Post Number : CPE 039
Grade : P-3
Parent Sector : Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)
Duty Station: Paris
Job Family: Public Information
Type of contract : Fixed Term
Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 18-AUG-2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Under the overall authority of the Director for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) and the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief of Digital Content Unit (CPE/DCT), the Communication Officer is responsible for writing, reviewing and editing information material for publication on digital channels (website and social media), with a particular focus on Arabic channels.
S/He makes sure UNESCO's vision, messages and programmes are portrayed and showcased in a coherent and inspiring manner, ensuring coherence and consistency of the content, to inform, inspire and engage the Arabic-speaking audience, with a particular focus on Member States audience. S/He leads the Division's effort to communicate on UNESCO's results and impact, with a special focus on communication materials showcasing beneficiaries and partner's testimonies and stories, on the website, on social media as well as in the press and other publications.
S/He is the key reference person for all communication in Arabic both at Headquarters and in the Field. As such s/he oversees/coordinates activities of Field Offices in the Arab region and ensures consistency and coherence of messaging, building on a strong knowledge of political, cultural and diplomatic realities in the region.
S/He is also the reference person for the implementation of large-scale communications projects in Arabic language or in the Arabic region, and as such liaises with relevant partners, assuming focal point responsibilities with Sectors concerned at UNESCO.
In particular, the incumbent will:
Overall coordination of UNESCO digital content in Arabic
Operate as editor-in-chief of Arabic content. Coordinate the Arabic social media accounts and website in close cooperation with the Head of Digital Content. Create relevant content for UNESCO's digital channels to raise the profile of the Organization. Stimulate initiative, recommend and elaborate campaign elements with UNESCO Field Offices' social media channels in Arabic. Identify and recommend new visual content to be used in social media (graphics, images, videos). Make known UNESCO's ideals and values on Arabic social media channels, engaging in dialogues and answering questions where appropriate. Establish partnerships with other UN agencies' social media channels in Arabic for UNESCO's campaigns. Contribute to the development of positive and fruitful media relations with Arabic speaking press.Coordination of communications activities of Field Offices in the Arab region
Oversee the publication of content on UNESCO Field Offices' websites. Ensure quality control of communication initiatives and content production. Provide strategic guidance and assistance to Field Office colleagues involving the use of the current Content Management platform. Provide training and support on communication matters.
Communications projects management
Reach out to the public and private sectors to support project development and generate extra-budgetary funding and projects, taking into account division, Member States and donor priorities. Monitor the communications component of large-scale extra-budgetary projects related to the Arabic language and the Arab region. Elaborate reports on specific projects including administrative and budgetary components.
Quality control of the Arabic language
Ensure quality of the input provided for Arabic language content on UNESCO's website in terms of length, relevance, timeliness and consistency of the Arabic language. Review and check the quality of the Field Offices' websites for continuity, logical arrangement, completeness, relevance of material vs. enounced objectives/target audience, clarity of expression, internal consistency with due regard to space/length limitations.Education
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication, journalism, or Arabic language studies.
Work Experience
A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in communications, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international level. Proven experience in partnership building and developing and implementing projects in the MENA region. Strong experience in content creation, including writing, editing, and producing communication materials. Experience in designing and executing communication campaigns.
Skills and Competencies
Excellent analytical, writing and editorial skills. Excellent oral communication skills. Ability to rapidly analyse, synthesize, adjust and calibrate information. Advanced knowledge of information systems, web standards and technologies, and CMS (preferably Drupal). Proven knowledge of social media platforms and graphic design tools. Excellent coordination and organizational skills with proven ability to manage competing priorities. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team in a multicultural environment. Ability to liaise with other structures and with the media. Proven problem-solving and crisis management skills with sensitivity to issues. Results-oriented mindset.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English and French (both written and spoken). Full professional proficiency in Arabic.
Work experience
Experience in international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
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 111,566.87 US $.
For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.