Regional Communications Specialist

Result of ServiceThe Regional Director's Office of the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office requires the service of a consultant who will serve as a Regional Communications Specialist who will research, coordinate and produce digital content for the region's relevant platforms, and maintain up to date regional journalists' databases, contribute to media coverage, review communications materials of specific UNEP projects, and draft reports on metrics related to websites/publications/events. Work LocationHome based Expected duration12 (twelve) months Duties and ResponsibilitiesPurpose Under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, and in coordination with relevant staff at the Regional Office, including the ZWC (Zero Waste in the Caribbean) and CBC projects, the Regional Communications Specialist will provide communications services and advice to the Regional Director's Office and contribute to the visibility and outreach of key regional projects. The consultant will be responsible for producing, adapting or editing relevant original content for UNEP's communications platforms – such as websites and social media channels – in Spanish and English language, in multiple formats, including written and multimedia content, and will also update the journalists' databases for the region, contribute with the media coverage of important events, review communications materials of specific UNEP regional projects, and draft reports on metrics related to websites/publications/events. Duties and Responsibilities The 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), 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). UNEP LACO is looking for a Regional Communications Consultant that can provide communications services and advice to the Regional Director’s Office and contribute to the visibility and outreach of key regional projects. The consultant will be responsible for producing, adapting or editing relevant original content for UNEP’s communications platforms – such as websites and social media channels – in Spanish and English language, in multiple formats, including written and multimedia content. The consultant will be under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director. The consultant will work home-based and will have an estimated regular dedication of 40 hours per week. Objective: The overall purpose of the contract is to contribute to UNEP´s Latin America and the Caribbean´s work in communications, strategic partnerships and public information. Knowledge of the Latin American and Caribbean context, including local context of the countries in the region, is key to enable adequate communication with the target audiences. This consultancy will contribute to position the organization as the leading environmental authority in the region, which sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations System. Responsibilities: The Consultant will provide communications services and advice to the Regional Director's Office and contribute to the visibility and outreach of key regional projects. The consultant will be responsible for producing, adapting or editing relevant original content for UNEP's communications platforms – such as websites and social media channels – in Spanish and English language, in multiple formats, including written and multimedia content. The consultant will contribute to maintain and manage the content on those platforms and other UNEP thematic websites, including the main web sections relative to specific areas of the Region’s work, events and publications – with a special focus on the Regional Office´s institutional communication , and the ZWC (Zero Waste in the Caribbean) and Caribbean Biological Corridor (CBC) projects, covering 16 and 5 countries in the Caribbean region, respectively. In coordination with relevant staff at the Regional Office, including the ZWC (Zero Waste in the Caribbean) and CBC projects, the consultant will research, compile and present basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products & services. The consultant will also update the journalist's databases for the region, contribute with the media coverage of important events, review communications materials of specific UNEP regional projects, and draft reports on metrics related to websites/publications/events. The consultant will contribute to the development and implementation of the Communication Strategy of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean. Specific tasks for the consultant include contributing to the following, in coordination with the Deputy Regional Director and relevant colleagues from the regional programmes and projects: • Strategic Communications & Advocacy: Contribute to the development and implementation of specific communications strategies to position projects, initiatives or events among key audiences, and mainstream cross-cutting themes like gender equality and community engagement to amplify their strategic impact and advocacy goals. • Content Creation, Digital Media & Media Relations: Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, lead in the production of high-impact multi-format content, manage social media campaigns and digital platforms, and execute robust media relations to grow engagement and secure quality coverage, ensuring maximum visibility for key milestones and stories. • Knowledge Hub & Partnership Amplification: Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, lead in the transformation of technical outputs into accessible knowledge products and a dynamic digital repository, while identifying spokespersons and building synergies with key partners to establish a premier knowledge hub and amplify reach. • Service Provision & Operational Collaboration: Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, lead in the provision of comprehensive communications services—including content kits, event coverage, publication support, and asset management—to ensure professional guidance for missions, meetings, and knowledge dissemination. Output/Work Assignments 12-month contract. Comply with 40 hours per week. Each payment will be disbursed upon delivery of the monthly activity report duly approved by the Deputy Regional Director of the UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean. The final payment will require final evaluation, duly signed by the Deputy Regional Director of the UNEP Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Regional Director, and validated by the Administrative Officer. Qualifications/special skillsQualifications required: ACADEMIC: • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, or related field is required. • Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in communications, media studies, journalism, or related field would be advantageous. PROFESSIONAL: • At least 3 years of demonstrated professional competence in journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications, print, broadcast or new media is required. • Professional experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is required. • Experience in an intergovernmental organization at the international level is desirable. • Experience in science or environmental communications and campaigns is desirable. SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: • Excellent writing and editing skills are required. • Computer skills (MS Office, e-mail, internet, Trello, web editing) are required. • Experience in photo and video tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, Adobe package among other programs) is desirable. • Experience in content production and management aided by Artificial Intelligence is desirable. COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: o Professional competence and mastery of subject matter. o Efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. o Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. o Good desk research and analytical skills, combining communication and good understanding of environmental issues. o Good organizational skills and problem-solving skills. Communication: o Good communication skills, written and spoken as well as ability to draft or edit a variety of written reports including publications, summaries, concept notes and briefing notes. o Ability to ask questions for clarification and interest in having two-way communication. o Openness in sharing information and in keeping people informed. Teamwork: o Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve project objectives; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, and able to work in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment. LanguagesFluency in Spanish and English is required for this position. Additional InformationNot available. 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.