National Project Officer

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 4AFPAX0001PA

Grade : NO-C

Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

Duty Station: Kabul

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Project Appointment

Duration of contract : 1 year

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 07-JUNE-2022

 

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

 

(Only nationals of Afghanistan may apply to this position).

 

(Duration of contract: 1 year, with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance).

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

 

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. As a specialized agency and knowledge-based organization, UNESCO depends on highly skilled, committed professionals. Given the ambitious and exciting challenges of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our expertise and global presence in the fields of Education, the Sciences, Culture, and Communication and Information, is more relevant than ever. Geographically diverse and gender-balanced, UNESCO is committed to having a competent, motivated and dedicated workforce that acts with the highest integrity and is empowered to support UNESCO’s capacity to deliver on the sustainable development goals.

Long Description

The National Project Officer will be responsible to ensure the efficient and qualitative implementation of a UNESCO Communication and Information (CI) project funded be the European Union and entitled “Support to Afghan Media Resilience to Foster Peace and Security” in Afghanistan and will contribute to the CI Sector work in the country, by promoting freedom of expression, reinforcing the safety of journalists in the country, and raising the visibility of UNESCO’s mandate in that area.

The project “Support to Afghan Media Resilience to Foster Peace and Security” aims to provide an emergency short and medium-term response inside Afghanistan following the August 2021 changes, by supporting the economic viability and the safety of the committed group of journalists staying in the country.

Long Description

Under the overall authority of the Director and Representative of the UNESCO National Office in Kabul, and in coordination with the Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists Section, within the Communication and Information Sector, the National Project Officer will perform the following functions:

• Support the coordination and efficient qualitative implementation of the UNESCO Project "Support to Afghan Media Resilience to Foster Peace and Security” in Afghanistan.
• Learn and efficiently use the UNESCO’s online systems for contract management, budget planning, and reporting etc.
• Ensure the involvement and ownership of relevant partners and stakeholders in the coordination and implementation of the national activities of the project, notably relevant not-for-profit online and offline media groups and outlets, CSOs and INGOs, representatives of social media platforms, representatives of national authorities, etc.
• Support the Office in liaising with the European Union (EU) Delegation in Afghanistan about the progress of the project implementation and with international and local organizations to avoid duplications and ensure synergies and cooperation where needed.
• Work closely with the partners selected to implement project activities, draft their TORs, prepare detailed budgets and contracts, and monitor their contracts and progress, coordinate and follow-up to ensure the timely and qualitative delivery of the assignments as per agreed contract. Examine the accuracy of the documents and reports submitted by partners and process various claims of payments/payment requests from the contractors or implementation partners, in accordance with UNESCO rules and provisions as well as in accordance with the requirements of the EU.
• Coordinate the organization of in-country activities including meetings and other events and prepare minutes, reports, briefings, presentations, speaking points.
• As delegated, speak and/or actively participate in national and international conferences, workshops or trainings related to the thematic of the project.

Long Description

• Ensure the visibility of the project results and impact and respect of the EU visibility guidelines. Prepare public information products such as news items, infographics, audiovisual materials for the UNESCO website and social media channels, in coordination with the Project Coordinator in Brussels.
• Compile project reports for the donor in coordination with the Project Coordinators in UNESCO Headquarters and provide targeted qualitative and quantitative inputs on the project implementation.
• Continuously collect and share data and studies concerning media development and safety of journalists in Afghanistan. Analyze them with a view of formulating guidance throughout the project implementation.
• Support the Office in liaising with the UN system and ensure the project’s implementation is in line with:
  • 1) the United Nations Transitional Engagement Framework (TEF) for Afghanistan and the forthcoming Workplan on implementing the TEF, as well as in full coordination with United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the UNCT, and delegations of EU Member States; and,
  • 2) the UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
• Undertake duty travels if necessary. Work on any other activities that may be required to ensure the success of the project implementation and perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director of the Office.
• Work with a gender-sensitive approach.

 

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

• Advanced University degree (Masters or higher) in journalism, political sciences, management, or in related fields of social and human sciences.

Work experience

• Minimum four (4) years of relevant progressively responsible experience in project implementation and/or project management, and/or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategies for communicating using new technologies and social media channels in particular.
• Demonstrated experience in project development and management in an international environment in particular good communication, time-management, coordination, reporting, and budget skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of institutional UNESCO mandates in the country.
• Advanced knowledge of the online and offline media landscape in Afghanistan (TV, radio, print, and web) and freedom of expression policy developments at national and global levels, in particular in relation to the resilience of the media, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; capacity to write clear prose.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to establish good working relationships with external and internal partners.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Ability to be proactive and work independently.
• Strong IT skills (especially in MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and strong social media skills.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English.
• Excellent knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Work Experience

• Experience in UN or international organizations.

 

Skills & Competencies

• Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms.
• Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others.
• Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience.
• Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services.
• Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others.
• Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility.
• Professionalism - displays mastery of subject matter.
• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
• Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions.
• Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of UNESCO.

 

Languages

• Knowledge of other minority languages of the country is an advantage.
• Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages (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 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 recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities 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.