Title:  Strategic Communications Coordinator

 ​​Requisition ID: 5669 
Grade: P3 (Specialist) 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 5 months
Application Deadline: 26-May-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora. The Directorate houses the technical Divisions of Capacity Development, Industrial Policy Advice and Statistics (TCS/CPS); Circular Economy and Green Industry (TCS/CEG); Energy and Climate Action (TCS/ECA), Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol (TCS/CMP); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET). 

The Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division (TCS/CMP), mandated to work in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, assists Member States in emergence, deployment, and large-scale up-take of innovative climate solutions for low-carbon and climate resilient industrialization. The Division promotes systems innovation approach to achieve transformational change in climate change by innovating across key levers of change that include technology, finance, policy, and regulation. In particular, the Division is responsible for the dual mandate of a) accelerating innovation and building climate technology innovation ecosystems to promote low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways and b) planning, developing and implementing interventions to facilitate compliance with the Montreal Protocol and, in particular, its Kigali Amendment and to support countries in achieving their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In addition, the Division is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities of the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of low-carbon and climate-resilient solutions and building markets to ensure their widespread use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and building resilience in recipient countries. 

The position is located under the Climate Technology Innovation Unit (TCS/CMP/CTI), which is responsible for supporting Member States in fostering innovation across technologies, finance, policy and regulation to promote the emergence, deployment and large-scale up-take of low-carbon and climate adaptation solutions and business practices. In addition, the Unit is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities in the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of and establishing markets for low- carbon and climate adaptation solutions, ensuring wide use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate mitigation, adaptation and building resilience in recipient countries. The Unit positions UNIDO strategically in the global discourse on climate technology innovation support and acts as the focal point in UNIDO for partnership with the technology mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

PROJECT CONTEXT 

The expert will independently develop and implement innovative and results-driven communication strategies to enhance: 

1. The overall CTI Unit’s communications strategy and narrative to align with UNIDO’s broader climate innovation, donors' strategies, and private sector engagement goals. 

2. The impact and visibility of individual projects within the CTI portfolio, with key ones listed below. 

1.1 Programme for innovation in climate adaptation and resilience building solutions (PARS) (Project ID 240051; 240052; 240053; 240274; 240275) 

The programme aims to reduce climate vulnerability and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate change by promoting innovation, facilitating technology transfer, and deploying adaptation and resilience building solutions at scale. This programme consists of a Global Child Project and partner country (national) Child Projects in Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, and Angola. The programme has five components: 

(1) Creating a conducive policy and regulatory environment to stimulate the development and deployment of innovative climate adaptation and resilience building solutions; (2) Developing and deploying innovative climate adaptation and resilience building solutions; (3) Development of innovative financial instruments for climate adaptation and resilience building solutions; (4) Coordination, knowledge management and learning approaches enhanced; and (5) Integrated monitoring, evaluation, and gender mainstreaming framework for global coordination project. 

1.2 Vulnerable Twenty Group funding programme to leverage adaptation by averting and minimising impacts of climate change (Project ID 220208) 

The project aims to boost adaptation by building resilience at the community level to avert and minimise impacts from climate change amongst members of the Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20). The project seeks to deploy GEF Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)/Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) resources directly into affected communities of the V20 group’s member countries through innovative climate adaptation projects and interventions supported by Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). 

1.3 Amplifying the impact of the “Challenge Programme for Adaptation Innovation” of the Global Environment Facility through learning and knowledge management (Project ID 220216) 

The project promotes the private sector’s role in accelerating climate adaptation innovation through learning and knowledge management. It gathers, discusses, manages, and disseminates insights from the GEF Challenge Program for Adaptation Innovation via three Communities of Practice led by: 

• GARI (Investment Funds) 

• UNEP FI (Impact Measurement & Information Flows) 

• Climate-KIC (MSME Incubation) 

UNIDO coordinates these Communities, fosters synergies, and disseminates knowledge through the CAIL platform on the UNIDO website. 

1.4 Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Programme in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Programme in Developing Countries (Project ID 230260 & 230261) 

The Inclusive GEF Assembly Challenge Programme was designed to acknowledge and support the significant role played by various CSOs and CBOs in delivering inclusive benefits for both people and ecosystems, by showcasing how the GEF is transforming ideas into actions and supporting solutions from the ground-up, advancing in this way a whole-of-society approach by providing resources and knowledge to scale up their initiatives. The two Programmes empower 21 selected non-state actors – composed by CSOs and CBOs – globally, aiming to catalyse innovative impactful climate change adaptation (CCA) initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and community resilience. The Programmes seek to achieve two primary objectives. Firstly, they seek to recognize and elevate the crucial role played by non-state actors in driving real inclusive change, through the implementation of 21 high-impact innovative inclusive initiatives spread through 28 countries. By fostering knowledge sharing, networking, and global coordination, they aim to magnify the impact of these initiatives. 

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

Under the direct supervision of the CTI Head, and in close cooperation with the different project teams in the HQ and field locations, the expert will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties: 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Projects 240051; 240052; 240053; 240274; 240275

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a knowledge management, communication, and advocacy action plan.

• Create, produce, and maintain content for the PARS Web Platform, coordinating with partners and beneficiaries to collect learnings and best practices.

