ASSOCIATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

UNESCO; Paris; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Medical insurance

Pension plan

Job summary

UNESCO in Paris is seeking a content and communications specialist to support internal and external messaging across UNESCO's public information platforms. The role covers drafting and editing materials for websites, social media, and press, under the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.

You will translate content, ensure consistency, coordinate with the Press Unit, and contribute to campaigns and events, while training colleagues on CMS tools and digital communication practices.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in communications or related field.
• Two years of relevant experience; international exposure preferred.
• Experience drafting, editing and translating materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience with web CMS, preferably Drupal.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to streamlining content across UNESCO's channels and media.
• Create and edit content for website, social media, and press.
• Translate material and ensure clear, consistent messaging.
• Provide training on CMS usage and digital communication practices.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Editorial writing

Social media experience

Interpersonal skills

Project coordination

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Drupal CMS

Job description

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Parent Sector : Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)

Duty Station : Paris

Job Family : Public Information

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) is responsible for shaping and managing UNESCO's internal and external communications, ensuring that the Organization’s activities, content, and messages are effectively conveyed to diverse audiences. It strengthens UNESCO's visibility, reputation and institutional narrative by managing digital platforms, press relations, publications, events and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring coherent messaging across Programme Sectors and field offices.

Under the authority of the Director of the Division for Communications and Public Engagement, under the supervision of the Chief of the Digital Content Unit, and in close collaboration with the Press Unit, the incumbent compiles, prepares and/or edits initial drafts of communication, press and digital material in UNESCO working languages, aimed at the communication and awareness raising about UNESCO activities and events. S/he contributes to the planning, coordination, and assessment of UNESCO campaigns, press activities and engagement events.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In particular, the incumbent will:

1. Contribute to the streamlining of content across UNESCO's corporate channels and key external audiences, including the media

• Ensure streamlined messages and prepare initial drafts of content for UNESCO's website, social media, and press outreach.
• Support with the dissemination of the content to the press and on UNESCO's website and social media channels.
• Identify, compile, draft/edit quality and audience-relevant content for target audiences -including key messages, press releases, web stories, web pages and press briefings, videos, and photos- to effectively communicate UNESCO's messages and activities, and raise awareness.
• Contribute to the development of positive and productive media relations by identifying key press contacts, ensuring consistency in messaging, exploring partnership opportunities to enhance communication efforts and by maintaining working relationships with a network of journalists covering UNESCO's activities.
• Establish and maintain working contacts with other UN agencies to support UNESCO's campaigns and amplify UNESCO's communication efforts.

2. Contribute to the content creation for UNESCO Social Media

• Contribute to the content creation for social media platforms in close cooperation with the Social Media Coordinator.
• Assist in researching and analyzing information to support the planning and execution of social media campaigns for UNESCO channels; gather information from diverse sources and help to evaluate newsworthiness, potential impact and campaign effectiveness.
• Support the effective coordination and implementation of social media campaigns and engagement opportunities; manage relevant administrative processes and liaise with suppliers to produce campaign material and event programmes.
• Propose and create new visual content for social media, including graphics, images and videos to enhance UNESCO's social media presence.
• Promote UNESCO's missions and values across social media channels by engaging with audiences, fostering dialogue, and responding to questions where appropriate.

3. Contribute to the content creation for the UNESCO Website

• Contribute to the management and updating of content published on UNESCO's web platforms.
• Translate communication material accurately to ensure clear and consistent messaging.
• Ensure quality of the translation/input provided in terms of length, timeliness and consistency, presenting information in an accessible and an easy-to-understand format.

4. Training and support

• Provide training sessions to UNESCO colleagues on the use of the content management platform, including communication skills and web editing.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of communications, journalism, political science, international relations, or related fields.
• A first level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, media relations or digital content creation of which preferably one (1) year acquired at international level.
• Strong experience in drafting, editing and translating communication materials adapted to different audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or supporting social media campaigns, including the production of multimedia content.
• Experience with web content management systems (CMS), preferably Drupal.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a proven capacity to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills.
• Perfect knowledge of latest trends and tools in editing and video making on social media channels.
• Ability to tailor content for different platforms and audiences.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Creative approach.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in alignment with organizational goals.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Team-oriented and culturally sensitive, with strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse teams.
• Advanced knowledge of information systems, web standards and technologies, ICT's, knowledge management, process automation, and business development.
• Ability to develop training material and to conduct training sessions in digital tools and content management.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and a good working knowledge of the other language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Work experience in similar functions within the United Nations system or an international organization/institution.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (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 68,118 US $.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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 to 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.
• lndividuals 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.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.