National Project Officer for Communication and Information
OVERVIEW
Post Number : 6KECI 0001PA
Grade : NO-C
Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)
Duty Station: Nairobi
Job Family: Communication and Information
Type of contract : Project Appointment
Duration of contract : 1 year
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-DEC-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only Nationals of Kenya can apply for this post
Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension (up to 2 years) subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Under the overall authority of the Director of the Regional Office for Eastern Africa and the direct supervision of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information in Africa, and in close coordination with the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, the Government of Kenya, in particular the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, the UN Joint Programme Team, and the Delegation of the European Union in Kenya, the incumbent will contribute to the successful planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the UN Joint SDG Fund Programme DigiKen – Digital Platforms Kenya, and ensure UNESCO’s participation in Delivering as One UN coordination mechanism in the area of communication and information in Kenya, and engage in partnership building and fund mobilization at the country level. The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029), the approved Programme and Budget 42C5 (2024-2025) and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) for Kenya.
The incumbent will also support the implementation of the UNESCO’s Social Media for Peace (SM4P) project, ensuring that activities are in line with the agreed work plan and budget for the phase 2. He/she will strengthen the capacities of the National Coalition on Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation in Kenya and its members to lead and support the implementation of UNESCO’s Guidelines on the Governance of Digital Platforms, strengthen partnerships, and identify replicable best practices maximizing potential for scale-up in the region, rollout and synergies with other initiatives of UNESCO’s Communication and Information sector.
Long Description
Main duties and responsibilities
a. Project management
- Conduct periodic project reviews with UNRC, the members of UN Joint Programme Team, Joint SDG Fund Secretariat, the Government counterparts and other partners recording the results of the review meetings in minutes and action plans.
- Prepare reports on Joint Programme and SM4P project activities for UNESCO, the donor and partners.
- Regularly conduct meetings of the project Steering Committee, preparing minutes of meetings and action plans with clear responsibility and timeframe.
- Provide content on major Joint Programme and SM4P project’s achievements and steps in implementation to the Public Information Officer to increase the visibility of the Joint Programme and UNESCO.
- Foster exchanges of information, experience, identifying new strategies of action to improve delivery of services and to achieve the Joint Programme and SM4P project requirements and objectives.
b. Monitoring and evaluation of the project
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the Joint Programme and SM4P project activities, report on progress and suggest updates of the results framework.
- Regularly monitor the financial status of the Joint Programme and SM4P project and ensure that budget execution rates are in line with agreed plans.
Long Description
c. Support UNESCO/CI sector in the area
- Design, plan, implement, monitor and report on Communication and Information programme as well as intersectoral programme activities in Kenya.
- Provide technical assistance and expertise to the Government and other stakeholders in a view to support the implementation of UNSDCF in Kenya in the areas of CI competences.
- Ensure UNESCO’s participation in Delivering as One UN coordination team and participate actively in UN meetings and events in Kenya.
- Explore and develop strategic partnerships with ICT and media development partners, potential donors as well as private sector and help to mobilize further support for the Joint Programme and UNESCO’s CI programme in Kenya.
- Keep up-to date on country’s development needs, identify opportunities and challenges for UNESCO/CI interventions in Kenya.
- Monitor activity implementation, and prepare and submit reports as required by UNESCO on related performance indicators, associated baselines and targets, outputs, expected results, as well as assessment of challenges and lessons learnt.
- Contribute to resource mobilization by developing concept notes and project proposals in the area of Communication and Information as well as for intersectoral programmes of the Regional Office for Eastern Africa.
- Contribute to the visibility of UNESCO’s activities in Kenya online and off-line through the organization of promotional events, regular contributions of feature articles and news for the Regional Office’s website in coordination with the Publica Information Officer.
- Ensure that UNESCO’s Global Priority Gender Equality is promoted and considered in an integrated way into programme activities in Kenya.
- Undertake any other tasks or duties as maybe assigned by the supervisor.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication, journalism, information science, digital transformation, public policy and administration, international development, international relations, peace building or related fields.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in communication and information or closely related field.
- Experience in programme development and management.
- Experience in advocacy, resources and partnership mobilization.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to draft reports, briefings and key messages clearly and concisely, paying close attention to details and quality of work.
- Ability to work independently.
- Strong organizational skills in project/programme planning, management and implementation.
- Excellent analytical and technical skills.
- Strong coordination skills and ability to liaise with the Government and a variety of partners and stakeholders.
- Good interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to work in a multi-cultural team.
- Strong IT skills including good knowledge of standard office software.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
- Excellent knowledge of Kiswahili.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Experience within the United Nations System or in other Intergovernmental Organizations or Cooperating Agencies.
- Experience and/or good understanding of Government systems in Kenya.
- Experience and/or good understanding of digital transformation and platforms governance in Kenya.
Skills and Competencies
- Background and skills in public relations, communication and advocacy.
Language
- Working knowledge of French.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 9077797 (in shillings).
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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