Regional Communications Officer - Education for Health and Wellbeing

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 6ZAED0011PA

Grade : P-3

Parent Sector : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station: South Africa

Job Family: Education

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 27-AUG-2021

 

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

 

Initial duration of the contract is for 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

The position falls under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education, guidance from the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and the direct supervision of the Team Leader (Education for Health and Well-being). The Regional Communications Officer will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the Education for Health and Wellbeing Communications portfolio, specifically, the “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future” (O3) Programme, supported by Sweden among other donors. S/he will be responsible for developing and implementing an advocacy and communications strategy and closely monitoring the impact of communication efforts to enhance the organisation’s credibility and brand. S/he will be specifically responsible for the following:

Long Description

Advocacy and communications strategy

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the Education for Health and Well-being  advocacy and communication strategy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns.
• Spearhead the production of campaign materials, including both print, digital and multimedia materials.
• Contribute to the production of communication products to support country and regional communication efforts, including liaison with external service providers as required.
• Liaise with journalists from relevant media outlets around key advocacy and communications opportunities.
• Conceptualize, maintain and create updated content for all communication platforms, including Newsletters, Publications, Website and Social Media.

Long Description

Young people today website and social media

• Support on-going content development/management and user-testing of the young people today website.
• Work closely with the Education for Health and Well-being team to maintain updates on the new youngpeopletoday.org website, including publicising the in-country progress and events across the region.
• Work closely with the web programmer to ensure that the YPT website is kept up to date and has a dynamic look and feel for key audiences identified.
• Develop special interest stories through the blog and other social media channels.
• Manage translation services and validation before uploading new content to the site.
• Utilize special UN international days – World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day, International Youth Day, etc. to develop relevant content for engagement.
• Build and implement a social media plan, aimed at engaging with young people across Eastern and Southern Africa. Develop messages and graphics for a variety of social media platforms.
• Generate and distribute a monthly YPT newsletter.

Long Description

Report writing and design

• Assist with the design, layout and dissemination of publications including reports.
• Support documentation of best practices and “lessons learnt” for the Education for Health and Well-being  programme.
• Review communications materials developed by countries and support their dissemination.
• Contribute to content development and revision of donor reports as required.
• Provide support on other communication needs as specified.

Partner Relations

• Form linkages with communications personnel in partner organisations (ESA Commitment Technical Coordinating Committee and UN) to strengthen coverage.
• Assist countries writing articles/updates for website country pages; media release etc.
• Prioritize government relations communication plan, document best practices in engaging governments across the region.
• Prepare ESA communications materials, as relevant for different audiences i.e. presentations; newsletter, opinion pieces.
• Help in the administration of internal communications (i.e. database for all files, templates, etc.).
• Develop an integrated well-used photography asset database.
• Support the updates and maintenance of key stakeholders and media contacts list.
• Organise press briefings and conferences to raise awareness around specific issues or events.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant Social Sciences fields.

 

Work Experience

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional work experience in the communications field, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level.
• Experience in working with diverse institutions, such as civil society, multi-lateral agencies, and non-government organizations.
• Experience working with both traditional media (print, radio, television) and social media.

Skills and competencies

• Credibility and confidence, with high level representational and partnership building skills, involving a wide range of partners including relevant Ministries, UNAIDS Cosponsors, donors and civil society.
• Ability to write compelling press statements, position papers and information materials.
• Proven knowledge of HIV, health education, and/or public health.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, maturity, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and deliver to deadline, as well as work under pressure.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, website management software).

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

• Experience in being part of campaign teams.

 

Languages

• Working knowledge of French.
• Fluency in a local language.

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 full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

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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UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.