Communications and Policy Writing Specialist

A suite of high-quality, plain-language communication and policy products derived from the IAA6 documentation package including simplified guide content for Documents 1–3, 2–3 policy briefs, country case studies, a modelling and data-driven decision brief, refreshed key messages for the dissemination presentations, and ready-to-design content packages for factsheets and infographics as validated with country focal points and approved by the IAA6 Project Manager, enabling wider dissemination of the IAA6 Approach and its early learnings.

Copenhagen/Remote

Part-time / 3.5 months

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP-CCC is a leading international advisory institution on energy, climate and sustainable development. Its work focuses on helping developing countries and emerging economies transition to low-carbon development pathways and supporting the integration of climate resilience into national development. UNEP-CCC is actively involved in the implementation of the UN Environment Climate Change Strategy and Energy Programme. The Integrated Assessment for Article 6 (IAA6) project aims to support host countries on strategic engagement in Article 6 for increased NDC ambition and long-term pathways aligned with 1.5°C-compatible net-zero targets, adopting a South-South learning-by-doing approach for knowledge development. The IAA6 Approach is organized around three components: ● The IAA6 Framework, which structures key national-level considerations for implementing Article 6 in an integrated and ambitious manner. It is organized into functions, processes, and outputs across three areas: Ambition Cycle, Transparency, and Article 6 Cooperation, while also integrating governance, communication, and stakeholder engagement aspects. ● The Deployment Process, which outlines how to use the IAA6 Framework at the national level as a tool for assessment and prioritization, supporting the development of an integrated pathway for Article 6 implementation that reflects both the Framework’s systemic structure and the country’s specific priorities and needs. ● The Toolbox, which compiles available resources including guides, CMA decisions, standards, and tools — to support countries in planning and implementing the processes and outputs described in the IAA6 Framework. The project is funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), implemented by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) in collaboration with implementing partners (CPSU and RAND Corporation) and in-country partners for Peru, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. IAA6 documentation package The consultant will work on the existing IAA6 documentation package, which comprises: ● Document 1: Introduction to the IAA6 Approach ● Document 2: IAA6 Framework and Toolbox ● Document 3: Deployment Process ● Integrated Assessment Questionnaires (Excel workbook) ● Toolbox Database (Excel workbook) ● Article 6 Strategic Decision Support Tool (A6-DS) (Excel workbook) In addition, the package includes proposed design versions of Document 1 and Document 2, illustrating the recommended layout and visual presentation of the final documentation. These also demonstrate the proposed integration of Toolbox references within the Framework documentation and serve as illustrative design proposals for the final formatting of the documentation package. To support dissemination and capacity-building activities, three PowerPoint presentations have also been developed, covering: Introduction to the IAA6 Approach, IAA6 Framework and Toolbox Deployment Process. UNEP CCC is looking for a Communications and Policy Writing Specialist to simplify and visually adapt the existing IAA6 project outputs as described above. The consultant will be responsible for developing high-quality policy briefs and public dissemination materials that capture the essence of the IAA6 Approach, its use, and learnings from the pilot implementation in all three countries. The consultant will work closely with UNEP CCC project team and comms team to navigate confidentiality constraints and country approvals (as and when required) to disseminate information and data with wider community and stakeholders. The consultant will report to the IAA6 Project Manager and work closely with the Project’s Graphic Designer and the UNEP-CCC Communications Team. All deliverables will be reviewed by the IAA6 Project Manager, in consultation with the UNEP-CCC Communications Team and, where relevant, country focal points, and will be considered final upon the Project Manager's written approval. The objective of the assignment is to simplify and adapt the IAA6 documentation package into high-quality policy briefs and public dissemination materials capturing the essence of the IAA6 Approach, its use, and early learnings from pilot implementation in Peru, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. All deliverables will be submitted electronically in editable format (MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint as applicable), with content packages for visuals delivered ready for handover to the Graphic Designer. Expected outputs and timelines: Simplified content for the IAA6 documentation package (by 31 October 2026): plain-language text, executive summaries, and key messages for Documents 1–3 (Introduction to the IAA6 Approach; IAA6 Framework and Toolbox; Deployment Process); plain-language user guidance for the three Excel workbooks (Integrated Assessment Questionnaires, Toolbox Database, and the Article 6 Strategic Decision Support Tool (A6-DS)), explaining purpose, audience, and use for non-technical readers Policy briefs (by 15 November 2026): 2–3 policy briefs focusing on key elements of the IAA6 Approach, distilling its systemic coordination benefits for policymakers and technical experts. Case studies and data-driven decision brief (by 15 December 2026): Public-facing country case studies highlighting the practical application, challenges, and successes of deploying the IAA6 Approach in the pilot countries, including a brief or case study detailing the application of the SiSePuede tool in a low-resource context and its use case for Article 6 decision making, with country-specific data/information if approved by national focal points. Content packages for visuals (delivered on a rolling basis ahead of the Designer’s corresponding design deadlines; final package by 31 December 2026): edited, ready-to-design copy and content briefs for factsheets and infographics, prepared for the Graphic Designer. Performance indicators: Timely submission of each deliverable against the agreed deadlines; clarity and accessibility of products for non-technical readers; accuracy and consistency of content with the IAA6 documentation package; validation of content by country focal points where required; completion of up to two rounds of revisions per major deliverable; and written approval of each deliverable by the IAA6 Project Manager. The consultant will work from the IAA6 documentation package: Integrated Assessment Questionnaires, Article 6 Strategic Decision Support Tool (A6-DS), the proposed design versions of Documents 1 and 2, and the three dissemination presentations. The consultant and will draft clear, strategic policy briefs designed to convey climate policy goals, implementation progress, and results, distilling the systemic coordination benefits of the IAA6 Approach for policymakers and technical experts. The consultant will develop concise executive summaries and key messages that distill the IAA6 Framework, Deployment Process, and Toolbox for non-technical readers, ensuring consistency with the recommended layout and visual presentation illustrated in the proposed design versions. The consultant will work closely with the UNEP-CCC project team and communications team to document pilot learnings, extracting case studies, deployment challenges, and systemic improvement opportunities identified during the piloting phase. The consultant will prepare clear content briefs for design including key messages and structure for factsheets and infographics and brief the Graphic Designer on what each visual should convey. The consultant will coordinate with country focal points and project partners to validate content prior to publication and ensure consistency with country communication protocols, navigating confidentiality constraints and country approvals as and when required. The consultant will incorporate comments from UNEP-CCC and complete up to two rounds of revisions for each major deliverable.

Advanced degree in Communications, Public Policy, International Relations, Environmental Studies, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience with a bachelor’s degree, or a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience required with a master’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, International Relations, Environmental Studies, or a related field. Experience working with developing governments and international organizations. Excellent analytical, writing, editing, and interviewing skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into engaging and accessible communication products for decision-makers. Familiarity with climate policy, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, NDCs, or related climate change topics is desirable

Fluency in English (written and oral) is required. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

● Key Competencies: Excellent drafting and editing skills; ability to tailor messages to technical and non-technical audiences. Works collaboratively with project teams, communications teams, designers, and in-country partners. Delivers quality outputs against agreed deadlines, incorporating feedback through revision rounds. Applicants shall be asked to submit up to three examples of comparable work delivered in the last five years, clearly stating the applicant's own role in each during the selection process.