Northern Ukraine has approximately 3 million ha of wet peat soils, many of which have been drained for agriculture; approximately 1 million ha remain in a natural state. This landscape is a mosaic of steppe forests, wetlands, and river valleys, which sustain rich but threatened ecosystems. Livelihoods are agriculture-based, with livestock farming a key part of the economy. Although the drained peatlands briefly provided rich agriculture lands, over a short time the drained peatlands have become degraded, as mineralization and peat fires take a continuous toll, while emitting GHGs. The water table across the region continues to subside, which causes forest die-offs. Peat fires also have a significant negative impact on human health and local economies. Land use is not optimized, so agriculture continues to encroach on high value ecosystems. However, increased grazing and hay cutting could be beneficial in some abandoned lands in order to maintain biodiverse open peat meadows that are being overgrown by woody vegetation. Underlying drivers of this situation are limited local and national capacity and coordination in land use planning, limited technical knowledge for agriculture on wet peatlands (paludiculture), limited capital access and investment in sustainable agriculture, limited and deteriorating water management infrastructure, and livestock value chains that currently do not sufficiently incentivize sustainable livestock production in peatlands.
The project will catalyze a transition across the landscape to sustainable livestock farming in peatlands, while restoring key areas for maintenance of ecosystem services to support both vibrant livestock agriculture and biodiversity. This will be achieved through i) implementation of Integrated Land Use Plans (ILUPs); ii) promotion of sustainable livestock production practices and value chains, including a multi-stakeholder sustainable livestock platform; iii) conservation and restoration of natural habitats; and iv) coordination, learning, information dissemination, and knowledge management. Planned project results include more than 9,000 direct beneficiaries; improved status of biodiversity including 18 globally significant species; 150,000 ha under improved agriculture; 40,000 ha of land restored; 240,000 ha of high value peatlands and steppe forest ecosystems conserved; and increased knowledge and understanding of sustainable livestock practices in wet peat soils.


Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, the Outreach and Communications Associate is fully responsible for ensuring smooth functioning and overall effectiveness of project communication strategy. In particular, the incumbent of the position will facilitate the creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on sustainable livestock and enhance coordination/ knowledge sharing within Global FOLUR Platform.

Competencies


Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education is required.
University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the field of communications, public relations, community development, natural resource /environmental management, sustainable agriculture, social sciences or other relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement

• 
  Experience:
• Minimum 7 years (with Secondary Education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of practical, progressively responsible experience in Public Relations, Media, Communications, Journalism or other relevant fields.

Required Skills :

• Experience in the usage of office software packages; strong professional working capacity to use information and communications technology, specifically including website design and desk top publishing software.
• Proven previous experience in developing and implementing communications strategies for organizations or projects.
Excellent inter-personal and communication skills; excellent analytical and writing skills.

• 
  Desired Skills :
  
• Extensive contacts within mass media outlets would be an asset.
• Extensive experience of cooperation with international, governmental and non-governmental organizations would be considered as an asset.
• Experience in working with UN agencies in sustainable development, environment protection etc. is an advantage.
Understanding of sustainable livestock production, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and associated issues.

• 
  Language Requirements:
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English is required.

Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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