Communications Officer

IUCN’s Climate Change and Energy Transition team is part of IUCN Secretariat. The team leads IUCN’s global thematic work on climate change, both to limit the future impact of climate change and to help vulnerable communities and ecosystems adapt to unavoidable climate impacts. The team engages on climate issues from multiple perspectives; from assessing the risks that climate change poses to communities and biodiversity to advocating for improved climate policy and practice; advancing Nature-based Solutions for both mitigation and adaptation centred on improved conservation, management, and restoration of natural ecosystems; and guiding climate investments to avoid maladaptation and ancillary negative impacts on biodiversity and nature-dependent livelihoods.

The team works as a delocalised team across several IUCN duty stations with the staff divided between its Gland-based Headquarters, Bonn, and Washington D.C. Office. The incumbent will support the team in tasks related to the communications for several climate change adaptation projects.

The Communications Officer will directly support the Climate Change & Energy Transition Team (CCETT) by raising awareness and addressing their communication needs. This role involves synthesizing knowledge into actionable insights, developing and implementing communication strategies to promote the multiple CCETT projects and initiatives.

Functions and Responsibilities:

Communication strategy and implementation:

• Regularly assess communication needs of the team; develop and implement communication strategy based on the projects needs and team’s business lines
• Ensure regular updates and maintain content accuracy across all digital platforms, including the IUCN website and social media channels.
• Provide communication guidance to the Team’s projects and proposals.
• Develop short news articles, newsletters and press releases to communicate programme results.
• Coordinate with regional teams to organise project site photo/media coverage as appropriate.
• Maintain a library of media coverage (digital publications, press releases, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources, etc.) and media materials, monitoring the use and effectiveness of such materials.

Support major climate adaptation projects of the team:

• Lead knowledge exchange and capacity building initiatives under the NAbSA initiative to enhance design and implementation strategies that promote equitable access to information and skills.
• Document and disseminate findings, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Facilitate the adoption and scaling-up of nature-positive, gender-responsive adaptation actions globally, in alignment with the Global Affairs Canada Action Area programming on Environment and Climate Action and Gender Equality, as well as other donors and initiatives of the Team.
• Foster collaboration between stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation, connecting these efforts to broader global agendas on the Climate Change – Biodiversity nexus.
• Coordinate with partners and donors to ensure alignment and support for the strategic goals of the CCETT, enhancing global impact and visibility.

Support product development and creation of content:

• Support product development from end-user perspective: help with conception and design of products. This includes but is not limited to easy web structures, storytelling, infographics, factsheets, etc.
• Review technical content and provide corrections in language (English and French) and format to make project products usable for broad audience.
• Support communication of products with relevant audience (may include webinars, or events if relevant).
• Provide support in developing and reviewing educational and training materials.

Additional information:

• The position may require international travel.
• Knowledge of IT and communication tools essential for effective remote collaboration.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field linked to sustainable development, climate change, environmental science, with a focus on communication for environment and development.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in environmental or conservation communications.
• Demonstrated skill in crafting and executing successful communication strategies that engage diverse stakeholders (including, project beneficiaries, partner organisations, policy makers, donors, etc.).
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken is required, with additional strong language skills in another IUCN official language (Spanish and/or French) strongly preferred.
• Ability to synthesise primary and secondary data, and scientific/academic and technical information int materials for a diverse audience.
• Proven ability to synthesise and communicate complex information, including reports, policy outcomes, and project results.
• Proven track record of working very diverse audiences and publics, from senior management to community teams.
• Track record of producing and designing tailored communication material and digital assets (using relevant design software: Canva, Adobe, etc.) for effective storytelling, ensuring CCETT projects and initiatives are accurately reflected and promoted.
• Management of IT tools (online administrative systems, Office and other information management platforms and videoconferencing) and online web management tools (WordPress, CMS).

Source: https://hrms.iucn.org/iresy/index.cfm?event=vac.show&vacId=11103&lang=en