Project Officer (Social Media for Peace)

OVERVIEW

Post Number : CI/PA 027

Grade : P-3

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-SEP-2025

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

Duration of contract: 1 year with 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, 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, the general guidance of the Director of the Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development, and Media and Information Literacy, the supervision of the Chief of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FMD/FEJ), and the direct supervision of the relevant Senior Programme Specialist, the Project Officer will be recruited to coordinate the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the EU-funded project Social Media 4 Peace (SM4P), which aims to strengthen societies’ resilience to online harmful content—including disinformation and hate speech—while safeguarding freedom of expression and fostering peace through digital technologies.

The outcomes of the project 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 Project Officer will also support the broader work of the CI/FMD/FEJ Section on the overall implementation of activities related to safeguarding freedom of expression and access to information in the digital environment; raising awareness about the importance of human rights and promoting a multi-stakeholder approach to digital platform governance based on the principles outlined in the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms; and the overall mandate of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, as instructed by the supervisors.

Long Description

Programme Management:

• Ensure smooth implementation and coordination of the EU- funded project Social Media 4 Peace; manage, advise, and report on programme design and implementation, guidelines, resources and progress; provide relevant inputs to UNESCO’s global work on promoting the freedom of expression in the digital environments, particularly the governance of digital platforms, as well as tackling disinformation and hate speech with a rights-based approach; advocate organizational involvement and participation in mainstream Communication and Information activities; recommend programme and project approaches, plans, expansion and changes, and develop, propose and advocate C/5 thematic inclusions; identify inter-sectoral collaboration opportunities in close cooperation with other relevant Field and Headquarters staff and stakeholders, especially in the Project’s target countries; develop projects, programme and funding proposals; coordinate and contribute to the timely preparation of inputs for governing board reports, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data on programme implementation, results, performance indicators, and benchmarks as outlined in the Approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and other relevant documents.
• Provide additional support for project updates and briefings as requested by Headquarters; review the UNESCO National Support Strategy (UNESS) in coordination with other UNESCO offices involved in the Social Media 4 Peace Project.

Advice and Knowledge Management:

• Initiate research to develop policy, strategy, action materials relevant to the Project, and lead on its quality assurance exercises; provide information and technical advice to the Project’s stakeholders, peers, management and colleagues on a variety of subject related to the area of responsibility, such as tools, resources and relevant policies; organize regional and national capacity development workshops and promote knowledge sharing related to the Project; ensure regular contributions and updates to online and knowledge management systems.

Networking, Communication, and Partnerships:

• Represent the Social Media 4 Peace Project in UNESCO's contribution to UN project management systems; organize consultations and events relevant to subject matters covered by the Project; plan, develop and implement integrated outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating about the Project: coordinate and expand relevant multistakeholder networks of the Project.

Long Description

Resource Mobilization:

• Prepare concept notes and project document and budget in accordance with the C/5; collaborate with UN agencies seeking or marketing joint programmes; coordinate and follow-up on funding initiatives and reports, contribute to terms and deliverables, ensuring alignment with overall programme/project objectives; prepare financial funding proposals and strengthen partnerships with relevant public and private donors; engage in fundraising events and activities; engage in fundraising events and activities.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Provide backstopping coordination for the Project; supervise project consultants, experts and other service providers and follow through on the dissemination of results; 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, identify problems and deficiencies, and initiate or propose corrective or alternative action; evaluate and report on progress; study current best practices and professional developments and translate into relevant programmatic and project actions and reports; liaise with other teams to ensure coordination of work across all countries.
• Draft and edit information material, website articles, concept notes, speeches, correspondence, briefings, project proposals, policy guidelines, terms of reference, reports, agreements and other documents related to the implementation of the Project and in the areas of freedom of expression.
• Support the work of the CI/FEJ Section and other specific duties contributing to the Sector’s mandate, particularly in relation to events, launches, campaigns, and other key communication activities.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, media studies, political science, international relations or in other areas covered by the work of UNESCO's programmes in Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Safety of Journalists, Digital Innovation and Transformation, and Media and Information Literacy and Development.

Work Experience

• At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the development and implementation of multi-donor funded projects in the field of human rights, especially in subject areas related to freedom of expression and access to information, of which at least two (2) years acquired at international level.
• Experience in planning, coordinating and managing projects on communication and information, particularly in subject areas related to freedom of expression, media development, and digital laws and policies.
• Experience in resource mobilization and visibility campaigns.

Long Description

Skills/Competencies

• Strong understanding and knowledge of UNESCO's mandate and its programmes in the areas of freedom of expression and access to information.
• Strong knowledge and analytical skills in international human rights standards, particularly on freedom of expression in digital environments.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, following a results-based approach.
• Strong drafting and editing skills, with ability to draft, edit and produce reports on relevant issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to synthesize and exchange information on complex issues.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills, results-based management and results-based budgeting.
• Good 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 good knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Experience in working with the United Nations or other equivalent international organizations.
• Previous experience at UNESCO.

Skills/Competencies

• Good knowledge of UNESCO’s administrative rules, procedures and practices; and its working tools.

Languages

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/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.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 111 566 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 an 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.

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