Climate Change Communications Specialist

Result of Service

Ultimate result of services The objective of this consultancy is contributing to the efficient implementation of the project “Building capacity to advance National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic” by executing the tasks outlined in the Terms of Reference. Outputs / Deliverables 2.3 The information is compiled in a National Adaptation Plan document and disseminated. Product 1: Workplan for completion of all activities and deliverables during the expected time of implementation, including communication activities outlined in the UNEP-MMARN Project Cooperation Agreement. 2.3 The information is compiled in a National Adaptation Plan document and disseminated. Product 2. Communication Strategy for the NAP, including: Action Plan, Strategic Lines, Key Messages, Actor Mapping for involvement in communication activities and NAP workshops. 1.2 Training, awareness raising and participatory processes for public and private sectors at national and local levels, NGOs, CSOs and local communities on the NAP process established. Product 3. Report on at least 6 workshops/events implemented for awareness raising, consultation, socialization, validation of NAP products, at national and local levels, with public and private sector, including list of attendees. 1.2 Training, awareness raising and participatory processes for public and private sectors at national and local levels, NGOs, CSOs and local communities on the NAP process established. Product 4. Report on NAP Communication Strategy implementation, including the design, production and dissemination of documents, materials, and videos, to raise awareness on adaptation priorities among key involved sectors. 1.2 Training, awareness raising and participatory processes for public and private sectors at national and local levels, NGOs, CSOs and local communities on the NAP process established. Product 5. Report on the Formulation and implementation of climate change adaptation training program targeted to communicators/journalists, including list of participants. Objectives, output expectations and performance indicators The main objective of the position of Climate Change Communications Specialist is to define an overall communication strategy for the project Building capacity to advance in the National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic, involving central government institutions, local governments, the private sector, civil society, and other relevant actors. Specific tasks and responsibilities The Climate Change Communications Specialist will contribute to the effective implementation of the project by performing the following tasks: a. To liaise between the Project Management Unit and the sectors and organizations related to project implementation, contributing in the coordination and development of training workshops to raise awareness on climate change adaptation issues, among policy and decision makers and implementers at local and national level. b. To liaise between the Project Management Unit and the sectors and organizations related to adaptation planning, implementation, monitoring, contributing in the coordination and development of consultation and socialization workshops for the development of: Local and Regional Adaptation Plans, Appraisal of Adaptation Options, MyE Framework, Climate Change Adaptation Finance Strategy, Concept notes formulation. c. To liaise between the Project Management Unit and MMARN’s Directorate of Communications to guarantee appropriate involvement and project visibility. d. To cooperate with the Project Management Unit and contribute in the coordination and development of awareness raising workshops targeting municipal, civil society, and community stakeholders on the importance of climate change adaptation planning and implementation, the proposed process to develop, implement and update the NAP and methodologies and critical issues to implement adaptation measures, with particular attention to the sectors prioritized in the Nationally Determined Contributions and the National Adaptation Plan. e. To liaise with the Project Management Unit and contribute in the coordination and development of workshops to discuss climate change adaptation issues, among private sector leaders at local and national levels to raise awareness and increase their engagement in adaptation processes. f. To oversee the communication component of the Project Cooperation Agreement between UNEP-MMARN, guaranteeing adequate implementation of communication activities. g. To contribute to the development and maintenance and update of a digital platform for public participation in the process of the National Adaptation Plan. h. To liaise with the Project Management Unit and contribute to the coordination and development of learning exchange visits aimed enhancing south-south cooperation and learn from adaptation solutions being implemented in other countries. i. To liaise with government entities and community representatives with whom the project will be related and establish appropriate communication channels to ensure the effective delivery of communication messages and materials. j. To ensure that communication on the project and the NAP implementation process is done in language and format that are tailored to the different relevant target audiences. k. To develop a communications strategy for the project. l. To draft ToR for the acquisition of communication services & materials. m. To identify the need for service providers to design or draft communication materials and publications. n. To compile and distribute all project reports and publications (including identifying target audiences and appropriate distribution channels/modalities). o. To prepare information for social media campaigns to increase project visibility trough the MMARN’s official channels. p. To prepare presentations and materials relevant for project activities as may be required. q. To respond to requests for information by media or other entities, as delegated. r. To carry out any other relevant communications and awareness raising duties within his/her technical competence.

