Communications and Information Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Communications and Information Officer
Location: Windhoek
Country: Namibia
Deadline Date: 11-DEC-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. The organization has a mission to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals by promoting education, protecting cultural heritage, and fostering freedom of expression. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees worldwide, working across various sectors including communication and information, education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and the promotion of freedom of expression.

Job Overview:
The Communications and Information Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the UNESCO Windhoek Office and collaborate closely with the Communications and Information Advisor in the Regional Office for Southern Africa. The primary function of this position is to contribute to the implementation of communications and information activities that enhance public visibility for the UNESCO Windhoek Office's overall program of work. The incumbent will play a crucial role in supporting Namibia’s National Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This position requires a proactive approach to communication, ensuring that UNESCO's initiatives are effectively communicated to various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and the media.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for several key duties:

• Ensure the implementation of the Communications and Information sector workplans by providing technical inputs for their development, administration, and execution. This includes tracking financial outlays and drafting reports, briefings, and correspondence in accordance with UNESCO’s guidelines.
• Organize and participate in relevant meetings related to communications and information, engaging with various stakeholders including the UN System in Namibia, government representatives, and development partners.
• Facilitate discussions and capacity development initiatives, conducting fact-finding missions as necessary.
• Enhance public visibility and communication by regularly updating UNESCO’s social media platforms and preparing media briefs and visibility materials.
• Contribute to the preparation of the UNESCO Windhoek Office Annual Report, ensuring high-quality editing and design.
• Represent UNESCO in working groups focused on public information communication, advocating for the organization’s interests and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first advanced university degree combined with four years of relevant experience in communication work may be accepted. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in communication and information, with a proven track record in planning, coordinating, and managing projects. Strong drafting skills in English for reports, articles, and publications are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or International Relations. Candidates with a first advanced university degree and significant experience in communication may also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communication and information. Candidates should demonstrate experience in planning, coordinating, and managing projects effectively. This experience is vital for ensuring that the communications strategies align with UNESCO's objectives and the needs of the stakeholders involved.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. This includes strong drafting skills for various communication materials. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a service contract with a duration of 8 months, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, indicating a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the hiring process. The position is classified at Level SC 5, which reflects the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role. UNESCO offers a competitive salary based on the UN salary scale for Locally Recruited Staff, along with benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The application process requires candidates to submit an online application with complete and accurate information, and selected candidates will undergo reference checks as part of the final selection process.