UNESCO Programme Specialist - Communication and Information

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. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women, and its work encompasses a wide range of areas including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, communication, and information.

Job Overview:
The position of UNESCO Programme Specialist in Communication and Information is pivotal in promoting freedom of expression and media development while fostering knowledge societies. The incumbent will work under the authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information and the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Apia. This role involves developing and implementing projects, providing expert advice, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. The specialist will engage in multi-sectoral and cross-country initiatives aligned with UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The position requires a strategic approach to harness communication and information for development, ensuring that national priorities are aligned with global development goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for analyzing and contributing to the development of the Field Office's CI strategy, identifying collaborative project proposals, and aligning national priorities with UN SDGs. They will manage and implement programme activities, ensure compliance with reporting requirements, and contribute to knowledge management by conducting research and providing technical advice. The role also involves networking and partnership development, contributing to UN project management systems, and mobilizing resources for the region. Administrative support tasks include preparing submissions, coordinating donor meetings, and providing financial backstopping for projects. The specialist will also supervise temporary staff and project consultants as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication and information, media studies, ICTs, or related fields. A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in communication and information, particularly in promoting free and pluralistic media, is required. Experience in designing and implementing programmes/projects in the field is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent project management skills, knowledge of development issues, and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as communication and information, media studies, ICTs, international relations, social or political sciences, or related areas is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication and information in a global context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience, with at least two years acquired at the international level. Candidates should have experience in designing and implementing communication and information programmes/projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of the field and its challenges.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary is 97,942 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may involve pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, and reference checks. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities.