Communication and Information Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1496 in order 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. Peace must be established based on humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. Headquartered in Paris, France, UNESCO which is a specialised agency of the United Nations, 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 contributes to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. UNESCO’s five functions include being a laboratory of ideas, a standard setter, a capacity builder, leader in policy development and data analysis for decision making and finally a catalyst for international cooperation.

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.

As the United Nations agency with a specific mandate to promote “the free flow of ideas by word and image” and to “maintain, increase and diffuse knowledge”, UNESCO implements a specific programme on Communication and Information (CI). In Eastern Africa, the CI programme is designed to fostering freedom of expression, supporting media development, building capacity for inclusive digital transformation and AI, as well as protecting and promoting documentary heritage, as provided in the Regional Support Strategy (RSS) 2022-2025. Under the RSS, CI has two Priority Programmes: (i) Media4SDGs that aims at addressing the challenges of sustainable development by strengthening the role of media to contribute to information as a public good, and (ii) E-Heritage that aims at documenting, preserving and digitizing World Heritage Sites associated archives in Eastern Africa in a way that they become accessible and engaging for virtual interactions.

Under the authority of the Regional Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and the direct supervision the Regional Advisor for Communication and Information in Africa, the UNV will work towards the achievement of UNESCO’s mandate on freedom of expression and digital transformation, in line with UNESCO’s Communication and Information (CI) programme, and act as the communication and information officer for the Joint UN SDGF Programme DigiKen (Digital Platforms Kenya) in close cooperation with UNRCO, UNCDF, UN Women and UNEP in Kenya. In particular, the UNV shall:

I. Act as the communication and information officer for DigiKen and implement the overall communications strategies for the Joint Programme aiming at building a thriving digital platform ecosystem in Kenya in close cooperation with UN partner agencies and the RCO in Kenya, notably by: • Developing messages and communication goals and implementing communication strategies through appropriate media. • Contributing articles, news, and human-interest stories to UNESCO and UN partners’ website and social media channels, ensuring that content is engaging and effective for all project stakeholders and beneficiaries, including general public. • Organizing public events and donor meetings for the visibility and outreach of the project. II. Assist in the design, implementation, and reporting of UNESCO’s Communication and Information programme in Eastern Africa, in particular on the projects related to digital transformation, digital platforms, use of ICTs, AI, and rule of law in close cooperation with UN agencies, Governments, regulatory bodies, internet platforms, media, and civil society organizations notably by: • Supporting conceptualization and deployment of training for civil servants, journalists, and judges on AI, digital transformation, and countering disinformation online; • Supporting the operationalization of the guidelines on the governance of digital platforms; • Coordinating the implementation of on-the-ground meetings and workshops on related fields; • Assist in reviewing and editing reports/studies for publication, and in drafting press releases and feature articles for the media and for UNESCO websites. III. Provide additional support to UNESCO in Eastern Africa, in particular by developing concept notes and project documents on various funding opportunities as may be required.

UNESCO Core values • Integrity • Respect for diversity • Professionalism

Competencies • Accountability • Communication • Teamwork • Innovation • Results focused. • Planning and organising • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

communication and information and/or digital transformation. Previous work experience in a UN organization is desirable.

Other qualifications: • Ability to manage competing priorities. • Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work and maintain effective working relationships within a multicultural environment. • Excellent research and analytical skills on complex issues, which require identification and the in-depth examination of technical factors; • Ability to propose solutions to technical problems and formulate proposals; • Good IT skills; • Ability to work under pressure and flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities. • High sensitivity to the UN’s principles regarding inclusiveness, neutrality, and gender equality.

Kenya is located in East Africa and holds the largest business, transportation and financial hub in the region. Its capital Nairobi experiences cool weather coupled with seasonal rains and adequate sunshine during the summer seasons. Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city and a family duty station, host to several international organizations including the UN Headquarters in Africa where also the Regional Offices are located and the World Bank. It is a modern city that offers adequate and affordable urban housing options, recreational facilities such as malls, theatres and the Nairobi National Park and has good road network. Connectivity to internet, electricity and water is assured and access to one’s preferred online services are available. The town hosts the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which is a gateway to many other countries in the region and has local airports from which one can conduct local travel. The locals are warm and welcoming, an environment that makes it easy for any international visitor to live comfortably and adapt quickly. As an agriculture-based economy, access to fresh foods is assured with the option of globally known brands in food stores around the country. Banking facilities are available at affordable rates to enable access to financial services both locally and globally including forex exchange. Kenya upholds the right to freedom of expression very strongly and has a society that expresses its needs strongly both online and offline. Dress code is modern though traditional wear is also acceptable and all are encouraged to ensure decency in dress while in public. Well-equipped medical facilities are available 24 hours to offer medical services in case there is need and medical personnel are well trained. In terms of security, the Kenya is by large a safe country. However, utmost care should be taken when walking in busy streets and crowded malls and markets. Certain towns in of Kenya do experience insecurity arising from threats such as terrorist groups such as the Al Shabab, cattle rustling and gang theft. Due diligence should be undertaken before travelling outside Nairobi with the UNDSS to ensure that possible risk factors are determined and avoided. The incumbent will be provided a lumpsum for relocation costs, is entitled to a volunteer living allowance which includes UNV learning resources, insurance, and home visit as well as an exit allowance paid on successful completion of the assignment.