Advisor for Communication and Information and Deputy Secretary to the IPDC

OVERVIEW

Post Number : CI 204

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-DEC-2020

 

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

The Advisor for Communication and Information/Deputy Secretary of the Internaiotnal Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), under the direct supervision of the Director for Strategies and Policies in the Field of Communication and Information and the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General, Communication and Information (ADG/CI), is responsible for ensuring the development and delivery of a wide spectrum of programme and project management initiatives, particularly those related to the IPDC. S/he manages, advises and reports on regular and extra-budgetary programme design and implementation, guidelines, resources and progress. S/he substantively contributes to the implementation of the overarching objective of the Organization in the thematic area within the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including as relevant the implementation of international normative instruments.

Long Description

1. Programme Planning, Design and Management: 

• Act as Deputy Secretary to IPDC.  Coordinate programme and project rollout and monitoring as reflected in relevant work plans. Recommend programme and project approaches, plans, expansion and changes and develop,. Integrate research and assessment results into a variety of action- and client-oriented activities and projects. 
• Develop projects, programme and funding proposals, oversee agreements and contracts as well as define UNESCO's involvement and mobilize relevant resources. 
• Advocate for and encourage inter-sectional, inter-sectoral and Field Office synergies, information sharing and collaboration.  
• Participate in planning and budgetary processes of the Sector's activities in relation to both regular programme and extrabudgetary resources under the IPDC Programme.

2. Policy Advice: 

• Initiate policy development in accordance with the IPDC’s priority areas. Initiate and oversee research to develop policy, strategy, action materials and projects in the programme area in response to global issues and challenges.
• Lead quality assurance exercises. Represent and provide specialized advise to internal and external colleagues, peers and stakeholders. Prepare position papers, policy notes and other programme development related activities to support the strategic planning processes in the Section. 
• Advocate UNESCO's position/involvement and establish relevant guidelines. Advise peers, colleagues, partners and governments on policy formulation, programmes and projects, developments and best practices, and emerging trends in the area(s) of assignment.

3. Networking, Communication and Knowledge Management: 

• Represent SPO entity in meetings, conferences, forums and other official gatherings as relevant. Organize consultations and events and ensure regular contributions and updates to online and knowledge management systems.
• Plan, develop and implement integrated outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating programmes, promoting UNESCO projects and increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.
• Prepare and implement communication strategies, advocacy plans and visibility materials to raise awareness and widely disseminate results through appropriate media and information channels. 
• Provide specialized expertise, interpretation, assessment and communication to Field Offices, Ministries, peers and other stakeholders.

4. Resources Mobilization: 

• Explore alternative funding mechanisms in an increasingly competitive international and multilateral environment.
• Collaborate with UN agencies seeking or marketing joint programmes. Coordinate and follow-up on funding initiatives and reports, contribute to terms and deliverables, ensuring alignment with overall programme/project objectives.
• Prepare financial funding proposals and strengthen partnerships with relevant public and private donors

Long Description

5. Assessment and Evaluation: 

• Develop and co-ordinate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and ensure the application of assessment tools. 
• Assess programme implementation and linkages of programme work, evaluate the impact of activities, identify problems and deficiencies, and initiate or propose corrective or alternative action. 
• Study good practices and professional developments and translate into relevant programmatic and project actions and reports.
   

Long Description COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Building partnerships (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education  

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in the field of communication and information, media studies, information sciences, political sciences, international relations or related areas.

 

Work Experience 

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in the field of media development, digital issues, access to information, information literacy, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, or journalism education and training, acquired at the international level.
• Experience in planning and managing international projects in the area of communication and information, media development, digital issues, access to information, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, or journalism education and training.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.
   

Skills/Competencies 

• High degree of knowledge on media development; digital issues; access to information; information literacy, freedom of expression, and safety of journalists; or journalism education and training.
• Proven competency to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners.
• Policy advice to stakeholders including governments.
• Proven programme/project management skills and excellent negotiation and networking skills.
• Capacity to ensure accuracy of documents and reports through research, reference sources and consultations, paying close attention to detail.
• Ability to manage, supervise and motivate staff and teams.
• Strong sense of ethics, integrity, diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, to manage heavy workload and to meet tight deadlines, with the ability to apply flexibility in adjusting work schedules and priorities. 
   

Languages 

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience 

• Experience at the international level in the field of of media development, digital issues, access to information, safety of journalists, journalism education.
• Familiarity with the work of IPDC and UNESCO.
• Experience in leading and managing diverse teams and staff in a multicultural work environment.

 

Skills/Competencies 

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s mandate and programmes in Freedom of Expression and Media Development.  
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of UNESCO or other international organizations in the UN System. 

 

Languages   

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

 

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

 

For more information in benefits and entitlements, please consult ICSC website.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

 

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

 

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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