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Digital Outreach Assistant

OVERVIEW

Position Number: 1ITSC PA055VC

Grade: G-5

Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Trieste

Job Family: Public Information

Contract Type: Project Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time): 14/08/2026

 

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) implements programmes and activities which aim to build scientific capacity in research and education in the developing world, in order to tackle national and regional challenges and to promote wellbeing and a sustainable future. TWAS also hosts and works in collaboration with the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), the global network of over 150 academies working together to support the vital role of science in seeking evidence-based solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), which strengthens the role of women scientists from the global South in science and technology.

Under the overall authority of the Executive Director, the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, and working closely with programme staff, the incumbent will support IAP-specific activities, including communication around programmes, networks (including the IAP Young Physician Leaders), meetings and events, and key outputs such as statements and reports, ensuring their timely dissemination and visibility, as well as the update of online directories and webpages. The incumbent will also contribute to maintaining and improving websites, streamlining communication processes, and producing multimedia and graphic content. 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The position will contribute to the implementation of communications activities supporting projects and initiatives, aligned with the priorities of the organizations’ strategic plans and related programme workplans, as well as donor-funded activities supported by partners such as the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), the Conrado Wessel Foundation (FCW) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). It will also support IAP programmes and networks (e.g. the IAP Young Physician Leaders Programme). The role supports IAP activities as part of a broader communications function within the TWAS Public Information Unit, serving TWAS and IAP, while contributing to the broader communications needs of the Secretariat.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Public Information Officer, the incumbent will: 
•    Draft, edit and adapt short‑form texts for digital use, including social media posts, captions, announcements and short newsletter blurbs, based on approved inputs and guidance. Manage the day‑to‑day operation of social media channels, including performance monitoring.
•    Support the preparation and dissemination of IAP communication outputs. Provide communication support for IAP meetings, workshops and events.
•    Handle the technical and graphic production of newsletters, including layout, formatting, visual presentation and distribution using established templates and platforms.
•    Produce visual content, including basic editing of short videos and the design of graphic materials, in line with established visual identity guidelines.
•    Support web and digital platforms, including assisting with website updates, basic web design and web development tasks, and liaising with technical service providers as required.
•    Maintain digital assets, contact databases, archives and basic analytics, including organizing photo and video archives, supporting the use of Google Analytics, and providing performance data to the supervisor.

Long Description

Long Description

Long Description

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

  • Communication (C)
  • Accountability (C)
  • Innovation (C)
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
  • Planning and organizing (C)
  • Results focus (C)
  • Teamwork (C)

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

  • Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational school.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • A minimum of five years relevant experience in public information, communications production or website management. 

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Experience in implementing social media strategies and campaigns;
  • Excellent skills in writing, editing, content production and information dissemination for online audiences;
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills, with attention to detail;
  • Ability to take the initiative and to innovate;
  • Results focus;
  • Team player;
  • Knowledge sharing;
  • The incumbent must have proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Given the particular nature of this position, good experience with specialised graphic design and editing softwares, HTML, Content Management Systems, Google Analytics, and website management is required.

 

LANGUAGES

  • Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written).
  • Very Good knowledge of Italian (oral and written). 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Time spent working in an international and/or multicultural setting would be an advantage.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Knowledge of database systems is an asset.

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 44 141 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • 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 to 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.
  • lndividuals 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.
  • Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
  • In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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