Media and Information Literacy Officer

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 specialized 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 Multi-sectoral 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. This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment will be based in the Communication and Information sector of the Multi-sectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa and will be supervised by the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information in Africa. The assignment will contribute to develop and implement UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy programme in Eastern Africa, guided by the global UNESCO’s priorities on Africa and Gender Equality.

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and the direct supervision of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information (CI) in Africa, and in close cooperation with the Education team, the incumbent oversees UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Digital Skills programme which includes capacity building, policy development and integration of MIL into formal education, design, plan and implement activities aimed at promoting the development of digital skills. The incumbent manages UNESCO’s MIL programme from design, to planning, implementation, reporting and evaluation. S/he coordinates and establishes new and ongoing cooperation with education and media stakeholders at national and regional levels, including CSOs, governmental partners, academia and private sector, while ensuring close synergy and communication with the Education sector of UNESCO Nairobi Regional Office and the Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies at UNESCO Headquarters.

In particular, the incumbent shall:

1. Serve as UNESCO Nairobi focal point for programmes related to MIL and digital skills.
2. Lead and coordinate programme and project rollout, including the promotion of the revised UNESCO’s MIL Model Curriculum in Eastern Africa.
3. Conduct a thorough mapping exercise of all UNESCO’s current and planned MIL and digital competency programmes, including current and potential partners, in Eastern Africa.
4. Craft a comprehensive regional strategy for advancing MIL and digital competency programmes in Eastern Africa, in line with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2024-2025.
5. Lead the organization of national and regional events, engagements and other initiatives in support of Global Media and Information Literacy Week.
6. Propose and implement initiatives to strengthen MIL and digital skills engagement with UNESCO’s ASPnet patrons and partners in Eastern Africa.
7. Support efforts under UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace programme, especially relating to strengthening MIL and digital skills of beneficiaries, in close cooperation with programme officer.
8. Develop projects, programme and funding proposals, oversee agreements and contracts as well as define UNESCO's involvement and mobilize relevant resources for programme related to enhancing MIL and digital skills in the region.
9. Participate in planning and budgetary processes of CI sector’s activities in relation to both regular programme and extrabudgetary resources.
10. Develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and assess programme implementation and linkages of programme work.
11. Plan, develop and implement outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating programmes, promoting UNESCO projects, and increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.
12. Build relationships with external actors: Internet companies, regional organizations, civil society, parliamentations, policy makers, etc.
13. Build intra and intersectoral collaboration (such as with ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, enhancing inclusivity of ICT and digital competency education for persons with disabilities, CI’s Social Media 4 Peace programme, digitalization and AI-related programmes) to strengthen impact of MIL and digital skills.
14. Write and edit public information materials (press releases, feature articles, op-eds, etc.) for MIL and digital competencies-related programmes in journalistic style and provide regular and timely updates to UNESCO Nairobi website with contents and news releases
15. Undertake additional tasks as and when assigned by the Supervisor or the Director of UNESCO Nairobi.

In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the MIL and Digital Skills Programme Officer is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Other desired technical knowledge:

• Good project management and organisational sills, including large-scale programmes • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to participate effectively in negotiations with internal and external partners, as well as demonstrated ability to work and maintain effective working relationships within a multicultural environment. • Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national. Local authorities and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations • Ability to manage competing priorities. • Problem-solving skills.

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

communication and information, media and information literacy and/or digital competencies, with preferably two years acquired at the international level.

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