Programme Specialist (Communication and Information)

About the role

The Communication and Information Sector promotes freedom of expression, media development and media-literate societies, and builds knowledge societies through universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. This Programme Specialist post, under the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information and functionally under the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Apia, develops and implements projects and project proposals, provides advice, research and knowledge management expertise, builds partnerships and contributes to resource mobilization for the Field Office and multi-sectoral activities.

Key responsibilities

• Analyze and contribute to the development, planning and implementation of the Field Office's CI strategy, and identify and develop collaborative project proposals aligned with national priorities and the UN SDGs
• Manage and implement programme activities under the approved Programme and Budget, including IPDC and IFAP-funded projects and extrabudgetary projects, ensuring reporting requirements are met
• Carry out research and analysis, advise colleagues and governments on policy and project development, and support the development of a knowledge base
• Contribute to UN project management systems (CCAs, UNSDCF, CPDs, CAPs) and organize consultations with governments, civil society and the private sector
• Plan outreach and visibility activities, and help raise extra-budgetary funds through project proposals, concept notes and fundraising events
• Prepare submissions, coordinate regional donor meetings, backstop projects financially, and support events and conferences; may supervise temporary and local staff and project consultants

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication and information, media studies, ICTs, knowledge society issues, international relations, social or political sciences or related fields
• At least four years of relevant professional experience in communication and information, preferably two at the international level
• Experience designing and implementing CI programmes or projects

Required skills

• Excellent project management, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of development policies and of CI sector programmes (freedom of expression, media development, media and information literacy, digital inclusion)
• Strong written and oral communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Results-based management, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization