Media and Information Officer at UNESCO

Task description

• Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and the direct supervision of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information (CI) in Africa, and in close cooperation with the Education team, the incumbent oversees UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Digital Skills programme which includes capacity building, policy development and integration of MIL into formal education, design, plan and implement activities aimed at promoting the development of digital skills.
• The incumbent manages UNESCO’s MIL programme from design, to planning, implementation, reporting and evaluation. S/he coordinates and establishes new and ongoing cooperation with education and media stakeholders at national and regional levels, including CSOs, governmental partners, academia and private sector, while ensuring close synergy and communication with the Education sector of UNESCO Nairobi Regional Office and the Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies at UNESCO Headquarters.

In particular, the incumbent shall:

• Serve as UNESCO Nairobi focal point for programmes related to MIL and digital skills.
• Lead and coordinate programme and project rollout, including the promotion of the revised UNESCO’s MIL Model Curriculum in Eastern Africa.
• Conduct a thorough mapping exercise of all UNESCO’s current and planned MIL and digital competency programmes, including current and potential partners, in Eastern Africa.
• Craft a comprehensive regional strategy for advancing MIL and digital competency programmes in Eastern Africa, in line with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2024-2025.
• Lead the organization of national and regional events, engagements and other initiatives in support of Global Media and Information Literacy Week.
• Propose and implement initiatives to strengthen MIL and digital skills engagement with UNESCO’s ASPnet patrons and partners in Eastern Africa.
• Support efforts under UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace programme, especially relating to strengthening MIL and digital skills of beneficiaries, in close cooperation with programme officer.
• Develop projects, programme and funding proposals, oversee agreements and contracts as well as define UNESCO's involvement and mobilize relevant resources for programme related to enhancing MIL and digital skills in the region.
• Participate in planning and budgetary processes of CI sector’s activities in relation to both regular programme and extrabudgetary resources.
• Develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and assess programme implementation and linkages of programme work.
• Plan, develop and implement outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating programmes, promoting UNESCO projects, and increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.
• Build relationships with external actors: Internet companies, regional organizations, civil society, parliamentations, policy makers, etc.
• Build intra and intersectoral collaboration (such as with ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, enhancing inclusivity of ICT and digital competency education for persons with disabilities, CI’s Social Media 4 Peace programme, digitalization and AI-related programmes) to strengthen impact of MIL and digital skills.
• Write and edit public information materials (press releases, feature articles, op-eds, etc.) for MIL and digital competencies-related programmes in journalistic style and provide regular and timely updates to UNESCO Nairobi website with contents and news releases
• Undertake additional tasks as and when assigned by the Supervisor or the Director of UNESCO Nairobi.
• In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the MIL and Digital Skills Programme Officer is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible

Eligibility criteria

• Age
• 27 - 80

Nationality

• Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience

• 3 years of experience in communication and information, media and information literacy and/or digital competencies, with preferably two years acquired at the international level.

Area(s) of expertise

• Communication, Information technology

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

• Master degree or equivalent in Journalism, information science, communication, media studies, media and information literacy, ICTs and digital skills, Artificial Intelligence, Information Literacy and Digital Skills.

Competencies and values

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Other desired technical knowledge:

• Good project management and organisational sills, including large-scale programmes
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to participate effectively in negotiations with internal and external partners, as well as demonstrated ability to work and maintain effective working relationships within a multicultural environment.
• Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national. Local authorities and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Problem-solving skills.
• For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.