The Communications Officer will support the implementation of the Communications Strategy for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, by delivering a range of bespoke communications activities, creating and editing both editorial and graphic content, as well as conducting research and analysis as required.

The Communications 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 consultant 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:

• The Communications Officer will carry out the following tasks:

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

• Support the Ocean Decade Communications and Science Outreach Manager in the implementation of the Ocean Decade Communications Strategy to maintain and enhance the reputation and visibility of the Ocean Decade, ensuring overall integrity and institutional coherence.
• Assist in the development of specific strategies and campaigns for high-profile projects in support of the Ocean Decade.
• Identify and contribute new ideas for Ocean Decade communications and implement innovative campaign assets, such as visuals, infographics and other digital content.
• Lead the development, drafting and dissemination of the Ocean Decade newsletter to showcase success stories, impact and activities.
• Analyze communications trends to inform the development and evaluation of Ocean Decade communications activities and strategies, including on the Ocean Decade Network.

CONTENT PRODUCTION AND REVIEW

• Support the development of engaging stories, press releases, interviews, event communications, graphic design, video editing and more, coordinating with colleagues and ensuring timely dissemination and amplification.
• Assist in the content management of the Ocean Decade website.

ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH

• Foster a better understanding and awareness of the Ocean Decade and related activities by promoting newsworthy content and narratives in local, regional, international publications and internal and external digital platforms.
• 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.
• Assist in the compilation of quality multimedia content from Ocean Decade partners and management of an archive/system for usage and access of materials.

OTHER

• Assist in the systematic documentation, monitoring and evaluation of key communications activities, including through social media and web analytics and stakeholder surveys.
• Reply to and solve partner general requests and queries regarding Ocean Decade communications.
• Other as required by the supervisor.

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 1 year at international level, in public relations, communications or advocacy, preferably in social and/or ocean issues.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrated experience in implementing institutional communications in a multilanguage context.

Demonstrated ability in graphic design, publication design, multimedia products development, video editing, basic web design (minor use of HTML), web content, etc.

Excellent attention to detail and precision in work undertaken. Ability to work under tight deadlines, and with a certain degree of autonomy following the directions and guidance of the supervisor.

Communicates sensitively and effectively across different audiences. Excellent communication and writing skills in English and in additional UN language(s).

Demonstrated ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data to compile and synthesize information in coherent and succinct formats. Ability to work efficiently in a multi-cultural environment and team spirit.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

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