Knowledge Management/ Communications Specialist

  • Contract
  • Athens
  • Posted 10 hours ago

UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

Partner UNEP
Job categories Communications
Vacancy code VA/2024/B5006/28892
Level ICS-11
Department/office AR, EAPMCO, Thailand
Duty station Athens, Greece
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-3
Duration 10 months with possibility of extension
Application period 18-Sep-2024 to 02-Oct-2024
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions  

  1. Provide technical guidance, expertise and support to the MedProgramme Coordinating Unit (MedPCU) for the execution of the MedProgramme KM Strategy. 

  2. Design and develop a Communications Strategy and related products in support of implementation of the KM Strategy.

  3. Provide cross cutting support to the eight Child Projects of the MedProgramme, and the interlinkages with the knowledge management and communications activities executed within the framework of the MedProgramme.

1.   Provide technical guidance, expertise and support to the MedProgramme Coordinating Unit (MedPCU), for the execution of the MedProgramme Knowledge Management (KM) Strategy, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  1. Update the knowledge management (KM) strategy and action plan in coordination with the thematic experts, reflecting annually updated workplans and developed calendars further to consultations with MedProgramme stakeholders. Submit the action plan to executing and implementing agencies for their review and approval. 

  2. Deliver the KM strategy in line with the approved action plan with the aim to enhance the capacity of key regional stakeholders and Child Projects teams, as well as informing/interacting on issues of interest nationally and regionally.
    This includes:

  • Compiling knowledge, best practices and emerging issues of relevance to the Child Projects from global processes and policies related to the sustainable management of natural resources in coastal areas for sharing among MedProgramme stakeholders and Child Projects teams.
  • Supporting specific capacity building activities foreseen by each Child Project by taking stock and amplifying results through the programme-wide outreach.
  • Organizing regular knowledge exchange events to build the capacities of the Executing Partners and Child Projects teams in order to help them deliver better project results and achieve greater impact. Modalities of exchange may include face to face, virtual meetings, communities of practice, expert visits, study tours, etc. Topics can address gender mainstreaming, scientific communication, bridging the gap between scientists, technical practitioners and media specialists, lessons learned, etc.
  • Designing and rolling out of ad hoc knowledge exchanges and trainings for presentation at regional/international fora on selected topics taking  inspiration and practical lessons learned from implementation of the Child Projects.
  • Supporting MedPCU in preparing contributions to relevant policy processes, related initiatives, and partnerships (e.g. Agenda 2030, SDG goals, MAP communication strategy, MEAs, etc.)

2. Design and develop a Communications Strategy and related products in support of implementation of the KM Strategy which promotes the implementation of effective communication processes that inform and engage stakeholders, partners, and all categories of audiences, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  1. Update the communication strategy and action plan reflecting annually updated work plans and developed calendars further to consultations with MedProgramme stakeholders. Submit the action plan to executing and implementing agencies for their review and approval.

  2. Develop terms of reference for the lead agency to be contracted for supporting the implementation of the Communication Strategy through the development of required communication and outreach materials.

  3. Rollout the communication strategy in line with the approved action plan with the aim of sharing experiences and enhancing visibility of the MedProgramme and its Chile Projects.
    This includes:

  • Managing and coordinating the work of the lead agency in order to prepare quarterly communication packages in line with the action plan of the communications strategy and defined key messages.
  • Story writing and message creation for communications and outreach materials, media, press, electronic publications, MedBulletin, events, etc.
  • Liaising with internal and external stakeholders and pitching to media and social media where applicable for delivering communication/outreach materials (stories, videos, articles, news, photos, events, digital and social media assets, infographics, publications, etc.)
  • Supporting the process of populating the MedProgramme knowledge management platform by preparing, editing and uploading engaging content (case studies, experience notes, stories, videos, articles, news, photos, events, publications, etc.) containing relevant information on the child projects.
  • Support MedProgramme to be featured in all relevant GEF events including contribution to GEF IW:LEARN communication community of practice with engaging activities (e.g. preparation of Experience Notes, contribution to publications and information material, participation to relevant trainings and workshops among others).

3.Provide cross cutting support to the eight Child Projects of the MedProgramme, and the interlinkages with the communications and knowledge management activities executed by MedPCU; the Executing Partners of the MedProgramme; and the Coordination Unit (CU) of UNEP/MAP – Barcelona Convention System, focusing on achievement of the following results:

  1. Monitor the appropriate use of the branding and visibility guideline for MedProgramme partners and executing agencies.

  2. Follow-up on capacity building initiatives/ training on use of the KM platform, data analytics, project management tools, visualization tools, and support Executing Agencies to populate key information showcasing progress towards impact and contribution of the MedProgramme to global and regional environmental goals.

  3. Assist in the organization of the MedProgramme Annual Stock Taking Meetings tentatively planned in April 2024 and March 2025 including provision of communication materials designed for dissemination to the meetings’ participants.

  4. Provide inputs to the preparation of regular MedPCU reports (i.e. quarterly reports, PIR, etc.) documenting progress achieved in implementation of knowledge management and communications activities for submission to the Implementing Agency.

  5. Submit reports on the deliverables realized in accordance with the planned tasks in the approved annual action plans of the KM and communications strategies. Reports to be submitted at the end of assignment.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

  • Minimum advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree preferably in communications, international development, marketing, public administration, scientific communication or other relevant fields is required. 
  • A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degree.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, preferably in strategic communications/ knowledge management/ capacity development, or related is required.
  • Experience in stakeholders’ engagement and facilitation of strategic partnerships to strengthen the science policy interface is desirable.
  • Experience in design and production of knowledge management tools and services and communications and multimedia materials is required.
  • Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and results-based frameworks for reporting and assessing the progress to impacts of knowledge management (KM) activities is desirable.
  • Experience in facilitation skills for meetings and training, including capacity development and consultative workshops is desirable.
  • Working knowledge of GEF projects is desirable.
  • Working experience within the Mediterranean region is desirable.
Language Requirements:

  • Full working knowledge (Fluency both oral and written) and excellent writing skills in English are required.
  • Working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an asset.

Apply
To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.

Job Location