The Digital Engagement Officer will support the implementation of the Communications Strategy for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, by building the collective power of the Ocean Decade, driving positive two-way engagement and enabling the maximum impact from digital communications.

This role will be part of the Decade Coordination Unit, and through collaborative work with internal and external partners, the consultant will assist in the delivery of audience-focused and impactful digital communications, specifically focusing on social media (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), web and outreach.

The Digital Engagement Officer will be supervised by the Ocean Decade Communications and Science Outreach Manager and will liaise closely with the Programme Specialist of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination Section.

The supervisor will brief the Digital Engagement Officer at the start of the contract, and a series of meetings will be organized to get the consultant acquainted with the work of the Ocean Decade and the IOC Secretariat.

Responsibilities:

Overview of the functions of the post

The Digital Engagement Officer will carry out the following tasks:

• Work with the Ocean Decade Communications and Science Outreach Manager and Communications Officer in developing a fully integrated and regularly updated digital engagement plan across social media and web to ensure excellent digital communications within the Ocean Decade and externally to key stakeholders, in line with Ocean Decade priorities and the global ocean agenda.
• Plan, create and disseminate compelling digital copy and communications materials for digital campaigns in collaboration with colleagues both internal and external, with the aim of raising visibility of the impact of the Ocean Decade, its endorsed Decade Actions, events and various networks across platforms, while ensuring multilingualism is prioritized whenever possible.
• Identify, collate and disseminate digital stories and assets from endorsed Decade Actions and individuals involved in the Ocean Decade.
• Facilitate opportunities for dialogue and discussion around the Ocean Decade using digital platforms, including enhancing website and social media accessibility.
• Identify and implement an engagement and advocacy strategy for online influencers.

• Work on podcast/shortcast opportunities to build the Ocean Decade audio content together with partners.
• Keep track of digital media trends and use knowledge, insights and analytics to maximize followers and engagement. Advise management on appropriate action/responses.
• Assist the Ocean Decade Communications and Science Outreach Manager in liaising with colleagues and partners to ensure that digital communications work is coordinated to deliver maximum impact, including media activity and communications with key stakeholders.
• Liaise with the GenOcean campaign focal point to ensure alignment in the development, strategy and publication of digital content on Ocean Decade channels.
• Support Ocean Decade staff and partners on aspects of communication, advocacy, marketing and branding to ensure that all activities meet the desired standards of consistency, quality and impact.

• Generate partner and donor specific visibility content, including text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, to support awareness and fundraising activities, ensuring consistency with Ocean Decade global messages.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial):

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree in media/communication studies, public relations or other related social sciences with competence to design and develop communication products and multimedia materials.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, of which at least 2 years at international level, in public relations, communications or advocacy, preferably in ocean issues.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

1. 1. Demonstrated experience in implementing institutional and audience-focused communications in a multilingual, international context.
   2. Demonstrated experience in developing creative and innovative digital engagement strategies, and a passion for continuous learning.
   3. Advanced knowledge of how social media is developed, managed and used in brand reputation.
   4. Demonstrated ability to write and edit highly engaging digital copy for different audiences and to proofread to an excellent standard.
   5. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain digital communities and attract new online audiences by monitoring progress, interpreting data and adjusting strategy based on analytics.
   6. Demonstrated ability in graphic and publication design, multimedia products development, video editing, basic web design, web content, etc. using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Hootsuite, Mailchimp, WordPress, HTML, SEO and Canva.
   7. Excellent attention to detail and precision in work undertaken.
   8. Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines with well-developed time management skills, and with a certain degree of autonomy following the directions and guidance of the supervisor.
   9. Excellent communications and writing skills in English and in additional UN language(s).
   10. Ability to work efficiently in a multi-cultural environment and team spirit.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

The Digital Engagement Officer is also expected to have a deep understanding of the United Nations system, UNESCO-IOC and the Ocean Decade and its significance.