Project Coordinator

OVERVIEW

Post Number : 1BECI0003PA

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Brussels

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) : 28-AUG-2022

 

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

 

CONTEXT

 

The Communication and Information Sector’s mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. (The role of this vacant position does not include responsibility for UNESCO's wider external communications, which is managed by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.)

 

Under the authority of the Assistant-Director General for Communication and Information, the direct supervision of the Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels (FU/BRU), in close consultation with the Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FEJ) and other relevant CI Sections/Programme Specialists, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the implementation the project “Social Media 4 Peace” and thereby contribute to UNESCO’s work to promote freedom of expression and implement the Windhoek +30 Declaration; as well as constituting the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector’s (CI) EU Focal Point, substantially contributing to the CI Sector’s visibility, fundraising, and networking efforts.

 

The Outcomes of the Social Media 4 Peace programme are in line with 41 C/5 Output 6.CI2 “Member States have strengthened capacities and raised awareness to enhance norms and policies related to freedom of expression, press freedom, safety of journalists, including women journalists, and the right to access information, online and offline”.

 

The incumbent reports to the Director of the Liaison Office in Brussels in respect to all matters related to administrative and liaison, partnerships and resource mobilization responsibilities, as well as to the Chief of Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists concerning the substantive and technical implementation of the relevant programme/projects and their integration with the overall Communication and Information sector's strategy, including the Cl specificities of resource mobilization.
As a team leader, the Project Coordinator may manage, supervise and guide a team of staff to ensure the delivery of programme/project initiatives and activities, from funding proposals to project design, evaluation and reporting. 
The Project Coordinator shall substantively contribute to the implementation of the overarching objectives of the Organization in Communication and Information within the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTION OF THE POST

• Policy Advice: Initiate research to develop policy, strategy, action materials relevant to the Project; lead quality assurance exercises; provide specialized advice and backstopping to relevant UNESCO Field Offices, Institutes, peers, internal and external colleagues and stakeholders, global and local partner organizations and experts in the implementation of activities, including liaison with EU/IcSP on continued and renewed partnerships; develop a knowledge base on relevant EU policies, strategies and programmes; prepare reports, recommendations, position papers, policy notes and other programme development related activities to support the strategic planning processes in the Liaison Office; advocate UNESCO's position/involvement; and advise on EU policy formulation, programmes and projects, developments and best practices, and emerging trends related to online disinformation.

 

• Networking, Communication and Knowledge Management: Represent the Communication and Information Sector in UNESCO's contribution to UN Brussels Team; organize consultations and events and ensure regular contributions and updates to online and knowledge management systems in relation to the Project; plan, develop and implement integrated outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating programmes, promoting the Project and the CI sector more broadly, and increasing visibility, resources and partnerships;  coordinate and expand relevant networks, organize regional and national capacity development workshops and promote knowledge sharing; contribute to EU reflection and discussions related to the Project, and more broadly the issue of online disinformation.

 

Long Description

• Resource Mobilization: Explore with the EU and its Member States upscaled and additional and alternative funding mechanisms in an increasingly competitive international and multilateral environment; prepare concept notes and project proposals in accordance with the priorities of the Communication and Information Sector; collaborate with UN agencies on possible joint programmes; coordinate and follow-up on funding initiatives and reports; engage in fundraising events and activities.

 

• Assessment and Evaluation: Provide technical, financial and human resources management and backstopping to the Project and the CI’s programme within the Liaison Office ; supervise project consultants, experts and other service providers and follow through on the dissemination of results. Coordinate and supervise staff, including temporary and local staff, and identify human and technical resource needs, recruitment and performance management; develop monitoring mechanisms and ensure the application of assessment tools; assess programme implementation and linkages of programme work, evaluate the impact of activities.

 

• Communication and Information Sector Liaison function with the EU: Acting as the focal point for the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector before the institutions of the European Union, in particular: promoting and strengthening the visibility of UNESCO's Cl mandate to foster freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and build knowledge societies towards the European Union, including through outreach and advocacy activities; ensuring UNESCO's participation at EU high-level conferences, events and meetings; strengthening relationship between the CI Sector and the EU at the working level and coordinating communications between UNESCO Cl and relevant EU institutions; following-up on ongoing partnership negotiations with the EU, providing HQ and Field Offices with relevant back-up and information about EU's work and priorities; reviewing concept notes and project documents and organizing missions of UNESCO Cl staff members to Brussels.

 

• Supporting the work of the FU/BRU Office and the CI Sector, particularily in relation to events, launches, and other key campaigns. 

Long Description 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) Building partnerships (M) Managing performance (M) Leading and empowering others (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

Education 
•    Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, public information, public diplomacy, or in another area covered by the work of the UNESCO's programmes in Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, Digital Innovation and Transformation, and Media and Information Literacy and development.

 

Work Experience
•    Minimum 7 years –of which at least 2 years preferably at the international level – of progressively relevant working experience in the development and implementation of EU-funded projects in the field of human rights (preferably freedom of expression).
•    Experience in coordinating partnerships and manage EU-funded projects.
•    Experience in resource mobilization and visibility campaigns at the EU level.
•    Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization (European Union, OSCE, OECD)

 

Skills/Competencies
•    Excellent organizational and planning skills, following a results-based approach.
•    Strong analytical, drafting and editing skills, and ability to draft, edit and produce reports on relevant issues.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to exchange information on complex issues. 
•    Excellent project management and coordination skills, results-based management and results-based budgeting.
•    Excellent IT skills, with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
•    Flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities; capacity to work effectively under pressure.
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex and multicultural environment.

 

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

 

Skills/Competencies
•    Excellent understanding of the work of the UNESCO CI Sector, as well as of fundraising strategies and partnerships at the EU level.

 

Languages
•    Knowledge of one of the official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian).

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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 95,863 US $.

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.