Associate National Communication Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates in various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. UNESCO is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its workforce, ensuring that its staff reflects the global community it serves.

Job Overview:
The Associate National Communication Officer position is crucial for the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of communication activities at the Lusaka Antenna Office. This role is particularly focused on the 'Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future' (O3) Programme and other education sector-supported projects in Zambia. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior National Programme Officer and Team Leader, collaborating closely with the UNESCO Education for Health and Well-being Country Team and the Regional Communication Officer. The primary expectation from this position is to develop and implement a comprehensive advocacy and communications strategy that enhances UNESCO's credibility and brand in the region. This includes producing communication materials, managing social media content, and engaging with various stakeholders to promote the organization's initiatives effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate National Communication Officer will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Developing and implementing advocacy and communications strategies in consultation with the Regional Communication Officer and Lusaka Office.
• Spearheading the production of campaign materials across various formats, including print, digital, and multimedia.
• Liaising with journalists and media outlets to identify advocacy opportunities.
• Maintaining and updating content for communication platforms such as newsletters, publications, and social media.
• Assisting in the preparation of publications and reports, including quarterly and annual reports.
• Supporting the documentation of best practices and lessons learned for the Education for Health and Well-being programme.
• Managing website content and social media channels, ensuring the inclusion of country-specific stories.
• Building partnerships with communications personnel from other institutions and guiding them on brand management.
• Organizing press briefings and conferences to raise awareness on specific issues. 1
• Performing any other duties as required by UNESCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field in Social Sciences. Additionally, they should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in the communications field, demonstrating the ability to work with diverse institutions, including civil society and multilateral agencies. Experience with both traditional and social media is essential. Strong writing skills and the ability to produce compelling communication materials are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field in Social Sciences. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and the nuances of public relations within the context of international organizations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the communications field. Candidates should have experience working with various institutions, including civil society organizations, multilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Familiarity with both traditional media (print, radio, television) and social media platforms is essential for effectively reaching diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in a local language is considered an added advantage, as it can enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, subject to extension based on available funding and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Zambia may apply. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 1,018,189 Zambian Kwacha, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.