Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Assistant for the Project “Strengthening Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Policies and Institutional Frameworks through Demonstrable Models in Saint Lucia”

IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law • Full-time • Castries, LC • 3w ago

The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Assistant position will be supervised and will report to the project coordinator based in the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) within the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training of the Government of Saint Lucia.

The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Assistant will support the Project Team to ensure the effective execution of the communications and outreach strategy to increase awareness of genetic resources, ABS frameworks in Saint Lucia, and the role of traditional knowledge in benefit-sharing arrangements.

This support will encompass, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Prepare a comprehensive KAP survey report, analysing key findings and trends, and use the results to inform the development of a tailored Communications and Outreach Strategy for the ABS Project.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the ABS Communications and Outreach Strategy in coordination with the Project Team, ensuring gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches throughout all deliverables.
Support the Project Team and consultants in the preparation of communication materials, community outreach events, and stakeholder dialogues related to Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS).
Support the Project Team in planning and delivering of outreach activities, including but not limited to: high-level dialogues with OECS and CARICOM representatives, university engagement sessions, and community-based events with traditional knowledge holders and resource users. These activities should also highlight the ABS pilot projects—such as those involving the Saint Lucia Fer-de-Lance—to increase visibility, improve public understanding, and reduce resistance or misinformation.
Accompany the Project Team to consultations, workshops, and field activities to capture photo and video content, conduct stakeholder interviews, and document key moments for use in communication materials, reporting, and visibility efforts.
Work collaboratively with other biodiversity-related projects within the Department to ensure consistent and coordinated messaging across initiatives, reduce duplication, and improve stakeholder engagement.
Participate in regular meetings with the Project Team, consultants, and relevant ministries/partners to provide technical input, track communication deliverables, and support knowledge-sharing interventions.
Support the development and dissemination of tailored communication materials such as public service announcements, instructional videos, fact sheets, and pocket guides for students and researchers.
Coordinate with designers and vendors to ensure quality assurance in the production and timely dissemination of communication products.
Ensure translation, cultural relevance, and accessibility of communication products in both English and Kweyol, as appropriate, to effectively engage a wide range of audiences.
Promote clear, consistent communication with key national partners, ABS focal points, academic institutions, and community leaders to encourage ownership and visibility of project initiatives.
Monitor and track communication activities and stakeholder engagement efforts using agreed tools and frameworks to assess impact, reach, and inclusivity.
Maintain updated records, including communication archives, media coverage logs, stakeholder databases, and event summaries to support reporting and knowledge retention.
Compile periodic communication and engagement reports, including summary documentation for each event.
Prepare and submit a monthly communications and stakeholder engagement report to the Project Coordinator, summarizing key activities completed, outcomes, stakeholder insights, and any challenges encountered during implementation.
Undertake any other relevant tasks reasonably assigned by the Project Coordinator in support of the ABS Project’s objectives.

These Terms of Reference outline the main responsibilities and duties of this position. However, in an organization like IUCN, which is constantly evolving, staff members are expected to demonstrate flexibility in their work approach and be willing to take on other tasks that may be reasonably assigned to them but are not part of their usual Terms of Reference. When a task becomes a regular part of a staff member's responsibilities, the ToR should be amended in consultation between the manager, the staff member, and the Human Resources Unit. Any of the three parties may initiate the consultation.

This is a full-time position for an initial period of one year. The contract is subject to renewal based on performance and the availability of project funds.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, along with a working understanding of environmental issues or in the advanced stages of a university degree with at least two (2) to three (3) years.
At least 5 years of experience in communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or related field with working understanding of environmental issues.
Experience interacting with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, government organizations, regional bodies, and multisectoral stakeholders.
Experience in community participation and outreach, managing and curating social media accounts.
Proven experience in graphic design and audiovisual production.
Proven experience with photography and graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and video editing programs).
Knowledge of biodiversity is highly desirable.
Familiarity with local media, and established network of concepts with local journalists.
Excellent command of English (oral and written); proficiency in Saint Lucian Creole will be a plus.
Strong knowledge of and practical experience in a range of communications planning and implementation approaches such as, opinion research, media engagement, message targeting, and marketing communication.
Strong diplomatic, interpersonal skills and excellent team player.
Highly motivated and capable of relating and networking with a wide variety of persons from government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize multiple tasks and have a drive for delivering results by applying technical expertise. APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

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