OVERVIEW

Post Number : CI/PA 030

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

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) : 05-JAN-2026

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

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Communication and Information Sector’s mission is to promote freedom of expression, safety of journalists, 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 overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (ADG/CI), and the direct supervision of the Director of the Division for Freedom of Expression, Media development and Media and Information Literacy, the incumbent will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on projects and programmes relating to freedom of expression, safety of journalists and media and information literacy, including digital competencies, in particular scaling up 2 recent initiatives on Content Creators and Digital Parenting. The incumbent works within the framework of UNESCO's approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and governing body decisions towards internationally agreed development goals, such as outlined in the 2030 Development Agenda (SDGs). The Post is under the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, which since its creation in 2017 as a special account, has been a pooled funding mechanism enhancing programmatic coherence, flexibility and donor coordination.

The Senior Project Officer will coordinate the work of CI/FMD, specifically on Freedom of Expression and Media and Information Literacy and the overall mandate of the Section, under the guidance of the supervisors.

Long Description

The main responsibilities of the Senior Project Officer will be as follows:

Programme and Project Work:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development, promotion and global scaling of two flagship initiatives: 1/Media and Information Literacy for Content Creators and 2/ MIL and Digital Parenting, and its linkages to fostering freedom of expression more broadly. Lead high-level engagement with Member States, international organizations, private sector partners and CSOs to advance UNESCO’s mandate on MIL and digital competencies. Identify inter-sectoral collaboration opportunities in close cooperation with other relevant Field and Headquarters staff and stakeholders, and other CI projects such as Social Media 4 Peace. Develop projects, programme and funding proposals, and recommend extensions or adjustments as required to ensure effective implementation and impact. Coordinate and contribute to the timely preparation of inputs for governing board reports, ensuring the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data on programme implementation, results, performance indicators, and benchmarks as outlined in C/5 and related documents. Provide strategic input for project updates and briefings. Monitor implementation progress, proactively address challenges, and guide corrective action. Oversee the drafting of reports related to the MDP, including annual progress reports, and internal reporting.
• Ensure coordination for events, key initiatives and conferences hosted by UNESCO or requiring UNESCO’s participation; oversee inputs to biennial and medium-term strategies, programmes and budget and reports, as well as to Statutory meetings.
• Provide strategic inputs to internal planning, reporting, and budgeting processes.

Long Description

Advice and Knowledge Management:

• Shape and influence global and regional policy dialogue on freedom of expression, MIL, digital parenting and ethical content creation. Provide information and technical advice to governments, peers, management and colleagues, including on tools, resources and policies. Keep abreast of developments and advancements in stated areas of responsibility in order to inform and support governments, ministries and colleagues on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices. Coordinate research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base in the field of freedom of expression, MIL and content creators and MIL and digital parenting.

Networking and Communication:

• Represent UNESCO in high-level forums, intergovernmental meetings and other events, to advocate for policy integration to tackle mis- and disinformation, including through education and digital governance frameworks. Liaise with colleagues within the Communication and Information Sector and in other Sectors, Field Offices, and Institutes to create networks of expertise, share developments and exchange ideas.
• Lead and actively participate in meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars, advancing advocacy efforts and promoting knowledge exchange, as well as approaches and interventions of proven effectiveness. Leverage project implementation to further nurture and scale up UN-wide understanding and collaboration on freedom of expression and MIL at global and local levels. Ensure the visibility and positioning of the projects within the global agenda.

Resource Mobilization:

• Ensure the multiplier effect of the MDP by scaling up its seed-funded activities and catalysing the mobilization of larger funds-in-trust projects. Lead fundraising efforts for flagship projects, including donor engagement, proposal development and reporting.
• Coordinate the development of reports and communication materials showcasing the MDPs impact, aligned with Member States' and donors' priorities.
• Collaborate with UN Agencies to identify and develop joint programme opportunities.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, media studies, media and information literacy, ICTs and digital skills and/or knowledge society issues or other related fields such as international law, and/or social and political sciences.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in one or several subject areas of communication and information, such as freedom of expression, media and information literacy and/or digital competencies, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at the international level.
• Experience in promoting issues related to freedom of expression, media and information literacy and digital competencies.
• Experience in planning and managing projects/programmes in the areas of communication and information, preferably in the areas of freedom of expression, media and information literacy and/or digital competencies.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and resource mobilization.

Skills/Competencies

• Good project management and organizational skills, including the ability to coordinate large-scale projects/programmes.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external partners.
• Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national/local authorities and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex and multicultural environment.

Languages

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization.
• Experience in partnership-building with UN Agencies, the private sector, civil society and NGOs.
• Experience in working with stakeholders in the realm of freedom of expression and other actors involved in the development of media and information literacy and digital competencies for parents and content creators.

Skills/Competencies

• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work in the field and familiarity with the activities of the Sector for Communication and Information.
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the UN System.

Languages

• Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and/or Spanish).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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