COP30 Media & Communications Advisor, Science Panel for the Amazon

New York, NY, USA

ABOUT THE SDSN

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. The SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. 

The SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE PANEL FOR THE AMAZON 

The Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA), convened under the auspices of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) represents the world’s first high-level science initiative dedicated to the survival of the Amazon. It is composed of 300 members, including Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ scientists, and has the mission of synthesizing and communicating scientific knowledge about the Amazon, connected with Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK), to accelerate solutions for sustainable and equitable development. The first report of the SPA, launched at the COP26 in Glasgow, is the most in-depth and holistic report of its kind on the Amazon.

Since launching the first Amazon Assessment Report—hailed as the “encyclopedia of the Amazon”—at COP26 in Glasgow, the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA) has significantly expanded its presence and impact. Between 2021 and 2024, SPA published 17 Policy Briefs, 8 Statements, and additional key publications released at major global forums, including UNFCCC COP27, COP28, and COP29; CBD COP16; the Amazon Presidents’ Summit in Belém; and the 2024 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). SPA has organized over 260 events targeting a range of audiences—from academia to the finance sector—and participated in international platforms such as the UN General Assembly, the UN Water Conference, the Nature for Life Hub, and the World Economic Forum. Its work has garnered over 570 media mentions and sustained digital engagement, with more than 86,500 users visiting its English website (averaging 2,000+ users monthly), 30,600+ views of the Amazon Assessment Report, and 13,900+ views of the publications page.

The SPA is actively planning its engagement at COP30 in Belem, where the Panel will launch its second flagship report, the 2025 Amazon Assessment Report. The SPA is planning to host at least 6 side events in the Blue and Green Zones at COP30 and participate in many more. The SPA will be promoting its efforts and 2025 Report alongside the other science panels convened under the auspices of the UNSDSN, the Science Panel for the Congo Basin (SPCB) and Science Panel for Borneo (SPB).

POSITION SUMMARY

The SPA is seeking a seasoned Press & Media Relations Consultant to lead and execute a high-impact media strategy in the lead-up to and during COP30. This consultant will play a central role in amplifying the visibility of SPA and its 2025 report, securing media coverage across Amazonian countries—with a particular focus on Brazil—and ensuring strong representation of SPA’s voice across national and international media outlets.

Working closely with SPA’s communications and event teams, the consultant will design and implement a strategic media plan, manage press relations, and coordinate media engagement activities before, during, and after the conference. This is a short-term consultancy running from October to November 2025, ideally suited for a media professional with COP accreditation or strong press contacts with access to the conference.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Pre-Conference (Planning and Strategy):
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive press and media relations strategy aligned with SPA’s goals for COP30.
  • Identify and engage key media contacts across Amazonian countries and international outlets (TV, radio, digital, and print).
  • Draft and distribute press releases.
  • Coordinate media invitations and ensure journalist attendance at SPA events.
  • Organize pre-conference interviews, briefings, and pitching of SPA stories to targeted media outlets.
  • Align closely with SPA’s communications and events teams to ensure message consistency.
• During Conference (Execution and Support):
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all press and media inquiries during COP30.
  • Facilitate interviews and media interactions with SPA representatives and panelists.
  • Monitor media coverage (traditional and digital) and respond quickly to opportunities or issues.
  • If accredited, provide on-the-ground support at COP30.
• Post-Conference (Follow-up and Reporting):
  • Compile media clippings and coverage to assess reach and impact.
  • Prepare a detailed post-event media report analyzing outcomes and identifying lessons learned.
  • Maintain and update SPA's media contact database for future outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in media relations, public relations, communications, journalism, and/or publicity, ideally within an international or environmental context.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing media strategies for major events or conferences.
• Strong existing network of media contacts across Latin America, especially Amazonian countries. 
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse media audiences.
• Ability to pitch newsworthy stories and secure media placements across a variety of platforms.
• Experience managing press conferences and facilitating interviews.
• Proficiency with media monitoring tools and social media platforms.
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Experience providing media training and guidance to spokespeople is a plus.
• Familiarity with COP processes and accreditation is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English and working proficiency in Portuguese and/or Spanish is strongly preferred.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Location: Remote

Travel: This position does not require travel. Strategy development, interview coordination, and logistical support can all be managed remotely. However, if the candidate will already attend COP30 in person, on-site involvement is encouraged.

Contract Length: October 1-November 30, 2025

Reports to: Gabriela Arnal, SPA Communications Manager

SDSN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit a cover letter and a CV on HR Partner [insert link]. [Optional language: Please include links to relevant projects and code samples that you have worked on.]