Result of Service

As a result of this consultancy, visibility of the Congo Basin Impact Program and of the Congo Peatlands project is increased, as well as knowledge and communication tools are produced.

Work Location

Home Based

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The Knowledge Management and Communication Consultant will work within the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit under the UNEP Ecosystems Division and will contribute to the implementation of UNEP’s programming in the Congo Basin, through supporting the GEF Congo Basin Impact Program (Congo Basin IP) and the Congo Basin Peatlands project. The knowledge management component of UNEP’s work in the Congo Basin focuses on addressing key knowledge, innovation and replication gaps, as well as insufficient knowledge transfer and awareness barriers, which hamper effective transformational change in integrated transboundary land use planning, biodiversity conservation and livelihood improvement of forest dependent people. Duties and responsibilities: Under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Program Management Officer for the Congo Basin, the Knowledge Management and Communication Consultant will work in close coordination with the project team, as well as related counterpart staff, consultants, and service contract providers. They will carry out and coordinate the Congo Basin knowledge and communications management by: TERMS OF REFERENCE Knowledge management • Conducting an analysis of existing knowledge management initiatives in the Congo Basin to identify the specific measures that UNEP can implement through the Congo Basin IP and the Congo Basin Peatlands project, to consolidate, promote and scale up knowledge that drives transformational change at the policy and action levels to enable the sustainable management of landscapes in the Congo Basin. • Coordinate the establishment of and empowe project countries to implement effective knowledge management and learning system and tools at both national and regional levels that respond to their needs (relevance) as well the Congo Basin IP programmatic needs in support decision-making and action at national and regional levels. • Transform emerging results, experiences and learning from national and regional projects in knowledge to raise the visibility of the projects and support communication outreach at national, regional and global levels towards increased support for and awareness of the value and contributions of the Congo Basin IP. • Lead knowledge creation, systematization, and dissemination through the development of cross-regional lessons learnt publications, best practice papers, guidelines, and methodologies to systematize knowledge, facilitate reuse, and increase sustainability. • Working with regional institutions and partners to establish and/or strengthen functioning regional reference information systems as sources of data, information and knowledge on the Congo Basin landscapes. • Coordinating the development and maintenance (including content, collaboration, and user management) of the Congo Basin IP online knowledge management platform and Congo Basin Peatlands project website • Coordinating the development and management of the membership of an online Community of Practice (CoP) for the Congo Basin IP. Communications Management • Lead the establishment and implementation of a common GEF Congo Basin IP and Congo Basin Peatlands communication strategies, this by building on and fine tuning the already drafted strategy of the GEF IP and coordinating alignment and consistency between country and regional strategies • Support the implementation of an effective communication strategy of the IKI-funded Congo Basin Peatlands project • Support the building and promotion the Congo Basin IP and Congo Basin Peatlands project identities for adoption and wider used by project partners and stakeholders in support of the regional programme and national projects visibility. • Develop and disseminate – in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese – brochures, press kits, infographics, presentation handouts, posters/flyers/banners, photo and video materials, and templates for knowledge products and information materials to be adapted in the field. • Organizing regional-level capacity building on content editing and design to facilitate consistent high-level quality of the communication materials and knowledge products developed by national projects under the GEF Congo Basin IP and the IKI-funded Congo Basin Peatlands project. TERMS OF REFERENCE • Supporting dissemination of information, knowledge, and results, including through development of a Congo Basin Impact Programme newsletter. • Overseeing the development and management of Congo Basin IP and Congo Basin Peatlands project websites. • Populating and managing the online communication content for both the GEF Congo Basin IP and the Congo Basin peatlands project. • Developing a comprehensive national and regional media list and undertaking targeted outreach to promote discussion on key issues and profile the projects and their achievements. • Providing training, and technical support to and building networks and partnerships with journalists to strengthen communication and visibility around the Congo Basin Forests, the Congo Basin Peatlands, and the contributions of the projects to their effective conservation and management.

Qualifications/special skills

Degree in communication, development studies, international relations, social sciences, or closed related disciplines and at least 7 years’ experience in subjects related to knowledge management (ideally with substantive knowledge in natural resources management, biodiversity conservation and international environmental policy community-based natural resource management) is required. At least 7 years of demonstrated experience in knowledge and communication management work for environmental programmes, particularly complex multi-country programmes Demonstrated knowledge and mastery of facilitation and learning methods and tools. Ability to translate complex data sources and information into easily usable tools and resources to support policy and action at multiple levels, and to meet the information and knowledge needs of multiple audiences. Demonstrated knowledge and skills in designing and leading impactful communications campaigns to drive transformational change in policy, action and at behavioural level using multiple tools and approaches. Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work within complex multistakeholder contexts at all levels, including facilitating meetings and making public presentations. Demonstrated ability in translating data and information into stories and briefings for various audiences. Strong ICT skills, including experience in the use of common website management and graphic design platforms. Experience in website and social media management. Proficiency in web-site design and management and developing social network groups. Previous experience with UN or international projects will be an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.

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.