Associate National Communication Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Associate National Communication Officer
Location: Lusaka
Country: Zambia
Deadline Date: 27-02-2025

Job Details

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 building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization emphasizes the importance of education, science, culture, and communication in fostering sustainable development and social inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Associate National Communication Officer position is integral to the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of communication activities at the Lusaka Antenna Office. This role is specifically focused on the 'Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future' (O3) Programme and other education sector-supported projects in Zambia. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior National Programme Officer and Team Leader, collaborating closely with the UNESCO Education for Health and Well-being Country Team and the Regional Communication Officer. The primary responsibilities include developing and implementing advocacy and communication strategies, monitoring the impact of these strategies, and enhancing the organization's credibility and brand through effective communication efforts. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with various stakeholders, including media personnel, to promote UNESCO's initiatives and achievements in the region.

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

• Developing and implementing advocacy and communication strategies at the country level, in consultation with the Regional Communication Officer and the Lusaka Office.
• Spearheading the production of campaign materials across various formats, including print, digital, and multimedia, and ensuring their strategic dissemination.
• Assisting in the preparation of publications, including quarterly and annual reports, and supporting the documentation of best practices and lessons learned.
• Managing the organization's website and social media presence, ensuring the inclusion of country-specific stories and articles.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with communications personnel from other institutions and guiding partner organizations in brand management.
• Organizing press briefings and conferences to raise awareness around specific issues or events.
• Performing any other duties as reasonably required by UNESCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field in Social Sciences. Additionally, they should have at least two years of relevant professional experience in the communications field, with a proven track record of working with diverse institutions, including civil society and multilateral agencies. Experience in both traditional media and social media is essential, along with strong writing skills and the ability to produce compelling communication materials.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field in Social Sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and the nuances of public relations in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in the communications field. Candidates should have experience working with various institutions, including civil society organizations, multilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Familiarity with both traditional media (print, radio, television) and social media platforms is essential, as is experience in developing and implementing advocacy campaigns and communication strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in a local language is considered an added advantage, as it can enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a project appointment with a duration of one year. It is open to both internal and external candidates, but only nationals of Zambia are eligible to apply. The role is full-time, and UNESCO offers a competitive salary package, which includes a basic salary, annual leave, medical insurance, and a pension plan. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 967,861 Zambian Kwacha. Candidates are required to complete an online application and provide accurate information, as the evaluation process may include tests and competency-based interviews. UNESCO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from under-represented groups.