Communication and Outreach Assistant

Result of ServiceThe objective of this consultancy is to strengthen UNEP’s Circularity in the Electronics Sector project by developing and implementing an effective communication and outreach strategy that promotes consumer behaviour change, responsible e-waste disposal, and circular economy principles in Mexico. Through strategic communication, consumer engagement, and survey-based insights, the consultant will bolster evidence-based policymaking, awareness campaigns, and industry collaboration. Expected Impact Through these efforts, the consultancy will increase consumer participation in responsible e-waste management, strengthen industry and government engagement, and provide critical insights for future policy development. The work will directly contribute to reducing e-waste dumping, promoting circular business models, and fostering a culture of sustainable electronics consumption in Mexico. The objective of this consultancy is to strengthen UNEP’s Circularity in the Electronics Sector project by facilitating the development and implementation of an effective communication and outreach strategy that promotes consumer behaviour change, responsible e-waste disposal, and circular economy principles in Mexico. Through strategic communication, consumer engagement, and survey-based insights, the consultant will bolster evidence-based policymaking, awareness campaigns, and industry collaboration, Under the Overall supervision of the Regional Officer for Chemicals and Waste based in Mexico and by UNEP International Environmental Technology (IETC) Project Manager, The Communication and Outreach assistant consultant will be responsible for bolstering the implementation of communication, outreach, and consumer engagement strategies to streamline the project’s objectives. The key tasks include: Output (1) Communication and Outreach Strategy • Together with the project coordinator elaborate the design of a comprehensive communication plan, press release, digital storytelling to promote circularity in electronics and encourage consumer behaviour change in e-waste disposal and to increase visibility of circular electronics initiatives. • Develop targeted messaging and outreach materials (e.g., social media content campaigns, press releases, policy briefs, infographics, videos, and public awareness content). • Ensure the alignment of communication strategy with UNEP’s broader initiatives and key sustainability goals. • Engage with journalists, influencers, and sustainability advocates to amplify key messages Results aim to create informative and persuasive communication materials and campaigns for consumers, related to e-waste disposal and circularity on purchasing, usage, and disposal habits of electronic devices. Develop and execute a media outreach plan, including press releases, social media campaigns, and digital storytelling to increase visibility of circular electronics initiatives and measure the impact of communication efforts Output (2) Consumer Surveys • Design and conduct consumer surveys to assess public awareness, behaviours, and attitudes towards e-waste disposal and circular economy practices. • Design and conduct surveys and together with the Project Coordinator develop insights for the project team on outreach strategies, and industry engagement efforts. • Design and conduct surveys so that the Project Coordinator and team can identify barriers and motivators on purchasing, usage, and disposal of electronics decisions. Results aim to elaborate recommendations for policymakers, manufacturers, and waste management stakeholders as well as to identify consumer decision-making in e-waste management. Output (3) Design and Execute Campaigns • Together with the Project Coordinator provide inputs so that the project can develop and roll out behaviour change communication (BCC) initiatives to encourage responsible e-waste management among consumers. • Promote responsible consumption and disposal practices through digital marketing, traditional media, and community engagement activities. • Handle with consumer groups, influencers, and industry stakeholders to amplify the campaign’s reach and impact. • Organize and promote public events, webinars, and workshops to raise awareness and collaboration on e-waste management and sustainable consumption Results aim to promote partnerships, policy dialogue between stakeholders such as government agencies, businesses, and civil society organizations; and to collaborate with the project coordinator in the elaboration of recommendations for decision-makers and industry players Output (4) Strengthen Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships • Collaborate with government agencies, private sector companies, and civil society organizations to enhance public engagement in e-waste management initiatives. • Organize multi-stakeholder dialogues, public forums, and roundtable discussions to foster collaboration between key actors. • Facilitate the development of public-private partnerships that promote circular economy models and sustainable business practices. Output (5) Media Outreach and Digital Engagement • Develop and implement media engagement plan, including press releases, journalist briefings, and media kits to enhance project visibility. • Leverage social media platforms and digital storytelling to promote consumer awareness and drive engagement. • Monitor communication effectiveness through social media analytics, media coverage tracking, and audience engagement metrics. Output (6) Reporting, Knowledge Management, and Policy Guidance • Prepare and submit progress reports, outreach impact assessments, and consumer survey findings. • Provide inputs to guide the Project Coordinator in the development of policy briefs and recommendations based on survey insights and outreach results. • Ensure that all communication materials and reports align with UNEP branding and messaging guidelines. Result: deliver a final report summarizing key activities, outcomes, and recommendations for future communication strategies, policy briefs and knowledge and communication materials based on survey findings. These tasks will be conducted in close collaboration with UNEP Mexico’s Country Office, UNEP-IETC, UNEP LACO, and national stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of the project’s communication, outreach, and behaviour change objectives. Work LocationMexico City, Mexico Expected duration8 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. 