• Design and implement a data-driven social media strategy to enhance audience engagement and outreach.

• Support the organization and execution of the Global Knowledge Exchange Forums and other global events.

• Develop and disseminate communication materials including:

  • Invitations

  • Agendas

  • Promotional materials

  • Blog posts

  • Video summaries

  • Knowledge products derived from discussions

• Support the development and maintenance of the visual impact dashboard.

Expected Outputs:

• PARS Communication Internal Guidelines developed and disseminated.

• Action plan for knowledge management and communication implemented.

• Regularly updated content for the PARS Web Platform.

• Support to Global Knowledge Exchange Forums provided.

• Knowledge materials developed and shared.

• Visual impact dashboard developed and updated.

• Social media content produced.

Project 220208

• Develop and implement a project-specific Communication Strategy to enhance visibility across V20 countries, including:

  • Defining key messages and digital content strategies

  • Establishing structured dissemination protocols and branded materials

  • Leveraging communication platforms for broader outreach

  • Collaborating with the V20 and UNIDO Communications Office

• Create and disseminate knowledge materials (reports, presentations, videos, quizzes, etc.).

• Document and share lessons learnt and best practices.

• Coordinate participation in global forums such as COP.

• Perform additional communication-related activities as required.

Expected Outputs:

• Communication strategy and materials developed and approved.

• Guidelines disseminated to partners.

• Results from demonstration projects documented and shared.

• Periodic stakeholder engagements held.

• Social media and global event support provided.

Project 220216

• Implement a results-driven, impact-focused Communication Strategy.

• Maintain and update the CAIL website in coordination with UNIDO’s Communications and IT teams.

• Develop aligned knowledge materials such as:

  • Blog posts

  • Press releases

  • Briefing notes

• Manage high-impact social media content and a dynamic content calendar.

• Ensure all knowledge products meet editorial and strategic standards before publication.

• Liaise with key project stakeholders to collect data and best practices.

• Provide support for organizing events like COP and UNIDO Adaptation Week.

Expected Outputs:

• High-quality communication materials produced and disseminated.

• Website and social media regularly updated.

• Editorially approved content published.

• Regular exchanges with stakeholders conducted.

Projects 230260 & 230261

• Update the Project Communication Strategy and outreach plan.

• Define project-specific communication approaches and manage content planning for the project’s webpage.

• Identify platforms for stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.

• Maintain communication with:

  • 21 project developers

  • Regional hubs

  • UNIDO Communications Office

• Produce materials such as brochures, promotional videos, and social media content.

• Develop inclusive communication guidelines that mainstream gender, youth, and environmental safeguards.

• Coordinate global forum participation including COP.

Expected Outputs:

• Communication strategy and outreach materials developed and shared.

• Inclusive guidelines developed and approved.

• Continuous communication with stakeholders maintained.

• Event participation supported.

Climate Technology Innovation (CTI) Unit – Overall Strategy

• Develop, refine, and implement an innovative communication strategy aligned with CTI’s adaptation and innovation goals, including:

  • Crafting key messages

  • Setting team-wide guidelines

  • Ensuring inclusive language and presentation

  • Creating donor-focused outreach and engagement plans

  • Executing a digital media strategy

  • Establishing a performance measurement framework

• Lead strategy execution through:

  • Producing outreach materials (reports, blogs, videos, newsletters)

  • Managing CTI’s social media presence and analytics

  • Overseeing website development and updates

  • Coordinating with UNIDO Communications for content publication

• Provide strategic coordination for events such as COP and UNIDO Climate Adaptation Week.

• Manage comprehensive promotional campaigns for events, including:

  • Social media and digital/print advertising

  • Creation of engaging multimedia content

  • Coordination with media outlets for pre/post-event coverage

• Ensure internal and external communication consistency, including within the Climate Innovation and Montreal Protocol Division.

• Draft and prepare news updates for the Technical Cooperation Newsletter.

Expected Outputs:

• High-impact CTI communication strategy and stakeholder engagement plan implemented.

• Monitoring systems for communication effectiveness developed.

• Communication materials (digital and print) created and distributed.

• Website and social media presence actively maintained.

• Strategic event communication coordinated and delivered.

• News updates prepared and published regularly.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in communications, international relations, international development, or other relevant discipline with a specialization in strategic communications is required. 

Technical and Functional Experience: 

• At least five (5) years of progressive and professional experience in strategic communications and outreach, knowledge product development, social media management, and events coordination is required. 

• Experience in independently developing and implementing innovative communication strategies with proven increased stakeholder engagement, is required. 

• Strong drafting, editing, and writing skills for a range of knowledge products, including blog posts, press releases, reports, and outreach materials, are required. 

• Experience in strategic communications for climate change projects, particularly those funded by the Global Environment Facility, the Adaptation Fund, and Green Climate Fund, is highly desirable. 

• Experience in working with a United Nations Agency is desirable. 

• Familiarity with key topics such as climate change, climate technology and innovation, adaptation and resilience, climate finance, and private sector engagement is desirable. 

• Proficiency in visual communication tools and design software (e.g., Canva) is desirable. 

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language, particularly French is desirable. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES 

Core values: 

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially. 

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner. 

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective. 

Key competencies: 

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity. 

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world. 

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work. 

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another. 

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level. 

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org