COMMUNICATION OFFICER

Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will be responsible for managing, coordinating, implementing and monitoring communications and related activities including media and press relations.   

More specifically, the incumbent will\:

• Adapt and regularly update the communication plan in alignment with the Organization’s Communication Strategy and Plan;
• Prepare and disseminate timely, accurate, high-quality information to the general public and/or other specified groups through various media and communication, including press releases, interviews, key messages, Q&A, digital content;
• Report and provide advice on media outreach initiatives;
• Be responsible for in-depth and daily coverage topics as they relate to the Director-General;
• Monitor any breaking news which might affect the Organization;
• Organize interviews, seminars and press conferences with the media outlets; prepare interviews, background briefings and press conferences for the Director-General;
• Ensure regular contact and coordination with the relevant communication focal points within the Organization on communication-related activities;
• Monitor and evaluate public opinion and concerns, and respond to them in a strategic manner;
• Establish and maintain contact with national and international key media organizations, editors and journalists and press officers in UN programmes and agencies in order to identify and promote activities and events that may be of interest to UNESCO’s various target groups; 
• Perform other related duties that may be assigned.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Communication, Journalism, Public relations or Media relations.

Work Experience

• Minimum of  seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in communications, media/press or related areas, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at international level.
• Experience in international media including both print and digital media.
• Experience in preparing analytical reports, background papers and talking points for senior executives.

Skills/Competencies

• Proven skills in communication, networking, strategic thinking, advocacy and ability to relate this to mass media.
• Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
• Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions.
• Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills with the ability to tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience.
• Openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Ability to exercise good judgment under pressure.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines and capacity to work long hours when required.
• Strong sense of ethics, integrity, tact, discretion and diplomacy. 
• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and priorities.
• Wide general culture including astuteness and awareness of social, political and cultural trends. 
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of French and good knowledge of English.  

Education

• Additional qualifications/trainings in international cooperation or international development.

Work Experience

• Experience working with an international, governmental or non-governmental Organization or with the UN System.
• Experience working in development cooperation or foreign policy.

Skills/Competencies

• Familiarity with the work and general functions of international organizations and/or the UN System. 

Languages

• Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).