Job Title: Communications Specialist (FCLP) – Retainer
Hosted Entity: The Forests & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP)
Job Categories: Communications
Vacancy Code: VA/2025/B5004/30013
Level: ICS-10
Department/Office: GPO, NYPO, Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio
Duty Station: Home-based
Contract Type: International ICA
Contract Level: IICA-2
Duration: 6 months with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds, and necessity of services – retainer
Application Period: 10-Apr-2025 to 23-Apr-2025
Note: Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Please be aware that UNOPS will never request candidates to make payments of any kind during the recruitment process.
Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS Overview:
UNOPS supports partners globally in their efforts to develop a sustainable future by providing services aimed at increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. As a key resource for the United Nations, UNOPS specializes in sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, catering to a diverse range of governments, donors, and UN organizations.
New York Portfolio Office (NYPO):
NYPO is dedicated to assisting the United Nations Secretariat, as well as various New York-based UN bodies, along with multilateral and bilateral partners in fulfilling UNOPS’ mandate, focusing on project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.
Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC):
The SDC aims to support a variety of stakeholders in peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations. This cluster was formed by merging several portfolios, including Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), and the Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides essential services to partners’ programs that are strategically structured with a global viewpoint, primarily catering to partners headquartered in New York and maintaining an operational footprint across approximately 125 countries.
Support for FCLP:
UNOPS DSIP has been tasked with supporting The Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), a global initiative launched at COP27 aimed at halting and reversing forest loss and land degradation by 2030. This partnership promotes sustainable development and fosters an inclusive rural transformation through the active contributions of countries committed to these goals via national actions and international collaboration. The importance of the goals set forth in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use has been underscored by outcomes from the first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
FCLP Objectives:
The primary objectives of the FCLP members include:
- Sustaining high-level political focus on the interconnectivity of forests and climate.
- Advocating and scaling up the implementation of prioritized Policy Action Areas with collective political support.
- Endorsing the self-determined national goals of participating countries while urging all nations to elevate their ambitions.
- Clearly demonstrating the impacts of commitments made and holding themselves accountable to their goals.
The FCLP’s strategic direction is guided by a Steering Committee consisting of ministers from FCLP member states. Currently, this committee includes representatives from Colombia, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), France, Germany, Ghana, Guyana, Kenya, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the UK and Guyana serving as Chair countries. As of now, 32 countries are members of the FCLP, collectively managing approximately 35% of the world’s forests and more than 60% of global GDP.
Communications Strategy:
To effectively implement FCLP’s communications strategy, the Communications Specialist will collaborate with a Communications Agency to enhance the website and produce a comprehensive suite of communications resources, including templates, brand guidelines, graphics, and visual assets. This effort aims to create a distinct and impactful brand identity for the FCLP.
The Communications Specialist will lead the implementation of these strategies, while the agency will execute the specific activities laid out in the communications plan.
Functional Responsibilities
Target Audiences:
FCLP’s communications strategy will target two main audiences:
- Members: For existing members, the focus will be on optimizing communication through established platforms such as newsletters, the members’ portal, and the website. This will ensure clear communication regarding key messages and actions members can take, fostering engagement in workstreams, information sessions, and political activities. The creation of explanatory materials and succinct briefs to detail ongoing efforts will also be considered.
- External Partners: This category includes non-member governments, civil society organizations, and private sector entities. Communications efforts will aim to clarify FCLP’s brand identity and objectives. Utilizing social media, op-eds, press releases, and publications like the Annual Report, the aim is to elevate understanding of FCLP’s mission and to generate interest among potential partners and stakeholders in climate and natural resource discussions, particularly leading up to COP30.
Key Responsibilities:
- Day-to-Day Management of the Communications Agency:
- Serve as the main point of contact for the communications agency.
- Oversee task allocation, prioritize activities, and relay relevant information.
- Ensure effective communication and engagement between the agency and FCLP members.
- Setting Annual Communications Priorities:
- Collaborate with the agency and consult with members to determine annual communications priorities.
- Reassess these priorities quarterly with input from the Secretariat and members.
- Formulate a prioritized delivery and resource plan and coordinate the implementation of key activities.
- Coordination of FCLP Workstream Requirements:
- Conduct discussions with Secretariat personnel and government liaisons to gather communications needs for each workstream.
- Promote engagement with the communications agency for outsourced requirements.
- Aid workstreams in creating messaging, products, social media content, and utilize national press office support where necessary.
- Coordination of FCLP Event Activities:
- Manage the transition from planning to execution for events, ensuring coherence and communication among stakeholders.
- Lead communications efforts for specific events as designated by the line manager.
- Social Media and Website Management:
- Oversee updates to FCLP’s website.
- Manage social media platforms to keep content current and relevant.
- Assist with activating the internal messaging framework as needed.
Education/Experience/Language Requirements
Education:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, media studies, journalism, international relations, public/media relations, or a related field with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; or
- First-level university degree (Undergraduate, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with seven (7) years of relevant experience in a similar field.
Required Work Experience:
- A minimum of five years of relevant experience in communications, specifically within at least one of the following areas: Sustainable Development, Biodiversity/Nature/Climate Change, Civil Society Engagement, or Partnerships is essential.
Desired Experience (Optional but Preferred):
- Experience working within UN system organizations is highly valued.
- Background in organizing events, workshops, or training is advantageous.
- Experience in liaising with government entities and local or indigenous communities is considered an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
- Proficiency in Spanish and French is desirable.
Encouragement to Apply
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position as part of the commitment to fostering gender diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
This detailed outline provides candidates with a thorough understanding of the role, responsibilities, and expectations as well as the essential and desirable qualifications needed to effectively apply for the position of Communications Specialist within the FCLP context.
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