Communications Intern, Bonn, Germany

Background Information - Job-specific
Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) The Initiative for Climate Act...
Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT)
The Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) was established in 2015 at the COP that adopted the Paris Agreement to support the implementation of the Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework.

ICAT provides countries with tailored support and practical tools and methodologies to build robust transparency frameworks needed for effective climate action in sync with national development priorities. The projects ICAT supports relate to: building or enhancing transparency frameworks for mitigation; building a monitoring and evaluation approach for adaptation; building or enhancing frameworks to track progress in implementing nationally determined contributions; assessing the impacts of climate policies; estimating or enhancing projections of greenhouse gases; integrating and/or aggregating climate actions at the subnational level and by non-State actors; building a tracking system for just transition processes; establishing or enhancing a climate data system; and putting in place a framework to track climate finance.

To support these areas, ICAT offers a suite of practical, open-source tools and methodologies to provide effective support to the transparency efforts of countries around the world.

ICAT is an unincorporated multi-stakeholder partnership steered by the Donor Steering Committee (DSC), conformed by its donors, Austria; Canada; Germany; Italy and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and includes the UNFCCC Secretariat as the dedicated UN body with a climate change policy mandate, and UNOPS as an ex-officio member. The Initiative is managed by UNOPS on behalf of the DSC. Within UNOPS, the ICAT Secretariat manages ICAT day-to-day activities, coordinating and guiding the work of the implementing partners.

The Water, Environment and Climate Portfolio
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over USD 500 million (over the last 15 years) to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support. WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country-specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development.

Functional Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance and supervisi...
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Communications Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting all communications activities under ICAT, in particular supporting social media, the ICAT website, and other communications channels, and the development of outreach materials.

1. Social Media Support:

• Maintain a social media calendar.
• Monitor ICAT’s X, YouTube and LinkedIn channels for engagements, and respond accordingly.
• Participate in brainstorming exercises to conceive new social media campaigns related to ICAT’s activities.
• Prepare written, visual and AV content for social media platforms. This could include working with consultants, including an external graphic designer and AV editor.
• Post and share content.
• Measure post impressions, engagement and other metrics.

2. Website Support:

• Participate in the dedicated group to develop a new ICAT website (due July 2025), and be a liaison point for the external agency.
• Write and/or edit content.
• Post and optimize content for the website.
• Assess the website for broken links, duplication, etc.
• Ensure cross-posting between all ICAT digital channels.
• Measure the website performance.

3. Other communications channels:

• Support the preparation and publication of the quarterly electronic newsletter, ICAT Spotlight.
• Support the preparation of press releases, and outreach to media.
• Support the preparation of updates for partner publications.

4. Events support:

• Assist with ICAT events, including, but not limited to:
  • Writing/editing session concept notes;
  • Planning and implementing event promotion, via the ICAT channels;
  • Drafting and producing posters, brochures, and other promotional items.
  • Supporting the delivery of online and in-person events.

Training components and learning elements
The incumbent will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in the communications field, particularly in the global arena. They will gain experience in working with communications and design agencies.

Additionally, the incumbent will have the opportunity to join the ICAT Secretariat meetings, including any relevant high-level meetings, and get exposure to key stakeholders involved with climate action and transparency, such as other UN agencies (e.g. UNFCCC, UNEP, UNDP, UNSSC, UNU), several country and multi-partner donors, international non-governmental organizations and representatives from country beneficiaries.

The incumbent will also have full access to UNOPS intranet, the Project ERP system and the Communities of Practice (COPs) in Project Management, Gender Mainstreaming, Innovation and Research, Sustainable Infrastructure, etc.

Participation in missions or training courses
The incumbent will have access to the UNOPS Learning Zone and apply for training in Programme Management, Coaching, Competency Based Interviews, and mandatory training as per UNOPS policy.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education The incumben...
Education

• The incumbent should be enrolled in a university programme such as Bachelor or Masters, OR have graduated from such studies within three (3) years prior to the application date of the internship and be in possession of a residence permit or nationality permitting them to stay and conduct the internship in Germany during the full time of the internship.
• Area of study should preferably relate to communications, media, marketing and/or journalism.

Experience

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience, but experience working or volunteering in any of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Climate change
• Capacity Building
• Research

Additional considerations

• Ability to synthesize large amounts of information and communicate it clearly;
• Efficient time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects alongside tasks requiring a quick turnaround;
• The incumbent is responsible for abiding by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS;
• The incumbent is responsible for arranging their own travel and securing any necessary visas;
• The incumbent should provide confirmation that they are fit specifically for the duty station conditions, as certified by a medical practitioner. Interns are responsible for receiving clearance from a medical doctor.

Computer Literacy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite is essential. Knowledge in the use of Adobe creative suite or similar software would be an asset

Language requirements

• Proven fluency of English – oral and written required.
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or French would be a distinct advantage.

Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and enc...

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration - Internship
Contract type: Internship Contract level: N/A Contract duration: 8 months with p...
Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 8 months with possibility of extension up to 12 months.

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, they must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx