National Media and Communications Expert

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

• Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.
• This position is located under the Climate and Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP) in the Directorate on SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET).
• The Division will promote and pave the road for the engagement with Member States, the private and finance sector, research, experts and innovation platforms, IGOs and other relevant entities and stakeholders, in the development of strategic partnerships on climate and technology. Through the collaboration with a wide range of external partners and organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division will support Member States in their pathway to net zero and accelerate economic transformation.
• The focus of the Division will be to identify, design, negotiate and coordinate innovative partnerships and support the elaboration and initiation of joint technical cooperation programmes and actions. The Division will coordinate UNIDO’s Global Partnership for Hydrogen in Industry and its related green hydrogen programme; and represent UNIDO in relevant high-level policy discussions and fora.
• Furthermore, the Division will facilitate knowledge management and exchange, support UNIDO’s global forum activities associated to climate and technology innovation; and coordinate high-level events such as the Green Hydrogen Day Event at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties.
• The Media and Communications Expert shall work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, and the Hydropower project team in the Climate & Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP).

PROJECT CONTEXT

Project Title: Promoting small hydropower development and circular economy approaches in Nigeria (SAP ID: 220145)

• Nigeria is endowed with rich perennial and non-perennial rivers which if properly harnessed, holds great potential towards providing access to electricity and addressing climate change. However, the focus over the years in many African countries has been on large scale hydro power generation. At a time when Africa and other developing countries urgently need a comprehensive sustainable development strategy in all sectors of the economy, especially the power sector, the promotion and popularization of small hydro power systems deserve priority policy considerations.
• The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the European Union is implementing the above titled project. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to improved access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all and promote circular economy practices to combat pollution and climate change and its impacts in Nigeria.
• The project is comprised of two components namely: (i) Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN); and (ii) Advancing Nigeria’s Green and Just Transition to Net Zero through Circular Economy Practices. This assignment addresses the project Component 1, “Small Hydro Power Development for Agro-industry Use in Nigeria (SHP-DAIN)”, aims to increase the capacity of small hydro power (SHP) in the total energy mix (by a minimum of 2MW cumulative capacity) to promote productivity along the agricultural value chains and other businesses, enhance livelihoods, and promote food security and decent work. The project builds upon previous UNIDO interventions in the area of SHP and agro-industry implemented in Nigeria and other countries.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSABILITIES

• Under the guidance and overall supervision of the Project Manager and working with the Small Hydropower project team and Gender Expert, the Media and Communications Expert will provide support to enhance the overall visibility of the project and its achievements through defined communication channels. The consultant will ensure that communication reaches targeted groups of the project while raising awareness on the economic, social and environmental benefits of adopting Small Hydropower (SHP) for productive use. Awareness on the role of the donor and the contributions made available through this Project will be elevated among the concerned project stakeholders. Specifically, the Media and Communications Expert has the following duties and responsibilities:

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, development studies, engineering, management or other related discipline, is required. Specialization in communications is an asset.

Technical and Functional Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years working experience at the national level in delivering communication services to promote international development work in Energy or other related fields is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the usage of MS Office suite (MS Word, Excel, etc.), experience in preparing and maintaining communication materials is required.
• Experience in website administration (content management system) and social media networks administration would be considered as an asset.
• Experience working with the United Nations, European Union and/or other development organization on technical cooperation work in Nigeria desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Source: https://careers.unido.org/job/Home-Based-National-Media-and-Communications-Expert,-AbujaNigeria/978061755/