Work Location

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Expected duration

6 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). In terms of addressing climate change, UNEP aims to support countries in the compliance of the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the priority actions defined in the countries Nationally Determined Contributions. The overall objective of UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is to strengthen the ability of countries to move towards climate-resilient and low emission strategies for sustainable development and human well-being. The expected accomplishment regarding climate change adaptation is that adaptation approaches, including an ecosystem-based approach, are implemented, and integrated into key sectoral and national development strategies to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the UNEP´s Sub-programme on Climate Change is also committed to ensure that crosscutting issues such as gender equity and women empowerment are effectively undertaken in the development of its tasks to guarantee an equitable development in line with its adaptation objectives. To fulfill the objectives of the project, the UNEP LACO Office is recruiting a Climate Change Communications Consultant to provide operational guidance to the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and UNEP in the implementation of the Green Climate Fund funded project as set in the funding proposal document. The Consultant will report directly to the UNEP Adaptation Programme Management Officer at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. The main objective of the position of Climate Change Communications Specialist is to define an overall communication strategy for the project Building capacity to advance in the National Adaptation Plan Process in the Dominican Republic, involving central government institutions, local governments, the private sector, civil society, and other relevant actors. The Climate Change Communications Specialist will operate under the overall supervision of the UNEP Adaptation Programme Management Officer at the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office. Additionally, he/she will work in close collaboration with the UNEP’s Adaptation team, the Directorate of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the Dominican Republic, other national consultants and government and non-governmental counterparts. Travel within the Dominican Republic might be needed for consultation processes. The Climate Change Communications Specialist is expected to work 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, full time basis and to be located in the Project Management Unit in the Climate Change Directorate of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in the Dominican Republic.

Qualifications/special skills

ACADEMIC: • Bachelor´s degree in in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations or a closely related field is required. • Master’s degree in communication, public relations, and/ or social sciences is desired. • Academic training (course, diplomat) in sustainable development and environmental issues will be an asset. PROFESSIONAL: • Minimum of 3 years of work experience in the dissemination of information and/or knowledge management is required. • Demonstrated ability to develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate communication policies and strategies is desirable. • Demonstrated experience in report writing, presentations design and developing communication strategies and drafting official and non-official documents is desirable. • Previous experience in the formulation and execution of internal and external communication strategies is an asset. • Experience in engaging with government institutions and other stakeholders at the national and local levels is desirable. • Demonstrated knowledge in the use of renewed and creative ideas to turn complex information into clear proposals with attractive content for the public is an asset. • Experience in coordinating publications, content editing and proofreading are an asset. • Experience in the facilitation and organization of workshops is an asset. • Demonstrated experience working with national institutions in climate change and the coordination of activities at the national, subnational and/or sectoral level is desired. • Experience in inclusion of vulnerable populations, gender considerations, and work with regional or institutions is an advantage. • Experience in organizational learning, knowledge management, social sciences, monitoring and evaluation and related fields is an advantage. • Experience with international organizations is an advantage. LANGUAGE: • Fluent in Spanish is required. • Confident in English is required. SKILLS: • Excellent political, advisory and facilitation skills. • Ability to facilitate technical discussions and participatory processes with multiple stakeholders in multicultural environments. • Ability to communicate complex issues in a language and format that is appropriate to specific target audiences. • Familiarity with key communication tools and techniques, such as audience segmentation, behavior change theories, and visual storytelling. • Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and platforms. • Results-driven and initiative-taking behavior. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. He/she shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Teamwork: Is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team to achieve organizational goals and to take leadership when appropriate; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • 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.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.