National Communication Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a diverse workforce of thousands of employees dedicated to these goals. UNESCO's work in Pakistan is focused on supporting the country's national development plans and priorities, particularly in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Communication Officer will play a crucial role in enhancing the communication and visibility of UNESCO's initiatives in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the Italian-funded project 'Radio Education: Promotion of Learning through Radio in Isolated Areas of Pakistan.' This position requires the development and refinement of UNESCO's communication and outreach strategy, which includes identifying online platforms for wider engagement and enhancing stakeholder involvement. The officer will be responsible for managing diverse content creation and outreach efforts, ensuring that the impact of UNESCO's interventions across education, science, culture, and communication is effectively communicated to various stakeholders. The role also involves creating a range of communication materials for both online and offline audiences, including press releases, news briefs, and content for UNESCO's online platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Devise and revise UNESCO’s communication and outreach strategy, ensuring wider engagement through online platforms and enhanced stakeholder involvement.
• Draft, implement, and monitor annual and monthly communication work plans and budgets, preparing related reports.
• Draft sections of project proposals related to communication.
• Oversee the implementation of UNESCO’s branding, communication, and visibility work in coordination with program teams, including publications, website, social media strategies, and communication campaigns.
• Identify and implement communication tactics, tools, and activities that contribute to achieving project objectives and sustainability.
• Develop tools and guidelines for implementing the communication and outreach strategy.
• Strengthen the capacity of office personnel in communication and outreach best practices through training materials and sessions.
• Maintain relationships with media counterparts and key stakeholders, including digital/social media platforms and influencers.
• Plan and produce materials for public outreach, including multimedia assets to publicize UNESCO’s results and activities. 1
• Increase UNESCO's presence on social media and strengthen brand awareness among target audiences. 1
• Provide content for critical fundraising moments throughout the year. 1
• Develop and disseminate regular program updates to donors and media, including success stories and communications materials. 1
• Liaise with UNESCO Headquarters and represent UNESCO in the UN Communications Group. 1
• Support visibility activities at workshops, training, and public events. 1
• Assist in the production of publications, ensuring quality control and distribution. 1
• Undertake additional communications-related tasks as requested by the head of office.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced university degree in communications, media, journalism, public relations, or a relevant field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in strategic communications, particularly with projects implemented by national/international NGOs and UN organizations, is required. The candidate should have the ability to work with graphic design tools, photo-editing software, and video editing tools. Proficiency in photo editing software is considered an advantage. Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills are essential, along with practical skills in graphic design, animation/video production, and photography. A background knowledge of development issues related to UNESCO’s mandate is also important, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to create effective communication strategies.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree in communications, media, journalism, public relations, or a related field. A Master's Degree in Social Marketing or additional qualifications in communication resources management, sustainable development, or international affairs would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of professional experience in communications related to fields such as communication resources management, sustainable development, or international affairs. Experience in developing and maintaining content for online platforms is also required, along with a demonstrated ability to work across various media platforms.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken) is mandatory, along with good knowledge of Urdu. Knowledge of other local languages is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract at level SC8, with a duration of one year and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The recruitment is open to both external and internal candidates. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment.