Communications Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Communications Officer
Location: Paris
Country: France
Deadline Date: 1 March 2025

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 promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of more than 2,000 employees. Its headquarters is located in Paris, France, and it has numerous field offices around the world, working on various projects that align with its core values of commitment, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer position is situated within the Section of Higher Education (HED) at UNESCO, which is responsible for assisting member states in developing higher education policies and systems that incorporate lifelong learning perspectives. The role involves supporting the development and delivery of strategic communications plans and activities that enhance the visibility and advocacy of higher education themes. The incumbent will work closely with various divisions within UNESCO to ensure effective communication strategies are implemented, focusing on both internal and external audiences. The position also entails managing the HED website content, producing multimedia materials, and fostering partnerships for joint communications efforts. The role is crucial in promoting the Campus Africa Flagship initiative, which aims to transform higher education in Africa and enhance the capacity of higher education institutions to meet national development needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the development and delivery of strategic communications plans, activities, products, and processes for the HED Section. This includes creating a coherent communications strategy, identifying key audiences, and managing external communications through various platforms.
• Assisting in writing and editing content for websites, newsletters, social media, and other communication materials, ensuring that the HED website is regularly updated.
• Supporting the development of partnerships for communications with UN agencies and other stakeholders.
• Overseeing the management of Section publications, including leading the publication plan and liaising with relevant committees.
• Supporting the strategic planning and delivery of advocacy activities related to higher education development themes.
• Assisting in the production and dissemination of publications and communication documents, ensuring high-quality outputs that align with UNESCO's standards.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• An advanced university degree (equivalent to a Master's) in communication, media, journalism, international relations, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience, with some experience acquired at the international level.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is essential, while the ability to communicate in French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.
• Excellent writing skills in English, with the ability to draft for various audiences and platforms.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills, including storytelling and content creation.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, which is equivalent to a Master's degree, in fields such as communication, media, journalism, international relations, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of communication within an international organization like UNESCO and for effectively engaging with diverse audiences.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should ideally include some exposure to international environments, which is crucial for understanding the global context in which UNESCO operates. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of working in communications, media, or related fields, showcasing their ability to manage communication strategies and engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNESCO. Additionally, the ability to communicate in French and/or Spanish is highly desirable and would enhance the candidate's profile, given the multilingual nature of the organization and its global outreach.

Additional Notes:
The position is a service contract for a duration of six months, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The role is classified at Level 4C, indicating a mid-level position within the organization. Candidates must be entitled to work in France to be eligible for this position. The approximate monthly gross salary for this role is 3889 EUR, which is subject to applicable social charges. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.