engages with relevant global climate policy processes, especially on climate and disaster risk financing and insurance (CDRFI). The GS Secretariat is co-hosted in two organizations, led by a UNU-hosted Co-Director on Strategy and Engagement and a GIZ-hosted Co-Director on Institutional Development and Implementation.

Responsibilities

A Communications Specialist will be recruited who supports the Global Shield Secretariat in all communication and especially in public relations related issues. This function will particularly focus on the political positioning of the Global Shield against Climate Risks, among others in the context of the Loss and Damage Funding Arrangements with a view to strengthen the brand’s visibility and reputation. The function will liaise and exchange with media to communicate achievements and share relevant GS updates.

1. Strategic Communication

• Support the political and strategic positioning of the Global Shield against Climate Risks (GS) through an active communication approach, constantly monitoring ongoing relevant political developments
• Conduct an annual update of the communications strategy and of the annual communication concept together with the Communications and Events Team

2. Global Shield Public Relations

• Liaise with press and media outlets conducting active public relations work (e.g. contact and networking with media outlets and other relevant GS stakeholders, development of press releases, political communication of key messages, story-telling) on climate and disaster risk finance and insurance (CDRFI) and pre-arranged finance
• Actively communicate and market the achievements of the GS to raise awareness and promote the experiences and knowledge deriving from the work / products of the Secretariat to attract funds for the Secretariat beyond 2026

3. Content Creation for Social Media

• Support the regular input (e.g. content creation) within social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube) together with the Communications and Events Team
• Support the GS Secretariat Team with all relevant communication tools (e.g. layouting) and products (incl. GS Report, studies, etc.)

4. Facilitate Global Shield Country Workshops 

• Support the development of respective regional trainings / training modules on CDRFI and the GS work in close collaboration with the Implementation Team and rest of the Communications and Events Team.

5. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key performance indicators

• Timely and quality development and implementation of Global Shield Communications Strategy
• Timely and quality delivery on Press Releases and other relevant communication products and content
• Quality and level of engagement with Global Shield Stakeholders and Media

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

Completed Master's degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism or or other relevant social sciences

2) Required skills and experience

• At least 5 years of years of working experience in communication and public relation roles in multilateral organisations, development organisations, the humanitarian or other relevant public or private sector roles
• Knowledge of climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and disaster risk finance;
• Experience in project management
• Experience in writing press releases, briefings, communication strategies
• Experience in working with high-level representatives of governments, media representatives, civil society, private sector, and development organizations
• Other Desirable Skills: Excellent communication skills, proactive, structured, self-motivated, resilience, design-skills, layouting skills, strong networker and conceptual developer.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in Spanish or French is considered an asset
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Duration

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC). Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of CTC holders.

Remuneration

Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.This contract has an entitlement to paid annual leave.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver. Trip prerequisites will be met at the expense of the consultant.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at http://icsc.un.org).

Expected start date: As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• provide a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position;
• apply via the apply link.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline: 18 June 2024

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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