Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
OVERVIEW
Post Number : [[positionNumber]]
Grade : NO-A
Parent Sector : Culture Sector (CLT)
Duty Station: Johannesburg
Classification of duty station : [[filter12]]
Standard Duration of Assignement: [[filter13]]
Job Family: Culture
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : External candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 23-FEB-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only Nationals of South Africa or those with a legal right to live and work in South Africa can apply for this position.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
BACKGROUND
The project, “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Promoting Culture and Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism in Southern Africa” funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa aims to foster culture and heritage-based sustainable tourism and strengthen cultural production capacities in six Southern African countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It will promote regional integration, foster sustainable social and economic development, and build bridges between the people and communities of Southern African countries through the development of attractive and meaningful culture and heritage-based itineraries. These itineraries will attract visitors and encourage responsible travel while fostering longer stays in destinations, encouraging travellers to experience the local culture and history, and promoting a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the values associated to these destinations.
UNESCO is seeking a Communication and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to lead the communication and visibility efforts and ensuring the alignment of project implementation and the achievement of the main expected results in in the six participating countries. S/he will provide professional expertise and technical assistance in the management cycle of project including, but not limited to, planning, establishment of a system of monitoring & evaluation (M&E), data quality assurance, reporting and capacity building with special attention to the participation of key stakeholders.
Long Description
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Regional Director and Representative for Southern Africa, the functional guidance of the Head of Culture Unit and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the incumbent shall lead communication and visibility efforts as well as monitoring and evaluation for the project in all the participating 6 countries.
Specific tasks and responsibilities will include the following:
1. Communication and Visibility
(a) Lead the design, development and implementation of the overall communications and visibility strategy and work plan for the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture project in line with the EU and UNESCO communication guidelines.
(b) Lead the conceptualisation, production, quality assurance and dissemination of a range of communication, advocacy and promotion materials and tools, including web stories and blog posts; press releases and op-eds; summaries of reports; social media posts; photographs, infographics and audiovisual materials; speeches and scripts.
(c) Work closely with the UNESCO ROSA, EU and Goethe Foundation’s Communication Focal Points to ensure consistency in our communication and visibility efforts. Respect the EU and UNESCO guidelines in all communication efforts, seeking clarity when in doubt.
(d) Plan, implement and coordinate public relations and media relations, in consultation with UNESCO ROSA’s Communication Officer and UNESCO’s Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE).
(e) Monitor and evaluate the reach, results and impact of the Project’s communications activities and contribute to the Project Progress Reports.
Long Description
2. Monitoring and Evaluation
(a) Lead Monitoring and Evaluation for the Project ensuring the collection of all data required to track the project’s progress towards achieving the intended results in the six participating countries and outcome indicators (as defined in the project Document and the Results Framework) and the M&E framework.
(b) Develop and maintain a monitoring system that provides current and real-time information on the project’s progress.
(c) Coordinate with the Project Coordinator and the ROSA Culture team to adapt or create relevant tools and systems for effective data collection, management and analysis, archiving and use of data.
(d) Work closely with implementing partners and beneficiaries, to ensure collection of relevant and appropriate data necessary for an effective M&E system.
(e) Lead activities related to data quality assurance, on-site data verification through spot checks which further contribute to ensuring the validity and quality of data from the source.
(f) Prepare all Progress Reports for the Project clearly showing results achieved in line with the project Results Framework.
(g) Coordinate all evaluations foreseen under the project.
Long Description
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
• Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Social sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Project Management or in a related field.
Work Experience
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of communication, monitoring and evaluation, project management or related field.
• Experience in communication and/or monitoring and evaluation.
Skills and competencies
• Excellent capacity to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and to write documents in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage heavy workload and to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relations within a multicultural environment.
• Good IT skills.
Languages
• Excellent command in English (both written and spoken).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Previous experience in working on EU-funded projects is an added value.
• Previous experience in working on Heritage-based Sustainable Tourism projects is an added value.
• Work experience with the UN is an added advantage.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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