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”.

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.

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.

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).