Project Officer (Media and Information Literacy)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : CI PA/029

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Programme Coordination

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28-OCT-2025

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Duration of contract: 1 year with the 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, guidance from the Director of the Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy, and the direct supervision of the Chief of Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies (MIL), the incumbent is responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on projects and programmes relating to media and information literacy and digital competencies. The incumbent works within the framework of UNESCO's approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and governing body decisions towards internationally agreed development goals, such as outlined in the 2030 Development Agenda (SDGs).

The Project Officer will support the work of CI/MIL and the overall mandate of the Section, as instructed by the supervisors, and in particular will:

Programme and Project Work:

• Implement, monitor, evaluate and report on UNESCO MIL's governance and policy work, focusing on legal, regulatory, and digital policy and governance initiatives at global, regional, and national levels under the special account.
• Provide programme and project support: analyze specific data and needs and develop proposals; define and revise project requirements and specifications ensuring consistency with priorities and available resources; conduct feasibility studies and draft reports; develop schedules and methods for managing project implementation; monitor project implementation and progress and take action to resolve implementation issues/challenges in collaboration with project staff and partners.
• Identify, propose and develop collaborative projects. Participate in UNESCO's (C/5) programme, budget and policy formulation discussions.

Long Description

Advice and Knowledge Management:

• Provide information and technical advice to governments, peers, management and colleagues, including on tools, resources and policies.
• Remain aware of developments and advancements in areas of responsibility in order to inform and support governments, ministries and colleagues on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices.
• Ensure technical backstopping for projects and events and provide technical support to colleagues, Field Offices and Institutes.
• Research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base in MIL's field of competence, ensuring regular contributions to web and printed content and dissemination to colleagues, peers and stakeholders.
• Carry out research, trend and priorities analysis and recommend particular courses of action based on findings and provide inputs for the development of strategies and approaches.

Networking and Partnerships:

• Liaise with colleagues within the Communication and Information Sector and in other Sectors, Field Offices, Institutes and stakeholders to create networks of expertise, discuss developments and exchange ideas.
• Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars, contributing to advocacy efforts and promoting knowledge exchange as well as approaches and interventions of proven effectiveness.
• Reach out to public and private sector partners and stakeholders to support project development, funding and implementation as well as relevant policies, strategies and plans.

Long Description

Resource mobilization:

• Contribute to resource mobilization by playing an active role in funding and project proposal development, submission and follow-up.
• Prepare a variety of inputs and work to generate MIL related funding and projects, taking into account Section, Sector, Member States and donor priorities. Participate in fundraising events and activities.

Administrative Support:

• Ensure support to events, key initiatives and conferences either hosted by UNESCO or requiring UNESCO presence; prepare inputs to the biennial and medium-term strategies, programmes and budget and reports, as well as Statutory meetings; update and monitor expenditures; coordinate and/or prepare reports, notes, memoranda, briefings and other correspondence and documents, including news articles and social media contributions.
• Draft and edit information material, website articles, concept notes, speeches, correspondence, briefings, project proposals, policy guidelines, terms of reference, reports, agreements and other documents related to media and information literacy and digital competencies.
• Support the work of the CI/MIL Unit and other specific duties contributing to the Sector’s mandate, particularly in relation to events, launches, campaigns, and other key communication activities.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Communication and Information, Law, Media, or other related fields.

Work Experience

• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in communication and information and/or managing projects in the field of media, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in coordinating partnerships and activities as part of the implementation of a major project/fund.
• Experience in resource mobilization involving a variety of contributions from different donors.

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent organizational and planning skills, following a results-based approach.
• Strong analytical, drafting and editing skills, and ability to draft, edit and produce reports on relevant issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to exchange information on complex issues.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills, results-based management and results-based budgeting.
• Excellent IT skills, with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities; capacity to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex and multicultural environment.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English or French and very good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization.

Skills/Competencies

• Good understanding of UNESCO’s work to promote media and information literacy and digital competencies.
• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s applications (DUO, etc.).
• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s Administrative rules, regulations, procedures and standard practices.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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