Speech Writer - (Lumpsum contract) , Multiple positions

Ultimate result of services: 
Visibility for UNEP's programme of work and policy positions through vibrant storytelling and expert editing of text products.

Below are some of the functionalities.

Under the supervision of the Press Secretary to the Executive Director, UNEP, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Research and draft stories, op-eds, press releases and leadership pieces for publication on UNEP website and externally that support UNEP's policy positions and programmatic work on themes related to the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution in line with ongoing work to promote World Environment Day, the Sustainable Development Goals, the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) and other UNEP priorities.
• Draft speeches for the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED) use in their engagement in key flagship events with member states and other external stakeholders; and revise content based on briefing materials and feedback through the office of the ED/DED.
• Write forewords in the name of the Executive Director (ED)/Deputy Executive Director (DED)  and for flagship and spotlights publications.
• Craft scripts for video messages by the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED)  marking major environmental international days and observance and for events where in-person participation is not possible.
• Generate communications material for two key spotlight reports – the UNEP Emissions Gap Report and the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report.
• Generate communications material for the Ozone secretariat.

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media, international relations or related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required;
• A first level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications sector is required.
• Experience implementing strategic communication guidance on behalf of high-level officials is desired.
• Prior experience working in UN agencies and/or international development agencies is an asset.

•  Fluency in oral and written English is required. 
• Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) - Lumpsum contract 
Contract level: IICA -3
Duty station: Home-based
Contract duration: 12 Months 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.