Communications Specialist

Grade: IS-3
Deadline: 07 February 2025 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 108,700 (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable)): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

Introduction
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. The GCF has a portfolio of 286 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 15.9 billion to date.

In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged, to support our new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027; our ambition is to grow to become at least a USD 50 billion fund by 2030. Rooted in the core objectives of impact and efficiency, access and a focus on the most vulnerable, and mobilizing a much higher scale of public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have an unparalleled scale of resources, which, together with our risk appetite and flexibility allows us to bring together different partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact. 

GCF is seeking a top-tier individual with a demonstrable track record of harnessing experience, energy and networks to tackle complex global climate change challenges. You will be committed to making a positive, measurable difference through a mission-driven role, and thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.  

You will be able to quickly scan and analyze complex, competing issues and lead significant sized teams to find solutions in evolving contexts, across multiple geographic locations. 

You will be a nurturer of people: recognizing and growing the talent around you, exemplifying values of transparency, respect and innovation.

You will be committed to learning, knowledge-sharing, convening and communicating with partners to work together to ideate, develop and implement climate action initiatives that make a profound difference to people and planet.

You will join a team of talented, committed individuals representing almost 80 nationalities contributing skills and experience from academic, scientific, private, government and nonprofit backgrounds.  Together, we work with governments, communities and civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector across the world.

Interested in more information? 
Learn about working for GCF: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/careers 
View current vacancies: https://jobs.greenclimate.fund/

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Set up in 2010 by the 194 countries who are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF takes its responsibility as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund to heart.  GCF funds transformative climate projects across the developing world, supporting countries in their responses and actions to tackle climate change while fostering sustainable development within their communities. 

Our country-driven approach ensures that our actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation we support. Besides channeling public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme ensuring countries are increasingly well-equipped and financed to manage their climate futures.

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, GCF operates with a diverse and talented workforce of over 300 people. 
 

Position Objective
The Communications Specialist will have full accountability for the strategic implementation, evaluation, and ongoing adaptation of the Independent Redress Mechanism Communication Plan. This includes overseeing all aspects of the plan's execution, from designing and leading high-impact annual campaigns to developing and refining key messaging across platforms. The manager will also provide strategic direction for the organization's social media presence, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder engagement.

In addition, the Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in managing and nurturing external relationships, including liaising with key stakeholders such as civil society organizations, media outlets, and redress mechanisms, as needed. They will ensure cohesive, timely, and effective communication efforts that reinforce the organization’s public image and enhance its engagement with diverse audiences

Purpose 

• Lead the design, implementation, and adaptive management of the multi-year communications plan, ensuring the effective execution of social media campaigns, outreach initiatives, and key messaging.
• Support the development of knowledge management products, addressing critical issues of relevance to the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Evaluate external stakeholder perceptions through quantitative and qualitative tools, reinforcing the organization’s credibility and reliability in its partnerships.
• Adapt communications programs and policies to ensure optimal design and delivery of a portfolio of communication projects/services, addressing the specific needs of clients and the operational environment.

Engagement

• Lead stakeholder interactions by utilizing effective communication tools and channels, strengthening relationship management and fostering collaborative efforts.
• Manage consultations with external stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the Communication Plan, including key messaging and outreach materials.
• Design and manage collaborative systems with civil society organizations and mediators to support the implementation of awareness and outreach activities in priority regions.
• Facilitate internal and cross-unit interactions by establishing a clear workflow system that enhances coordination and communication.
• Persuade and secure collaboration from colleagues and stakeholders by recognizing shared interests and leveraging empathy to align goals and foster strong partnerships.

Delivery

• Lead campaign management, including content production, key messaging, and social media management across platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Mailchimp).
• Identify and develop communication tools for use with external stakeholders such as civil society organizations, redress mechanisms, and the media.
• Design and implement communication programs in collaboration with civil society and relevant stakeholders to launch impactful campaigns.
• Oversee the production of social media content, videos, and other communication assets to raise awareness of the organization’s role in the global climate change response.
• Evaluate and adapt the 2021-2024 Communication Plan, ensuring continuous improvement of annual campaigns, key messaging, and social media strategies.
• Adapt project cycles and organize work outputs to optimize delivery, anticipating resource requirements to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Requirements (Education, experience, technical competencies required of the job)

• A master’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, marketing or other relevant subject area.  Bachelor's degree in similar fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the Master’s degree requirement. 
• At least 7 years of experience in communications. Knowledge and experience in designing and producing communication materials for different audiencesin developing countries, converging messaging and different perspective.
• Proficiency in a variety of communications strategies and tools and products, and especially in communicating and enabling the building of trusting relationships online with targeted audiences.
• Experience in running digital and in-person communication campaigns to targeted audiences.
• Excellent English writing skills, especially in synthesizing complex information into easily understood messages and media that are comprehensible to a general audience.
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including the ability to represent the IRM and interface effectively with senior government, multilateral organizations, private-sector and civil society officials. 
• Experience working with colleagues across divisions, backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to multi-task and meet pressing deadlines.
• Good command of storytelling approach, with the ability to convey messages in a simple, accessible and enjoyable way. 

Skills:  

• Strategic Communication and Leadership: Ability to design and lead comprehensive communication plans, campaigns, and key messaging to align with organizational goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Expertise in managing relationships with external stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and securing mutual agreement.
• Social Media Management and Content Creation: Proficiency in creating, managing, and optimizing content across social media platforms to enhance visibility and engagement.
• Project and Program Management: Skill in organizing, adapting, and delivering communication projects effectively, ensuring timely and resource-efficient execution.
• Analytical and Evaluation Skills: Ability to assess and improve communication strategies through quantitative and qualitative analysis, ensuring continuous improvement.

Language requirements:  

• Fluency in English is required;  
• Knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage;  
• Knowledge of any other language spoken in an area where GCF projects and programmes are being implemented is desirable.  
   

The closing date for application is 07 February 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. 

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.