Science Communications Specialist

The Science Communications Specialist consultant will develop and deliver strategic communications outputs to increase the visibility and impact of IMEO’s methane science studies, satellite-based alert system, and key data products. The consultant will conceive and implement communications plans, craft content and contribute to key events and activations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications plans supporting IMEO workstreams including its Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), Methane Science Studies, data products and publications.
• Produce messaging and speaking points to support proactive communications, media interviews, education and outreach efforts across these workstreams.
• Track upcoming announcements, work products, events and other communications needs from relevant projects to ensure they are reflected in IMEO’s communications calendar and planning.
• Ensure consistent alignment of all outputs with UNEP and IMEO’s overall communications, messaging and brand identity.
• Coordinate communications planning in support of IMEO events and engagements related to MARS, Methane Science Studies and key data products and publications.
• Produce event materials including agendas, speaker briefs, presentations, multimedia assets, promotional content and follow-up communications.
• Proactively engage IMEO scientific grantees and partners to drive end-to-end communications across the full lifecycle of Methane Science Studies, as well as visibility efforts supporting MARS and IMEO knowledge products.
• Collaborate with IMEO project teams and IMEO’s Digital Media Expert to support creation of outreach-focused content such as case studies, event summaries, FAQs and other collateral.
• Develop and implement an IMEO content strategy cutting across owned channels, and coordinate regular editorial meetings to craft content ideas that advance strategic priorities.
• Create, edit, and proofread written and digital content, such as blogs, press releases, video scripts, speeches, factsheets, reports, and other materials.
• Provide editorial support across communications priorities as needed, including supporting development of IMEO publications and other cross-cutting materials.
• Advance multimedia content alongside the Digital Media Expert by procuring photo and video assets, scripting and storyboarding videos, scoping graphic design products, and drafting or revising web copy for relevant pages.
• Deliver timely updates of relevant webpages and digital properties in coordination with the Digital Media Expert.
• Create IMEO content strategy, publications and key performance indicators for tracking and reporting.

Requirements

• First-level Degree (e.g. Bachelors) in Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in communications, content strategy, and/or journalism, preferably related to climate/energy sector, or science communications.
• Impeccable writing and editing skills, with experience in roles translating complex topics into clear and concise messaging for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver appealing and impactful content against occasionally tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating across workstreams and subject matter experts to generate stories and tailor them for specific audiences.
• Track record of solutions-oriented and proactive working approach, with strong project management skills, ability to meet deadlines, and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with Google analytics and KPI tracking is a plus.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms, creation, deployment and analytics tracking is an advantage.
• English is the working language of UNEP's IMEO and fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

Skills

• Science Communications
• Content Strategy Implementation
• Journalism
• Writing and Editing
• Message Translation
• Project Management
• Deadline Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Google Analytics
• Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Tracking
• Email Marketing
• Content Creation
• Creative Communications Planning
• Stakeholder Engagement

Languages

English, French