Programme Specialist (Communication and Information)

The Programme Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing projects and project proposals, providing advice, research and knowledge management expertise, partnership development and contributing to resource mobilization within the Communication and Information Sector at the UNESCO Regional Office in Apia. The role supports multi-sectoral and cross-country programmatic activities aligned with UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, evaluate and contribute to the development, planning and implementation of the Field Office's CI strategy and approach for harnessing the potential of communication and information for development in the Region in consultation with relevant stakeholders and CI specialists in the Field Offices and at Headquarters.
• Identify and develop both internal and external collaborative project proposals based on needs as well as the CI Sector's programmes, projects and activities.
• Identify focus areas within national priorities in the Region and when requested by national authorities, propose alignment of these priorities with UN SDGs and development partners' priorities and strategies.
• Manage and implement programme activities included in the C/5 and develop new project options and proposals to be funded by contributions received for the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and the Information for All Programme (IFAP).
• Plan and implement extrabudgetary funded projects. Ensure all reporting requirements are met including the use of the Core Manager digital platform.
• Research, recommend and contribute to the development and expansion of a knowledge base on the programme.
• Carry out research and analytical work and prepare substantive inputs for policy development.
• Provide information and technical advice to other UNESCO Field Offices, peers and colleagues in the region.
• Ensure technical backstopping for projects and events and provide technical support to colleagues in the region, other Field Offices and Institutes as related to assignments and priorities.
• Ensure regular contributions to web and printed content and dissemination to colleagues, peers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to UNESCO's involvement in the establishment of UN project management systems including the preparation of Common Country Assessments (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF), Country Programme Documents (CPD) and Country Action Plans (CAP).
• Plan, develop and implement outreach strategies and visibility activities aimed at programme, regional and Field Office promotion and expansion.
• Organize consultations within the Region and provide advice and guidance to governments, civil society organizations and the private sector on the development of strategies and policies in the area of communication and information.
• Liaise with colleagues within the Sector and in other Sectors, in own and other regions and Field Offices, Headquarters, Institutes and stakeholders to discuss developments and exchange and archive ideas.
• Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars, promoting knowledge sharing, contributing to advocacy efforts and promoting approaches and interventions of proven effectiveness.
• Contribute to resource mobilization for the Region and individual countries by playing an active role in raising extra-budgetary funds and preparing project proposals and concept notes.
• Prepare a variety of inputs and work to generate extra-budgetary funding and projects.
• Participate in fundraising events and activities.
• Prepare and follow up on a variety of submissions and coordinate regional donor meetings.
• Ensure support to events, key initiatives and conferences either hosted by the Regional Office or requiring Regional Office presence.
• Provide financial backstopping for assigned projects.
• Coordinate and/or prepare reports, notes, memoranda, briefings and other correspondence and documents, including news articles and social media contributions.
• Attend leadership/management team meetings as requested.
• May liaise with other teams to ensure coordination in the work across the countries covered by the Regional Office.
• May be required to supervise temporary and local staff, and project consultants.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of communication and information, media studies, ICTs and/or knowledge society issues, or other related fields such as international relations, social or political sciences, or related areas.
• A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the field of communication and information, promoting issues related to free, pluralistic and independent media and/or building inclusive knowledge societies, or related areas, of which preferably (2) two years acquired at the international level.
• Experience in designing and implementing programmes/projects in the field of communication and information, or related field.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Knowledge of development issues and policies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• Knowledge of programmes covered by the Communication and Information Sector, in particular, freedom of expression, media development and media and information literacy, digital inclusion and policies, and digital transformation.
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills, and proven ability to build, interact and enhance working relations with a wide range of stakeholders including national/local authorities, relevant IGOs and NGOs.
• Strong analytical skills, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills.
• Diplomacy, tact and discretion.
• Sound understanding of results-based management, monitoring and evaluation principles.
• Ability to mobilize resources by carrying out scoping activities, identifying opportunities, and drafting project proposals for possible funding opportunities, and build strategic and sustained partnerships.
• Demonstrated capacity to provide guidance and to lead and motivate a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results, with the ability to apply flexibility in adjusting work schedules and priorities.
• Excellent IT skills, with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in international cooperation programmes and in the area of fundraising and resource mobilization.
• Experience in partnership-building with UN Agencies, the private sector, civil society and NGOs.
• Experience in developing proposals and agreements to external funders.
• Familiarity with the work and general functioning of UNESCO and/or international organizations in the UN system.
• Excellent knowledge of English.
• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish).

Skills

• Communication and Information
• Media Development
• Project Management
• Programme Design
• International Development Cooperation
• Freedom of Expression
• Media and Information Literacy
• Digital Inclusion
• Digital Transformation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Analytical Skills
• Result-Based Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Resource Mobilization
• Fundraising
• Partnership Building
• Proposal Development
• Multicultural Team Leadership
• Microsoft Office Suite
• International Cooperation

Languages

English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish