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.)

The project “Social Media 4 Peace”, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen resilience of fragile societies to potential harmful content spread online, in particular hate speech inciting to violence while enhancing freedom of expression and the promotion of peace through digital technologies, notably social media. The project is implemented in four pilot countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Indonesia, and Kenya.

Long Description

Work assignment:

Under the overall authority of the Head of Unit a.i. for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies (CI/FMD/MIL), the Individual Specialist shall provide his/her expertise to ensure the efficient and qualitative implementation of the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) component of the project “Social Media 4 peace” as specified here below.

1. Support in the implementation of the project Media and Information Literacy activities at global level. Prepare strategies for the development and piloting of global resources and tools for countering harmful content and promoting online peacebuilding;
2. Liaise regularly with UNESCO implementing Field Offices, implementing partners, and monitor the delivery and quality of the activities carried out, notably in relation to MIL. Participate in project meetings and draft minutes, presentations, background documents, and any other project related documents;
3. Support the Head of Unit a.i. CI/FMD/MIL in preparing the extension of the project and the next phase of the project;
4. Compile inputs for the narrative report of the project to the donor in coordination with the Project coordinator and project national officers in the pilot countries;
5. Support the sharing of project results during global conferences, such as Global MIL Week, by drafting concept notes and programmes. Assist the organisation of events and gatherings under the project, including its participation in international celebrations;
6. Prepare visibility content in consultation with CI/EO’s Communication Officer, such as web news articles, publications, leaflets and any other resources;
7. Support the launching of the external evaluation under the project;
8. Support the Head of Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital competencies in any other tasks that may be needed for the project.

Deliverables: 

• Monthly, progress reports on project implementation;
• Monthly, draft reports to Donor;
• Monthly, visibility reports.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in journalism, political sciences, management, or in related fields of social and human sciences.

Work Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience in project planning, coordination, and management, acquired at the regional or international level.

Skills/Competencies

• Advanced knowledge on Media and Information Literacy and Freedom of Expression and the curbing of potential harmful content (disinformation, hate speech).
• Strong analytical and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and ability to exchange, develop and summarize concise information on complex issues.
• Ability to collect, consolidate, synthesize and analyze information from various sources.
• Knowledge of UNESCO’s work and mandate.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multicultural environment with external and internal partners.
• Excellent organization and planning skills, including the ability to organize own work priorities and deadlines.  Discretion and maturity of judgement.
• Solid computer skills including advanced knowledge of office software such as Word and Excel.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience with UNESCO and/or the United Nations system and demonstrated understanding of their functioning and procedures.

Languages

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

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: