OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) Team helps shape UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok)’s public image and raise the organization’s visibility in the region through media and communications outreach, publications, office website and social media. CPE supports the communications goals of all teams across the organization’s areas of competence in the region. The team works with programme sections/teams to prepare overall communications strategies, develop messaging and communication goals and implement strategies through appropriate media. As a central service team in communications, CPE fields regular requests from colleagues for communications-related support around initiatives, publications, campaigns etc. CPE also oversees the UNESCO Bangkok website and social media channels, ensuring that content is engaging for all of UNESCO’s stakeholders, including external audiences.

WORK ASSIGNMENT

WORK ASSIGNMENT:

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the direct supervision of the CPE Team Leader, the Individual Specialist shall develop communication materials to enhance UNESCO’s visibility in the region.
The Individual Specialist shall specifically perform the following tasks:
•    Provide support for media and communication, pursuing content partnerships with media, as well as receiving press queries and facilitating interview in consultation with UNESCO programme colleagues in Bangkok office, field offices and headquarters;
•    Assist UNESCO’s work for UN Communications work, attending meetings, seeking and building links and exchanges as per the One UN framework;
•    Write and edit public information materials (press releases, media advisories, feature articles, op-eds, etc.) for Asia-Pacific media (both traditional and new media) in a journalistic style and in coordination with programme staff;
•    Act as a media relations specialist for UNESCO at conferences and special events, liaising with partner agencies as needed in communications outreach;
•    Provide inputs into and contribute to the development and implementation of the office-wide new public information and outreach strategy as well as help guide the development of centralized outreach products (videos and infographics pertaining to office-wide activities, etc);
•    Collaborate with team members to ensure optimal use of channels to advance communication objectives;
•    Work with programme chiefs and the Director’s Office in the preparation, editing and finalization of Director’s remarks for high-level events;
•    Monitor media coverage and report regularly on resulting UNESCO’s visibility; propose strategies to achieve better visibility and impact;
•    Undertake additional tasks assigned by the CPE team leader, Head of EO and the Regional Director of UNESCO Bangkok when required

Expected Deliverables Long Description

Monthly deliverables:

• Monthly report of completed work (including number of edited words), including remarks by UNESCO Bangkok Regional Director.

In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the Individual Specialist is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.

The individual specialist will work within the UNESCO Bangkok office.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIfiCATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, or any area realted to UNESCO’s competencies and expertise.

Work Experience

• Minimum of five years’ experience in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline.

Skills/Competencies

• Excellent English writing and communication skills (oral and written), especially interviewing and writing for mainstream media.
• Experience developing and implementing successful communications strategies/campaigns.
• Experience working within the UN system/familiarity with UNESCO’s mandate/relationship with the Member States and stakeholders as well as the UN approach to communications.
• Familiarity and established contacts with Asia-Pacific media outlets.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with UNESCO’s programmes, structure and priorities.