Associate Project Officer (Communications)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : ED/PA 229

Grade : P-2

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: Paris, France

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 Year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 02-DEC-2023

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

  Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance. OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

Emergencies caused by armed conflict and instability, pandemics, climate change and disasters disrupt education and leave millions of children and youth out of school worldwide. Since its foundation in 1945, UNESCO has been working across the globe to support the most vulnerable populations, with the objectives of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

 

Considering that access to learning opportunities during crises is lifesaving and life-sustaining, UNESCO works to ensure that education remains a priority in preparedness, response and recovery for migrants, refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, and host communities.

In this context, UNESCO’s action aims to support the Member States and education partners to:

• Develop and review legal frameworks, policies, and education plans to promote inclusion, address marginalization, protect and advance the rights of displaced persons, vulnerable migrants, and their host communities; and
• Foster safe, inclusive, healthy, and supportive teaching and learning environments for displaced persons, vulnerable migrants, and their host communities.

Important to the above actions is enhanced knowledge and information management, including the creation, consolidation, dissemination and monitoring of knowledge and information concerning UNESCO’s operations in the field of education in emergencies and protracted crises.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall authority of ADG/ED, the guidance of the Director of the Division for Education 2030 and the immediate supervision of the Chief, Section of Education for Migration, Displacement and Emergencies (EME) and in liaison with the ED Communication Team, the incumbent will serve as the communication focal point for the EME section, responsible for the coordination of communications on UNESCO’s programmes in the field of migration, displacement and emergencies. The incumbent shall work closely with relevant teams, at Headquarters as well as UNESCO Field Offices to ensure timely, consistent and impactful communication of UNESCO’s work in Education in Emergencies with internal and external audiences as part of the operationalization of the UNESCO Global Strategic Framework on Education for Forcibly Displaced and Vulnerable Migrants.

 

Concretely, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

 

• Elaborate on, implement, and enhance the EME section's Strategy for Advocacy, Communication, and Knowledge Management. Provide support to EME colleagues in developing and implementing the communication plans for key internal and external events and milestones; and continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of the Strategy and plans, with the goal of increasing opportunities for partnerships, resource mobilization, and the dissemination of best practices

• Produce a variety of communication and advocacy materials in accessible, non-technical language, including press releases, web stories, updates for the EiE website, social media messages, brochures, posters, infographics, and multimedia materials. These materials should be tailored for different audiences and may involve collaboration with external contractors such as videographers and photographers and Communications teams at UNESCO-HQ.
• Support the dissemination of communication and advocacy materials (electronic and printed), including through liaison with UNESCO sections, sectors, Field Offices and partners to ensure the clearance and validation of the materials.
• Conceptualize, plan and support the implementation of advocacy events and campaigns on Education in Emergencies, leveraging UNESCO’s digital and social media platforms and the relevant partnerships and mechanisms in the field of Education in Emergencies. 
• Represent and support the EME section on the development of key publications, by working closely with the Communication team to ensure compliance with UNESCO publication guidelines and the publication process, including planning, preparation, approval, translations, copyediting/layout, printing and necessary follow-up with various teams at HQ.
• Act as the focal point for external communications and media enquiries, including responding to external and internal information requests on the work of the Section and UNESCO, participating in relevant meetings, preparing reports on communication results, and ensuring compliance with UNESCO guidelines on graphical standards, logos and copyrights.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of the EME website, EME Teams channel, the EME Centralized Information System, Resource Package Tool and the Shared Space for UNESCO in Education in Emergencies, ensuring effective communication within the EME section and between EME section and Education in Emergencies focal points in UNESCO Field Offices.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of education, communication, information, journalism, social and political science, or a related disciplines.

 

 

Work Experience

• At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience, of which preferably 1 year acquired at the international level or in an international setting in the field of communications, journalism, media, or external relations, public affairs.
• Experience in advocacy or organizing major online or in-person events to promote strategic messages and partner engagement or influencing by using various social media assets to enhance the online presence and engagement of the organization.

 

 

Long Description

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to draft clearly and concisely in English for different types of audiences and different platforms.
• Good organizational and planning skills, and an ability to proactively prioritize and meet established deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain positive and effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment and with partners outside of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and suggest practical solutions and follow-up effectively on management decisions.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team and effectively work and coordinate with others. 
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage heavy workloads and to meet tight deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including knowledge of Online Sharepoint, including MS software and other creative communication, knowledge management tools.

 

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

• Experience in the United Nations System and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and development.
• Experience working in the field of Education in Emergencies.
• Experience in elaborating and implementing communication plans or strategies.

 

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of standards, partnerships and mechanisms in the field of Education in Emergencies.
• Ability to design and produce graphics and multimedia materials using online tools and Adobe applications.

 

Languages

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, French, Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 65,156 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.