ASSOCIATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, Bonn

Org. Setting and ReportingThe 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. Established in April 2012, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has a membership of more than 150 Governments (see and seeks to respond to the needs of governments and other stakeholders to strengthen the science-policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This position is located at the IPBES secretariat at the Bonn duty station in Germany. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Communications and the overall supervision of the IPBES Executive Secretary, the Associate Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities• Tracks, researches and analyzes information on assigned topics/issues; gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns; • Develops media communication products and press materials, including drafting of media/press briefings and releases, key messages media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, and newsletters, ensuring distribution to target groups and monitoring of articles and stories, videos and social media updates from relevant outlets. • Organizes the clearance, production and distribution of information material; conducts photo and graphic research; contributes to maintaining and updating the digital information assets of the Platform; • Maintains and grows a global database of key media contacts; • Prepares, based on official IPBES and UN documentation and other sources, initials drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in news media, newsletters, periodicals, reports and books; • In consultation with others identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities and approaches, considering the situation/topic and target audience; • Identifies key contacts/constituencies/stakeholders and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with them; • Organizes or participates in the organization of conferences, seminars, press briefings and interviews, prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events; • Responds to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence; • Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. • Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g. media relations, campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation. Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in an accurate, clear, concise and engaging style – without reliance on artificial intelligence tools. Ability to interact with the media and public to build and maintain effective business connections. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be \"clients\" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism or international relations, or closely related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, public relations, external communications or closely related area, working specifically in the United Nations or similar international organization, is required. Professional experience in communicating about biodiversity science and policy specifically to non-specialist media is desirable. A minimum of one year of recent professional experience building and maintaining top-tier global media relations, is required. A minimum of one year of recent operational experience of social media in the United Nations or equivalent intergovernmental organization, is desirable. Professional experience related directly to IPBES, is desirable. Experience in supporting the organization and servicing of large inter-governmental or multi-stakeholder meetings, including experience in supporting the development of communication and outreach strategies and media engagement, is desirable. Experience with web content management systems is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree). LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).