PROGRAMME MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA RELATIONS (2117)

18 April 2024
 
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VACANCY NOTICE NO: 2117
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 26 April 2021 Recruitment Completed
POST

Programme Manager, Communications and Media Relations
GRADE

P5
DUTY STATION 

Geneva, Switzerland
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY

To be determined
NATURE OF APPOINTMENT

Fixed-term - 2 years
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Secretary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the incumbent will perform the following duties. The incumbent may be requested to assist WMO and UNEP in similar functions:

a. Direct and manage the media and outreach services of the IPCC, focusing on the role, work and results of the IPCC through efforts targeted directly to the media and the general public, in collaboration with key partners, in particular, governments, academics, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. As a member of the IPCC senior management team, contribute to the formulation of the IPCC's overall communication strategies and policies, advise the Chair, IPCC Vice-Chairs, the IPCC Secretary and the Co-Chairs of IPCC Working Groups and Task Forces on matters pertaining to the IPCC's communication priorities and issues. Lead the implementation of these strategies;

b. Ensure that communication and outreach on programmed activities are carried out in a timely manner and all outputs produced meet required standards, including internal publications and leaflets, statements, speeches, press releases, organization of press conferences and briefings, information campaigns, workshops, etc.;

c. Manage the Communications Action Team, including maintaining processes for rapid responses, and report to the Chair, IPCC Vice-Chairs, the IPCC Secretary and the Co-Chairs of IPCC Working Groups and Task Forces as well as the IPCC governing bodies on communications and outreach activities and issues;

d. Advise and coach IPCC experts on when and how to interact with the media and the public in general. Oversee information activities of the different Working Groups and guide their communication experts, including the development of communications plans for IPCC reports and their implementation through launches of reports and subsequent outreach. Oversee consistency in the communication practices throughout the IPCC, its Working Groups and Task Forces;

e. Propose and implement initiatives to strengthen the IPCC’s relations with governmental and intergovernmental information and communications partners. Explore new cooperation and partnership modalities (i.e. Climate Change Foundations, Academies, etc.). Ensure resource mobilization is included in these contacts and general outreach activities;

f. Manage the content of the IPCC website, in cooperation with the IT team;

g. Maintain and strengthen liaison with the media, including the press, radio and television, and provide leadership to the development of communication and outreach programmes, with special attention to the area of social media (Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc.);

h. Develop and implement a programme of outreach with partners as appropriate to present the work and findings of the IPCC to diverse audiences in different geographies at IPCC events and workshops or as part of international and local conferences, and including webcasts and virtual formats, and the development of appropriate materials;

i. Assist the IPCC Chair and Secretary in the formulation of IPCC's information policies (internal and external) and in matters pertaining to the dissemination of scientific information, including on their communication in public forums and in appearances before academic and/or intergovernmental bodies, international conferences, workshops and symposiums, in collaboration with other Secretariat or TSU staff as appropriate;

j. Manage and supervise the work of other communications staff and consultants (in the IPCC Secretariat and associated with any IPCC Working Group, Task Force or other IPCC official) in implementing the communication strategy, publications and developing Internet-based media services; Formulate and provide guidance to the substantive work of communication consultants, determining priorities and allocating resources for IPCC communication strategy and action plans implementation and for its timely delivery;

k. Foster interaction with UN system partners (UNEP, WMO, UNFCCC, etc.); Participate in the United Nations Communications Group, the UN Climate Communications Task Force, the work of the communications network of the UN Information Service in Geneva, and other communications networks as appropriate;

l. Carry out other relevant duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Advanced university degree in journalism, international relations, communication, political science or related area.

Experience
At least 10 years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in public information, communication and journalism. Solid experience in strategic communication and crisis management, of which five years in internal communications, information and diplomacy, preferably in the United Nations system. Experience in climate science or other related IPCC fields working in the above areas an advantage.

Other requirements
Experience defining and managing high-profile communication challenges. Ability to undertake effective media outreach programmes. Proven managerial and negotiation skills. Ability to work constructively with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Proven experience developing communication strategies. Excellent spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to draft communication materials and speeches as well as other documents. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Maturity of judgment and good sense of initiative. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and foster team spirit.

Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES

Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 92731

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 69548 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information:
Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written assessment and/or an interview.
Date of issue of vacancy notice: 29 March 2021

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