Article
Vacancy: Communications Assistant - UNESCO Nairobi
Type of Contract: Service Contract - G4
Contract Duration: 10 months
Application Deadline: 15 February 2025 (Midnight 00:00 Nairobi time)
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1946 to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Headquartered in Paris, France, UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that contributes to the building of peace, eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through international cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, and communication and information.
UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya covers 13 countries including: Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda, with some countries hosting national offices, antenna or project offices. UNESCO Nairobi implements UNESCO programmes in education, natural Sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.
Communication and knowledge management is an important aspect of UNESCO Nairobi鈥檚 work to showcase the impact of its actions across the region and through the various Sectors.
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi, and the immediate supervision of the Communication Officer, the incumbent will serve as the communications assistant, responsible for supporting the coordination of communications and visibility efforts of the Regional Office.
The incumbent shall work closely with relevant teams, sections and sectors at UNESCO Nairobi as well as the other offices and antennas that it covers to ensure timely, consistent and impactful communication of UNESCO鈥檚 work across all sectors. The incumbent will support the production and dissemination of content (text and multimedia) across the Office鈥檚 digital platforms, and assistant in the management of the social media accounts, and internal communication channels.
Concretely, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:
Assist the Communication Officer with the implementation of the Regional Office鈥檚 Communication Strategy, support colleagues with developing and implementing communication plans for events and other activities, assist in drafting, reviewing and publishing content on the Office鈥檚 website and social media platforms.
Assist in the production of a range of communications and advocacy materials and tools in accessible non-technical language (press releases, web stories, website texts, social media messages, brochures, posters, infographics, and multimedia materials), targeting at different audiences, including through liaison with contractors such as videographers and photographers.
Support the dissemination of communication and advocacy materials (electronic and printed), including through liaison with UNESCO sections, sectors, and partners to ensure the clearance and validation of the materials.
Support in the preparing and implementation of communication and advocacy events and campaigns, leveraging the Office鈥檚 digital and social media platforms and the relevant partnerships.
Help monitor and ensure the correct use of UNESCO official logos, copyright information and branding guidelines.
Assist in notetaking at meetings and prepare reports on communication objectives and results.
Support the maintenance and enhancement of the Office鈥檚 internal and external channels to help ensure effective communication within the Office and the region.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Academic Qualifications: University degree (Bachelor鈥檚) in the field of communication, journalism, social and political science, or a related discipline.
Relevant Work Experience: At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of communications, journalism, media, or external relations.
Knowledge, Expertise, Skills and Competencies: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to draft clearly and concisely in English for different types of audiences and different platforms.
Experience in content creation using photo and video editing tools for social media platforms.
Experience in using Drupal or other website management platforms.
Good organizational and planning skills, and an ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and follow-up effectively on management decisions.
Ability to work in a team and coordinate with others.
Strong interpersonal skills, with proven ability to maintain effective working relations within a multi-cultural environment and with partners outside of the organization.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
Good IT skills, including knowledge of MS software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.).
Language Requirements: Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of Excellent knowledge of English (both spoken and written). Good knowledge of French is a plus.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are requested to apply and submit the following documents (hereafter referred to as 鈥渁pplication鈥):
A letter of interest explaining how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the job announcement
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Proof of right to live and work in the country of the duty station
The contact details of three references
Copies of diplomas
The applications should be submitted by email to the email address nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org no later than 15th February 2025 Midnight (00:00) Nairobi time.
DURATION OF CONTRACT
This Service Contract is for 10 months, tentatively from 1 March to 31 December 2025.
At the discretion of the Sector ADG/ Director/Head of Bureau/ (Field/Liaison) Office/ Institute, SCs may be extended, based on operational needs, satisfactory performance and availability of sufficient funds, for periods of up to and including 12 (twelve) months at a time. The overall cumulative duration of Service Contracts at Headquarters awarded to the same individual shall not exceed 24 months in an uninterrupted period of 36 months.
SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must provide complete and accurate information.
The assessment of candidates is based on the criteria indicated in the Job announcement, and may include tests and/or assessments, and an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies, such as video or teleconference, email correspondence, etc. for the assessment of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted. For retained candidates, additional documents such as identity card/passport, proof of enrolment in a local social security system and medical certificate certifying fitness to work will be required. The selected candidate will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO promotes the professional integration of people with disabilities and encourages them to apply. In case an application cannot be completed due to a disability, please contact nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org.
Your privacy is important to us. The data you provide for this job announcement will be processed strictly for the purpose of this hiring and all associated processes (interview, reference checks etc.). We do not collect information for other purposes than those described above. Your data will not be used for any commercial purposes.
We may also place your application in a talent pool and invite you to apply for a suitable assignment or position when it becomes available. You may request to withdraw your profile from our talent pool at any time, by notifying us by e-mail at nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org. Placing a candidate in a talent pool shall not give a candidate any expectation of employment at UNESCO.