Associate Project Officer (Communication and Information)
OVERVIEW
Post Number : CI/PA 026
Grade : P-2
Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)
Duty Station: Paris
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) : 20-NOV-2024
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Duration of contract: 1 year with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Communication and Information Sector’s mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. (The role of this vacant position does not include responsibility for UNESCO's wider external communications, which is managed by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.)
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, the general guidance of the Director of the Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development, and Media and Information Literacy, the supervision of the Chief of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FMD/FEJ), and the direct supervision of the relevant Senior Programme Specialist, the Associate Project Officer will be recruited to support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the EU funded project ‘Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Access to Information through the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms’, that aims to advance freedom of expression and access to information, through supporting a global and sub-regional (Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean) understanding of a human rights and multi-stakeholder approach to the governance of digital platforms.
The Associate Project Officer will also support the work of the CI/FMD/FEJ Section on the overall implementation of activities related to the safeguard of freedom of expression and access to information while in the digital environment; raising awareness about the importance of human rights and promoting a multi-stakeholder approach to digital platform governance based on the principles outlined in the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms; and the overall mandate of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, as instructed by the supervisors.
The Outcomes of the project are in line with 41 C/5 Output 6.CI2 “Member States have strengthened capacities and raised awareness to enhance norms and policies related to freedom of expression, press freedom, safety of journalists, including women journalists, and the right to access information, online and offline”.
Long Description
The incumbent will work in a collaborative team environment and will be responsible to undertake the following tasks:
Programme and project support
- Contribute technical inputs for the administration and implementation of programmes and projects with specific focus on safeguarding freedom of expression in digital platforms.
- Carry out thematic and situational analysis, including analysis and evaluation of project and programme implementation and delivery.
- Assist in drafting project documents and reports and draft proposals setting out plans for implementation of programme/project development as well as comments on project progress.
- Identify opportunities or areas for increased inter-disciplinary collaboration.
- Provide substantive, logistical and administrative support to the conception and implementation of workshops, consultations, meetings, events, trainings and missions.
- Provide support, information and technical guidance to Field Offices and project partners, which includes the networks support by the project, on programme priorities and liaison with stakeholders.
- Monitor and adjust project budget expenditures based on changed work plans.
- Gather, review and compile contributions for the preparation of statutory reports, documents and processes and keep track of outcomes of international normative instruments and nomination cycles as relevant.
Long Description
Research and Knowledge Management
- Conduct research, compile analysis, data and inputs for publications, documents, projects and policy proposals for the implementation of the project.
- Ensure knowledge management, websites and information systems are up-to-date and content is coordinated and shared with colleagues to ensure online discussions and information exchange.
- Analyze digital platform governance best practices and current trends to contribute inputs and recommendations to a variety of proposals and reports.
Long Description
Networking and partnerships
- In relation to the project, provide information and liaise with colleagues within the Sector and in other Sectors, Field Offices, partners and stakeholders to discuss developments, exchange and archive ideas.
- Attend and participate in project meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars representing UNESCO, promoting knowledge sharing, contributing to advocacy efforts and fostering approaches and interventions of proven effectiveness.
- Liaise with digital companies, regulatory authorities, press and media councils and electoral bodies to foster co-regulation and promote transparency in the oversight of online content moderation and political advertisements.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with governmental authorities, partners and relevant stakeholders.
Resource mobilization
- Support joint multi-country projects funded for implementation at national level or by Field Offices.
Administrative support
- Support the Section by drafting and generating documents and visual, online and written communication and information materials, and prepare briefings.
Visibility and communication
- Ensure effective communication and visibility of the project activities on freedom of expression online, by implementing a communication plan and including donor and partner logos, as necessary.
- Prepare information material, news/website articles, and material for social media assets.
- Provide support to events, key initiatives and conferences on promoting a human rights and multi-stakeholder based approach of the governance of digital platforms, freedom of expression and safety of journalists online, either hosted by UNESCO or requiring UNESCO's presence.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, international relations, social or political sciences, international law, media studies, or other related fields.
Work Experience
- At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in one or several subject areas of communication and information, including with issues related to promoting freedom of expression, safety of journalists and/or access to information, of which preferably one (1) year acquired at international level.
- Experience in planning, coordinating and managing projects in the area of communication and information.
- Experience in drafting and editing (reports, articles, publications, briefings, etc.).
Skills & Competencies
- Analytical skills and knowledge of different methods and procedures including providing advice, guidance, counselling, planning and/or making specific proposals.
- Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze information from various sources.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to edit and draft clearly and concisely.
- Ability to manage a heavy workload and meet tight deadlines, paying attention to detail and quality of work.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-cultural environment and to work effectively in a team environment.
- Good lT skills.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Work Experience
- Relevant experience in the UN system or in other international organizations.
- Previous experience at UNESCO.
- Experience in research, including academic research, on topics such as freedom of expression, media development, digital policy, and law.
- Experience in organizing workshops and events, at the international level, in the area of communication and information.
Skills/Competencies
- Excellent understanding of UNESCO's work to promote freedom of expression in the digital environment.
Languages
- Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).
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 82 165 US $.
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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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
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