Knowledge and Communications Expert

PROJECT CONTEXT

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises’ transition towards a green and circular economy” (Project ID: 230143) is a project financed by the European Commission through the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) under the umbrella of the “Regional package on Green and Circular Economy – Green Forward”.

The project’s overall objective is to create green jobs along targeted value chains, including to contribute to sustainable economic growth, decarbonized and climate resilient development, decent jobs creation, and a safer, healthier, and pollution-free environment. This action will be conducted in the eight countries of the Southern Mediterranean region previously supported by the SwitchMed II Programme (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia) plus Libya.

The project will build on the achievements of the SwitchMed II programme and will focus on two outputs. Under Output 1, resource efficient and circular business models will be demonstrated, and capacities thereon will be built, including on access to finance, through the development of industrial pilots. Under Output 2, resource efficiency and circular economy knowledge will be disseminated at educational, Technical and Vocational Education and Training and policy levels, including regionally, to support regional cooperation and capacity building.

Targets for the six month project inception period, starting on 1 July 2024, include inter alia:

• Obtaining clearances and authorizations necessary to project implementation in target countries;
• Selection and recruitment of experts and set-up of the Project Management Unit within UNIDO Headquarters;
• Establishment of the project coordination mechanism (nomination of the Project Steering Committee members by the countries and of European Commission representatives);
• Establishment of a project performance management framework; and
• Elaboration of the Terms of Reference and start of the procurement process to mobilize first sub-contracts with the service providers.
• An inception report will be produced within 60 days upon completion of the period.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Knowledge and Communication Manager supports the objectives of the project by developing and implementing a comprehensive knowledge management and communication strategy that aligns with the objectives of UNIDO and DG NEAR. This involves processes that can capture, organize, and disseminate critical knowledge in accordance with donor guidelines and in coordination with other components of the “Regional Package on Green Economy – Green Forward”.
• Among such processes, the incumbent ensures the creation and maintenance of a centralized repository where all critical project information is stored in a standardized manner, enabling effective reporting and communication on project inception. The Knowledge and Communication Manager regularly reviews and refines the documents, incorporating feedback in line with applicable standards to establish qualitative and efficient project reporting and communication practices. Additionally, the Knowledge and Communication Manager supports the preparation of significant project events by coordinating communication services and materials. Such services may include web or paper publications for specialized and wider audiences.

MAIN DUTIES:

• Study the communication and visibility guidelines applicable to the project (UNIDO and donor) and attend related informative events.
• Consult with the donor and coordinate with the implementing organizations of the other components of the “Green Economy Package”.
• Develop and execute a strategic communication plan to raise awareness about resource efficiency and circular economy among the defined target groups, as outlined in the project objectives.
• Based on a needs assessment, develop a collaborative workspace where all critical project information is stored.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive knowledge management strategy aligned with the project’s goals.
• Oversee documentation, storage, and dissemination of project information.
• Provide guidance to teams on knowledge generation and knowledge sharing products.
• Promote knowledge sharing from the project, connecting to internal and external knowledge networks.
• Overall, establish and continuously improve qualitative and efficient knowledge management practices for attaining the objectives of the inception period.
• Prepare and disseminate updates on project activities through various media channels, which can increase engagement and awareness of project activities in the region.
• Develop and distribute press releases relevant to project activities and project stakeholders to secure coverage in key local and sector-specific media outlets.
• Support in the collection and extraction of relevant project data, including project events, and reporting.
• Develop, curate reports and edit high-quality content for internal and external use, ensuring the products are consistent, accurate, and aligns with the organization’s standards and messaging.
• Create visual aids such as charts, graphs, and tables to enhance the readability and impact of reports.
• Utilize data visualization tools, such as infographics, to present complex information in an easily understandable format.
• Develop a set of standardized templates for presentations, reporting and external communication in line with the project requirements.
• Develop a team training on best practices and lessons learned for capturing, organizing and disseminating knowledge from former projects.
• Create detailed training materials and manuals to support the learning process.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to staff in the effective use of knowledge management tools and the development of communication material.
• Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify and prioritize key stakeholders relevant to knowledge management initiatives for the project.
• Develop an engagement strategy that can facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders to foster a supportive business enabling environment.
• Represent the project at meetings, conferences, and other relevant events to promote its objectives and achievements.
• Provide oversight and quality control of additional communication needs.
• Draft Terms of Reference according to project needs, best quality criteria and in line with UNIDO procurement guidelines.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• An advanced university degree in area of development studies, communication, media, publishing or closely related field is required.

Technical and Functional Experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience is required.
• Experience in technical cooperation communication, including exposure at the international level, is required.
• The ability to write clearly and concisely, research and analyse information independently, make connections with the organization’s strategic vision, and recommend solutions is required.
• Prior demonstrated familiarity with environmental issues and experience with the topics of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production and Circular Economy is desirable.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, especially French or Arabic, is desirable.

Source: https://careers.unido.org/job/Vienna-Knowledge-and-Communications-Expert/986307355/