OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

CONTEXT

As part of its strategic transformation, UNESCO launched in 2021 a new web ecosystem to streamline the number of websites and improve content-sharing and dissemination. The organization is coming from very decentralized approach in its digital strategy to a hybrid mode where a common technical and design framework is managed at central level, but content is fully managed and owned at decentralized level.

ABOUT THE CONSULTANCY

Within the Division for Communications and Public Engagement, as part of the UNESCO web team and under the supervision of the Digital Projects Coordinator, the consultant will contribute to the management of internal web projects and the overall maintenance of the web ecosystem. S/He ensures the smooth run of the website, and makes sure standards and policies are well applied, in close coordination with the main web architect and the main implementation and maintenance suppliers. S/He proposes new features to improve the performances of the ecosystem.

Developed with the Drupal CMS (currently in version 10), UNESCO’s web ecosystem is constantly evolving. Structured as a farm, it currently hosts 43 websites linked one to the other via content-sharing systems and a common code base. The overall ecosystem is also integrated with business applications. To maintain and upgrade its ecosystem, UNESCO is relying on multiple external contractors recruited with long term agreements.

The tech stack includes:

• Drupal (version 10), Twig, Strapi, SolR, Bootstrap.
• Redis, Varnish, HAProxy, Apache, OPcache, MariaDB, Zookeeper.
• GitLab & Ansible.
• Other third-party applications: Azure SSO, Microsoft O365, UNESDOC (proprietary tool), Salesforce, Power BI, OpenDataSoft, Dataiku.

TIME FRAME AND LOCATION

Duration: 8 to 11 months (renewable)

Estimated start date: March 2025

Location of the mission: Paris (France)

TASKS & DUTIES

• Support internal sectors and units in the management of their digital communication projects and translate business needs in functional/technical requirements.
• Set up websites, provide technical and functional support to teams.
• Coordinate the work of technical teams (in-house or external providers): new developments, module updates, ad-hoc tasks.
• Write functional specifications and manage providers in terms of UX/UI.
• Contribute to ad-hoc digital projects to ensure compliance with standards, particularly in terms of design and user experience.
• Perform functional quality assurance tasks.
• Participate in technology watch and new trends.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree or equivalent experience in Digital Project Management, Business Management, Information Technology, Computer Science or relevant field.

Mandatory knowledge with extended work experience

• At least five (5) years of demonstrated experience of web project management, prioritization and quality control.
• Demonstrated experience in using Drupal, other similar web technologies and overall understanding of the web technology landscape.
• Proven experience in assignments and managing a wide range of experts.

Skills/Competencies

• Good understanding of Information Architecture and Admin Systems.
• Curious or familiar with visualization of user journeys.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated experience in organizing and optimizing information.
• Tech-savvy with proficient computer skills, including MS Office and Web CMS.
• Strong analytical skills and reporting capabilities.
• A high level of individual responsibility, commitment and initiative.
• Responds flexibly to changes and develop alternate plans to achieve objectives.
• Motivated by learning, taking challenges and improving processes.
• Team player and easy communication to keep people informed on challenges or delays.

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

• Work experience at UNESCO, in the UN system or experience with assignments for the UN is considered an asset.
• Prior experience working in both national and international contexts would be an advantage.

Languages

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