OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences (ADG/SC), with guidance from the Director of Ecological and Earth Sciences (DIR/EES) and direct supervision by the Chief of Section of MAB Research and Policy: Ecology and Biodiversity (EES/ESP), the incumbent will be responsible for providing professional and technical support, research and analysis, as well as programmatic activities and initiatives, specifically in relation to UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and the Secretariat of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). The incumbent will perform the following tasks:

In particular the incumbent will:

• Contribute to the implementation of projects and initiatives within the framework of the MAB Programme its Strategy and its Action Plan by preparing communication strategies and products to raise awareness of the statutory meetings of MAB and the WNBR, including the meetings of the International Coordinating Council of MAB (MAB-ICC) and its Bureau, as well as the meetings of the International Advisory Committee for Biosphere Reserves (IACBR). This includes developing comprehensive communication plans, creating engaging content such as press releases and social media posts, coordinating media outreach, and engaging with stakeholders to foster broader participation and visibility of the meetings.

• Provide and maintain MAB and WNBR communication services for benefit of Member States in cooperation with the Executive Office of the Natural Sciences Sector, Field Offices and the Central Services, with particular focus on communicating science and policy to the general public, and on the development of MAB related information materials and outreach platforms.

• Assist in the development of geographic and thematic networks of MAB and WNBR by contributing to communication strategies. This includes providing communication backstopping for geographic and thematic networks through targeted outreach and ensuring clear messaging to stakeholders about the objectives and outcomes of the networks and projects.

• Update and enhance the MAB and WNBR information management systems including all internet-based platforms and databases at the MAB Secretariat; work closely with colleagues both at SC/EES and UNESCO field offices to implement the activities of MAB and WNBR, with specific responsibility for the preparation and organization of events, exhibitions and outreach activities related to MAB’s work as well as the facilitation of communication of scientific ideas, principles and knowledge related to UNESCO-designated sites.

• Conduct and support surveys and studies and data analysis with focus on best practices and current trends of biosphere reserve development that help ensure the relevance of MAB’s work towards key global frameworks such as the SDGs and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Ensure that data are up to date and content is coordinated and shared with SC staff across the field office network.

• Actively contribute to communication efforts aimed at mobilizing extrabudgetary resources and the development of partnerships with UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 centers, universities, research institutions, NGOs and the private sector, within the overall partnership development policy of the SC Sector and that of SC/EES.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) environmental sciences, communication, international relations, sustainable development, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive relevant professional experience in pertinent occupations for the position (social communications, international affairs and/or related area), of which preferably 3 years acquired at the international or multilateral level
• Experience working in and implementing international scientific communication programmes/projects.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Good analytical, organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively (orally and in writing) with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside of the Organization.
• Ability to work efficiently in a team and to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
• Solid knowledge of content management systems, data base applications, text processing, video editing, graphic design and internet communication platforms.

LANGUAGE

• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) and a good knowledge (written and spoken) of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Ph.D. or equivalent degree) in the field of social communications, international affairs and/or related area.
• Professional certification or other accreditation in the fields of social communications, international affairs and/or related area.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Professional experience in the UN System or in an international development corporation.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks.
• Research and analysis conducted in the fields of social communications, ecological sciences or environmental sciences.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of fund-raising and other resource mobilization mechanisms.

LANGUAGE

• Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Spanish, Arab, Chinese or Russian).