The objective of the assignment is to achieve the following: • High impact of communications and a successful launch event for the global report on collective progress towards the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; • Strengthened visibility, coherence and reach of CBD communications in 2026 with a focus on the global report process and preparations for COP 17; • Clear, accessible storytelling that supports understanding of biodiversity trends, implementation progress, and priorities under the Convention and the KMGBF; • Enhanced engagement with partners and stakeholders through coordinated communications and outreach in the lead-up to COP 17; • Effective media and public-facing communications that support key CBD moments and milestones in 2026, including COP 17.

Home-based or in the office

12 months

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING The United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has 196 Parties and has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding international treaty with the objectives of conserving biodiversity, promoting its sustainable use, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The CBD Secretariat, based in Montreal, supports Parties in the implementation of the Convention and related instruments, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This position is located in the Communications and Awareness (CA) unit of the CBD and will report directly to the head of the unit. The COP 17 Communications Specialist will support the CBD Secretariat’s communication and outreach efforts in 2026 with a particular focus on preparations for and delivery of communications related to the seventeen meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to be held in Armenia. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the Head of Communications and Awareness, the consultant will: 1. Develop a communications plan and implement communications activities related to national and global implementation of the KMGBF, in particular for the global report on collective progress towards the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 2. Oversee the design, layout and visualization elements of the global report on collective progress towards the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including static and digital/online formats, ensuring alignment with CBD and COP 17 visual identity; 3. Support the launch and dissemination of the global report on collective progress towards the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and related activities in connection with COP 17; 4. Support storytelling and content development for CBD communications in 2026, including article writing and narrative development drawing on national reports, projects, initiatives, and the Global Biodiversity Review; 5. Liaise and engage with the Planning, Monitoring, Reporting and Review Unit (PMRR) of the Secretariat on all issues related to communications, outreach and dissemination around the global report, the PMRR unit is responsible for producing the global report on collective progress. Liaise and engage with other partners, stakeholders, and relevant initiatives throughout 2026 in support of COP 17 communications objectives and outcomes as relevant; 6. Support the development and delivery of the International Day for Biological Diversity campaign in 2026, positioning it as a year of local action in the lead-up to COP 17; 7. Support media and press engagement activities throughout 2026, including drafting press releases, supporting press conferences, and preparing press lines and responses related to CBD activities and the Global Biodiversity Review process.

Academic qualifications: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communications, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communications, media relations, programme management, or a related field is required. Skills: Proven experience in working with international organizations in the areas of biodiversity and nature is required. Proven experience in drafting and creating high-quality and relevant communications assets and products around nature and biodiversity is required. Proven knowledge of relevant materials, networks and processes of the United Nations and key partners is an asset. Competencies: Professionalism, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Teamwork

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable. NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Travel: If home-based, up to two (2) visits may be arranged to meet with the team in person in Montreal, budget and need permitting. Other travel may be required. Special conditions: This is an international consultancy, where full-time presence in the office is not required but would be welcome if the consultant already has the ability to live and work in Canada. For those who are home-based, working as much as possible on Montreal time is desired.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.