Communications Senior Officer -Retainer

Functional Responsibilities and Deliverables:

The Communication Officer  will work under the direct supervision of the GoM-LME Project Coordinator and in close collaboration with the other members of the PCU and IPs from the other three components of the project. Accordingly, the candidate selected will be required to perform, but not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities:

Overall deliverables: 

Effective Communication & Dissemination of Project Progress 

• Prepare regular updates on project progress, ensuring the key outcomes and performance indicators are clearly communicated to internal and external stakeholders. Adapt and tailor M&E findings to suit different audiences (e.g., project partners, donors, local communities), ensuring messages are clear, relevant, and accessible (in accordance with UNEP and GEF communication procedures, based on indicators defined in the results framework and annual work plans.)

• Support the creation of data visualizations (charts, graphs, infographics) to simplify complex M&E data and make it more digestible for various audiences.

• Maintaining M&E Archives: Help maintain a centralized, accessible archive of M&E reports, updates, and communication materials to ensure consistency and transparency throughout the project.

• Contribute to the creation of clear and engaging communication materials to showcase the key activities of each project component, reaching diverse audiences through a variety of media channels.

Knowledge Management / Communication Strategy and Knowledge management

• Review, adjust, improve and implementa regional communication and awareness-raising strategy for the Gulf of Mexico project. Tailor the strategy to engage different stakeholders (including beneficiaries, local communities, and external partners), ensuring that key messages resonate and are communicated effectively across the region. 

• Contribute to the update of the Ocean Health Index Independent assessment (OHI+) factsheet for Gulf Of Mexico ensuring that it clearly communicates the latest project developments and aligns with the broader communication strategy.Compile relevant data, write engaging and audience-appropriate content, and ensure that the factsheet effectively informs stakeholders about the project’s progress and outcomes

• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among project participants and beneficiaries. This may involve:

  • Contributing to the creation and maintenance of a central knowledge repository for project documents, data, and best practices.

  • Making use of existing communication tools and/or developing new communication platforms  (e.g., social media, newsletters/quarterly reports, etc ) to facilitate information exchange and collaboration.

  • Developing clear communication materials  (e.g., reports, infographics) to effectively communicate project findings and key messages to diverse audiences.

• Contribute to the update of the Gulf of Mexico factsheet. This may involve:

  • Compiling and synthesizing relevant project data and findings.

  • Writing clear, concise, and engaging content for the target audience.

  • Ensuring the factsheet aligns with the overall communication strategy.

Project experiences and best practices exchanged with GEF IW-LEARN

• Contribute to the development of at least 2 experience and results notes by project end.

• Draft at least two impactful stories showcasing project results and positive impacts achieved. These narratives can be used in various communications materials (e.g., website, reports, presentations).

• Support the development of an IW:LEARN compliant project website: Support the development of a project website that adheres to IW:LEARN guidelines, ensuring it effectively communicates project goals, achievements, and key findings to a broad audience.

• Enhance visibility and knowledge sharing for at least 4 twinning activities.

Project visibility and dissemination

• Support for IP-generated visibility content material (videos, photos, stories/articles , etc)   and ensure it complies with the GEF and UNOPS guidelines.

• Support the update of the project’s website.

• Contribute to the development of newsletters, notes, social media posts and blogs.

• Improve guidelines for dissemination materials to be produced under the project. This may involve:

  • Press releases, banners and exhibition material, posters, newsletters and printed and electronic material, publications, editorial content, technical reports, maps, educational material, billboards, promotional material, videos and other multimedia assets, exhibitions and websites.

  • Outreach material: Public-facing information including, among others, the Identity Manual (logo, logo applications, logo handling recommendations), the Digital Applications Manual (master files of templates and packages for graphic and audio-visual production), typographic details, (typography used), colour specifications (colour of the logo used) and acknowledgements (a mandatory inclusion paragraph in any material or product that has been created with the (financial) support of the GoM PAE LME Project). 

  • Boilerplate text

  • Specifications to be included in the publications generated within the project, such as title page, acknowledgements, and the development of contents (topics and subtopics), order and minimum texts to be contained in each of the publications.

•  Any other communications activities which may be required by the project.

• Experience in producing analytical reports and communications products is required.

• Experience in developing and implementation of communications strategies is required.

• Experience in digital and social media, visual communications and storytelling is required.

• Familiarity with the development and/or environmental sector, as well as familiarity with topics such as gender and vulnerable peoples in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean region, would be considered a significant asset.

• Experience working with UNOPS or a similar UN/international organization will be considered a significant asset.