Associate Project Officer

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Position Title: Associate Project Officer
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 20-NOV-2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is 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. With a mission to promote freedom of expression, media development, and media literate societies, UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development, and the preservation of documentary heritage, making it a key player in the global landscape of education and culture.

Job Overview:
The Associate Project Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the EU-funded project titled 'Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Access to Information through the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms.' This project aims to enhance freedom of expression and access to information by promoting a human rights-based and multi-stakeholder approach to digital platform governance. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists and will be responsible for contributing to the overall objectives of the Communication and Information Sector. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including Field Offices and project partners, to ensure the effective execution of project activities and to raise awareness about the importance of human rights in the digital environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Project Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical inputs for the administration and implementation of programs focused on safeguarding freedom of expression in digital platforms.
• Conducting thematic and situational analyses to evaluate project implementation and delivery.
• Assisting in drafting project documents, reports, and proposals for program development.
• Identifying opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Offering logistical and administrative support for workshops, consultations, and events.
• Providing guidance to Field Offices and project partners on program priorities.
• Monitoring project budget expenditures and adjusting as necessary.
• Compiling contributions for statutory reports and tracking outcomes of international normative instruments.
• Conducting research and compiling data for publications and policy proposals. 1
• Ensuring knowledge management systems are up-to-date and facilitating information exchange among colleagues. 1
• Liaising with various stakeholders to foster partnerships and promote transparency in digital content governance. 1
• Supporting resource mobilization for joint multi-country projects. 1
• Drafting communication materials and ensuring visibility of project activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, international relations, social or political sciences, international law, media studies, or related fields. Additionally, applicants should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in communication and information, particularly in promoting freedom of expression and safety of journalists. Experience in project planning, coordination, and management is essential, along with proficiency in drafting and editing reports and publications. Strong analytical skills, excellent oral and written communication abilities, and the capacity to manage a heavy workload while meeting tight deadlines are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in fields such as law, international relations, social or political sciences, international law, media studies, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication and information in the context of freedom of expression and digital governance.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant professional experience in communication and information, with a focus on promoting freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and access to information. Ideally, candidates should have one year of experience at the international level. Experience in project management, planning, and coordination is highly valued, as well as a background in drafting and editing various types of documents.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English or French, both written and spoken, and a good knowledge of the other language. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Project Appointment with a duration of one year, which may be extended subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 82,165 USD, and UNESCO offers various benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The selection process may include tests and assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities 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.