Junior Communications Officer

Introduction

The SKILLS Branch, within the Employment Policy Department (EMPLOYMENT), assists governments and social partners in reviewing and reforming their vocational education, training and lifelong learning (LLL) systems, policies and institutions. It supports ILO field offices in the development and implementation of skills and employability development components of Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs). Its mandate is to enable constituents to improve skills development systems to improve the employability of workers, the productivity of enterprises and the inclusiveness of economic growth.

The Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning (GPSL3) works as an accelerator of the SKILLS branch’s technical support to ILO Constituents in the context of the future of work, and as a vehicle to deliver outputs of the Programme and Budget for the Biennium 2022-2023 and beyond. The Programme oversees the Skills and Lifelong Learning Knowledge-Sharing Platform (KSP) which disseminates approaches, knowledge and experiences that governments, employers, workers and international organizations have found effective in addressing these issues of common concern across the world. The KSP is linked to a monthly newsletter sent to subscribed contacts containing curated informational content from news articles to resources and events.

The Junior Communications Officer will support the work of the Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning and the ILO’s work on skills development and lifelong learning broadly. The objective of the position is to develop communication products to showcase the results of the GPSL3 and to promote a greater visibility to ILO’s achievements in terms of a) changes in the development and application of regulatory and policy frameworks; b) achievements in terms of positive changes in the lives of learners, job seekers and workers; c) productivity improvement in targeted enterprises.

The incumbent works under the overall supervision of the Chief of SKILLS Branch and  reports to the Head of Operations of the Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning. The incumbent will work closely with the Communications Officer in the EMPLOYMENT Department Management and Co-ordination Unit ( DMCU) and receive guidance and technical advice from time to time. The incumbent will also closely coordinate with the field specialists and specialists of the Skills and Employability Branch. 

Description of Duties

1. Prepare draft communication plans and strategies for the Global Programme on Skills and Lifelong Learning.
2. Research and develop draft communication materials, by contacting field offices to collect information on planned knowledge products, events, projects and campaigns.
3. Synthetise key messages and other information into products (infographics, fact sheets, brochures, presentations, video and web-based materials, etc.), in close collaboration with field colleagues, that can be disseminated to target audiences via established websites, knowledge sharing sites and social media platforms.
4. Provide creative support for internal and external communication efforts including print publications, electronic communication, community engagement, media and video productions.
5. Update and maintain the ILO SKILLS website to always keep it current. Review the user data and make improvements to the website in collaboration with relevant internal and external partners.
6. Update the ILO Skills and Lifelong Learning Knowledge Sharing Platform and related platforms. Collect and analyse data on KSP users’ and contributors’ activity and feedback.
7. Draft, maintain and disseminate the Skills and Lifelong Learning Newsletter and the Skills and Lifelong Learning Twitter Account and other social media.
8. Document, edit, and contribute to disseminate success stories and human-interest stories in written, audio and video formats which are related to the specific interventions and results of the GPSL3. Update the annual Results Book for the GPSL3. Support day-to-day communications from various SKILLS Specialists in HQ and liaise with DCOMM.
9. Support measures to promote visibility of the ILO’s work on skills development to achieve multiplier effects through knowledge management and communication.
10. Participate in workshops and seminars and prepare reports, communication materials and presentations.
11. Undertake any other duties  assigned by the Branch Chief from time to time.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in communications, media, journalism/information science/ education/technical and vocational education/economic development, social science or a related field.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience in public information, communications, knowledge management and advocacy at national level, or three years at international level.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English; good working knowledge of French will be an advantage.

Competencies

• Sound knowledge of communication and visibility through various online and offline modalities.
• Good knowledge of PC software (including word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software and Microsoft Adobe) such as Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of modern communication principles, techniques and systems.
• Excellent communications skills including the researching and selection of information and writing and editing skills.
• Good understanding of the working practices of the media.
• Skills related to the creation of broadcast content would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of website content creation, structuring and management.
• Good data analysis skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to present complex topics into simple and attractive formats.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.