Communication Officer

Post Number : SHS 333

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Social and Human Sciences

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 12-AUG-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The post is located in the Executive Office, which provides strategic advice, quality control and management support to the Assistant Director General for Social and Human Sciences (ADG/SHS) and ensures the overall coordination of the development, implementation and monitoring of the approved programme and budget of the SHS Sector, as well as the Sector’s communication with other Sectors/Bureaux/Offices at UNESCO, with other agencies of the United Nations System and with external partners.

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences,under the oversight of the of the Chief of the Executive Office and day to day supervision the Executive Officer the incumbent will lead the planning, development and implementation of SHS external communication activities in order to raise the visibility of the sector with its audiences, on the international agenda, and in the media. 

The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and according to global development plans such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 

Long Description

In particular the incumbent will:

• Devise, design, implement and monitor communications strategies and strategic approaches of the Social and Human Science’s and establish, develop and maintain working relationships with key media organizations and journalists.
• Prepare material for press briefings and interviews, draft press statements and press releases as necessary.
• Manage the production of SHS content to be published on the UNESCO web portal, in cooperation with SHS colleagues, other Sectors and central services as required; ensure quality control and updating of the content on the web in English and French; coordinate the updating of other language versions according to needs; guide SHS colleagues on all web related activities and issues.
• Provide day to day support to the top management platforms and communication strategies.
• Design and develop new media outlets/assets to increase brand visibility and maximize impact of the current platforms (podcasts and networks) 
• Upgrade and design new digital brand collateral to increase outreach i.e. brand video, brochures, brand merchandise.
• Keep abreast of trends in the world of information and communication technologies.
• Advise the Sector Management Team and staff as well as Country & Regional Offices, as possible,  on options of SHS strategy orientation for communication.
• Manage the publication and communication work of the Social and Human Science Sector including the process of designing and updating website of the Sector.
• Provide input, participate in production of communication materials online and offline, 
• Support the Executive Officer to manage the communication staff. 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Communication (C)
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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in information and communication sciences, and/or journalism or other relevant fields 

Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level in communications, brand management, public information, journalism or related field. 
• Proven experience in the development and implementation of communication and media strategies and plans.
• Experience in promoting science communication.
• Proven experience in media relations, writing and publishing articles and press releases. 
• Experience in designing, implementing, and coordinating strategies and programmes, including related to capacity-building in the area of Social and Human Sciences.

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Skills and competencies 

• Proven skills in implementing institutional communication strategy and concept formulation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent command of website management, newsletter publishing and social media management.
• Good knowledge of multimedia and graphics software, digital communication tools, content management systems, MS Office software applications and digital work environments, social media
• Excellent command of information and communication tools as well as collaborative tools such as blogs, wiki or social networks.
• Strong analytical and communication Skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage heavy workload and to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to lead and manage teams and delegate tasks.
• Ability to work in culturally diverse settings.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and working knowledge (written and spoken) of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education  

• Expertise in the use of the following tools: Drupal-based web portals; mass-mailing platforms and Adobe Creative Cloud (CC) software, particularly Adobe illustrator and Adobe InDesign.

Work Experience 

• Proven knowledge creation and brokering experience.
• Professional experience in the United Nations system or other multilateral organizations and/or in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral settings/cooperation and development.

Languages

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

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 103 683 USD $.

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

UNESCO’s salaries are calculated in US dollars. They consist of a basic salary and a post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, as well as exchange rates. Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, home travel, education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.  More details can be found on the ICSC Website.

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.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.