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). To accomplish this, UNEP´s Headquarter and its Regional and Country offices work with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City is supported by UNEP Mexico´s Country Office, located in Mexico City and, since 2020, the Representative Office of UNEP in Mexico acts as Focal Point to support UNEP´s Programme of Work in Guatemala. UNEP´s Mexico Country Office collaborates with the Mexican and Guatemalan governments and other stakeholders in areas ranging from low carbon and resilient growth, resources efficiency, environmental governance, to projects on ecosystems and climate change, and supports Mexico in its transition to a low carbon and green economy. The overall objective of the UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division at the UNEP Headquarters is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. As part of the Industry and Economy Division, UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) works with developing countries to implement sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, with focus on holistic waste management. UNEP-IETC provides technical and advisory support to national and local governments to enhance their use of environmentally sound strategies and approaches. UNEP-IETC also implements in-country demonstration projects using innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience and create jobs. Working with a wide range of partners and in line with relevant multilateral environmental agreements, UNEP-IETC mission is to serve as a global center of excellence on environmentally sound technologies with focus on holistic waste management. Under the Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2022–2025, UNEP developed a waste management programme aimed at achieving zero waste, which includes waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Additionally, under the same MTS, the Circularity in Sectors programme was established, identifying the electronics sector as one of the priority high-impact sectors, leading to the development of the “Circularity in the Electronics Sector” project. To achieve these ambitious objectives, the project’s intervention strategy focuses on three key areas: 1. Generating scientific, economic, industrial, and financial evidence to influence policies on circular electronics and encourage the adoption of sustainable business strategies. 2. Building alliances and partnerships to drive the industry toward circular practices, ensuring coordinated action among key stakeholders. 3. Implementing circular electronics projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of circularity, providing a proof of concept for industry transformation. Under this project, UNEP-IETC and UNEP Mexico’s Country Office will implement a Circularity in the Electronics Sector initiative in Mexico, focusing on: 1. Establishing strategic partnerships. 2. Updating the e-waste inventory in Mexico. 3. Assessing and strengthening the legal framework. 4. Designing an integrated circular economy roadmap for the electrical and electronic sector. To ensure the success of this initiative, effective communication and outreach are essential. The assistant for Communication and Outreach will bolster UNEP’s communication strategy, stakeholder engagement, and outreach efforts to promote circularity in the electronics sector in Mexico and beyond. In this sense, UNEP Mexico will need the technical expertise of a Consultant for Communication and Outreach to develop the communications strategy and to implement its activities for streamlining the communications of the Circularity in the Electronics Sector initiative in Mexico. The Consultant will be supervised by the Regional Officer for Chemicals and Waste based in Mexico and by UNEP International Environmental Technology (IETC) Project Manager; and will work 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, full time at UNEP Mexico’s Office located in Mexico City, Mexico. Qualifications/special skillsACADEMIC: - A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Environmental Studies, Social Behavior Change, Consumer Marketing, or a closely related field is required. - Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Environmental Studies, Social Behavior Change, Consumer Marketing, or a closely related field is desirable PROFESSIONAL: - Five (5) years of experience in communication, public relations, or media outreach, preferably in environmental or sustainability sectors, is required - Proven experience in developing communication strategies and creating engaging content is desirable. - Experience in stakeholder engagement, including government, private sector, and civil society is desirable. - Strong writing and editing skills for technical and non-technical audiences is desirable. - Knowledge of waste management, circular economy, and e-waste policies is desirable. - Familiarity with social behavior change, Consumer Marketing, digital communication tools, social media analytics, and event coordination is desirable. LanguagesLANGUAGE: - Fluency in Spanish is required. - Fluency in English is required. Additional InformationSPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: - Proven ability to manage different stakeholders is desirable. - Be computer literate in standard software applications is desirable. - Knowledge of Excel and other database programs is desirable. - Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views is desirable. - Ability to deliver timely and high-quality results under tight deadlines is desirable. - Excellent coordination skills, and an ability to follow instructions, work under pressure as a part of a team, or independently as required. Excellent attention to detail is desirable. COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situation. Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; Acts without consideration of personal gain; Resists undue political pressure in decision-making; Does not abuse power or authority; Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular; Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. No FeeTHE 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.