Senior Project 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 workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on fostering universal access to education, promoting freedom of expression, and preserving cultural heritage. The organization is dedicated to building knowledge societies and ensuring that everyone has access to information and education, which are essential for sustainable development and social cohesion.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer position within UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector is pivotal in advancing the organization's mission to promote freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and media literacy. The incumbent will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on various projects and programs that align with UNESCO's strategic objectives, particularly focusing on initiatives related to media and information literacy, digital competencies, and the safety of journalists. This role requires a strategic leader who can engage with multiple stakeholders, including Member States, international organizations, and civil society, to foster collaboration and drive impactful initiatives. The Senior Project Officer will also oversee the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, ensuring that projects are effectively implemented and aligned with the 2030 Development Agenda and other international development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic leadership and oversight for the development and global scaling of flagship initiatives such as Media and Information Literacy for Content Creators and Digital Parenting.
• Leading high-level engagements with Member States, international organizations, and private sector partners to advance UNESCO's mandate on media and information literacy and digital competencies.
• Identifying opportunities for inter-sectoral collaboration and developing project proposals to ensure effective implementation.
• Monitoring project implementation, addressing challenges, and guiding corrective actions as necessary.
• Overseeing the preparation of reports related to the Multi-Donor Programme, ensuring integration of quantitative and qualitative data.
• Representing UNESCO in high-level forums and advocating for policy integration to combat misinformation.
• Coordinating fundraising efforts for flagship projects and developing communication materials to showcase the impact of the Multi-Donor Programme.
• Ensuring visibility and positioning of projects within the global agenda and fostering collaboration on freedom of expression and media literacy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as communication, media studies, media and information literacy, ICTs, or related areas. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communication and information, with at least three years at the international level. Experience in promoting freedom of expression, media literacy, and digital competencies is essential, along with demonstrated skills in project management and resource mobilization. Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills are also required, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, media studies, media and information literacy, ICTs, or related fields such as law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, social sciences, or political sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication and information in a global context and for effectively contributing to UNESCO's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on communication and information, freedom of expression, and media literacy. Candidates should have experience in planning and managing projects at an international level, particularly in areas related to digital competencies and media literacy. Demonstrated experience in fundraising and resource mobilization is also essential, as is the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and build partnerships.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, with a good command of the other language. Knowledge of additional official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is a project appointment with a duration of one year, subject to extension based on performance and availability of funds. The role is open to both internal and external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight Paris time on January 5, 202

• The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 133,358 USD, and benefits may include annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous backgrounds, as well as persons with disabilities.