Programme Specialist in charge of Fostering Freedom of Press and Freedom Expression for Democracy and Peace

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNESCO has been working in Mozambique since the Member State joined the Organization in 1976. As a result, and following the host country agreement, UNESCO Maputo Office operates in Mozambique since 1995. The Organization fully applies its two top priorities i.e. gender equality (the Organization objective is now either gender transformation or gender equality, depending on the Member State or the specific situation) and Africa (alignment with African Union (AU) continental and sub-regional strategies. While issues at stake cover all UNESCO domains of competence and key priorities, given the priorities set forth for the recovery, the focus of the proposed set of interventions are on (i) rehabilitation of tangible and intangible cultural sites and practices; (ii) culture of peace and non-violence; (iii) environment and sustainable development within the framework of the Man and Biosphere (MAB), and (iv) post-conflict/post-disaster response. The Communication & Information Sector strives to foster freedom of expression, media development, and access to information and knowledge in line with UNESCO’s mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”. Our programmes directly contribute to achieving the set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with specific attention to the social, political and economic mutations of the digital age. UNESCO advances freedom of expression and the safety of journalists online and off-line, notably in the framework of United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists. Moreover, the Sector combats online hate speech, as well as disinformation and misinformation through awareness raising initiatives, steady monitoring, capacity-building activities, and technical support to Member States.

Under the authority of the UNESCO Representative for Mozambique and Head of Office in Maputo, the direct supervision of the Programme Officer in charge, the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of activities relating to the analysis, planning, management, implementation and monitoring of life skills, innovation and professional training policies, programmes and projects. The incumbent will also responsible for preparing inputs for the UNESCO Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), the Programme and Budget (C/5) and related work plans, as well as for developing partnerships and fundraising activities, and for UNESCO’s contribution to the ‘Delivering as One’ exercise in the field of Communication and Information in the country. The incumbent is expected to assume a proactive role in assisting with the development and operationalization of CI policies and programmes to foster freedom of expression, media development, and access to information and knowledge in line with UNESCO’s mandate to “promote the free flow of ideas by word and image”

1Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNESCO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNESCO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Program Communications for advocacy and awareness: The Communications Officer will work closely with the CI Program sector to ensure that relevant program materials such as human-interest stories, donor reports, proposals, factsheets, infographics etc. are developed and disseminated to donors and target groups through relevant media and network channels. The Communications Officer will assist CI program officers in the proposal development stage to identify appropriate communication activities for UNESCO programs and projects.

Media Relations Develop and maintain contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets (print, TV, radio, web etc.) within and outside Maputo Office to increase coverage of conservation issues in the media (print, broadcast and digital). Specific activities may include draft and edit articles, press releases, human-interest stories and other advocacy/information materials. Collaborate with the media by organizing project site visits; facilitate photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of media coverage, clippings, etc.

Digital Communications/Social media Maintain Maputo country website and social media sites (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) such as daily monitoring, posting and content development.

UNESCO CI Brand and Communications Ensure timely and quality production of advocacy and branding materials such as periodicals, annual and donor reports, supplements, calendars, briefing notes, Human Interest Stories, picture stories, videos, etc. The Communications Officer will develop and archive communication materials, including digital, such as publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.

Donor Relations Develop and maintain an updated list of CI Maputo donors and special interest groups. Assist in developing donor visit schedules/brochures, donor gifts and cards, etc. Support preparation of background materials, briefs and information kits for visiting donors and high profile guests/visitors. The task includes travel planning, logistics and administrative arrangements.

Events/campaigns Assist in organizing and generating public support for special events and campaigns to promote strategic conservation goals. Support organization of workshops, seminars, campaigns, events and project review meetings including agendas and meeting minutes.

Working relationships The Communications Officer will have to work closely with UNESCO program officers on a daily basis. He/She will maintain close interaction with communications and program staff of the WWF network, and with entities associated with communications work within and outside the government, including the local media partners

o Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into priorities and actions, develop and implement strategic projects and initiatives. o Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks. o Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and maintain partnerships, and to coordinate, negotiate and deal with partners and networks. o Proven capacity to produce high-quality analytical reports. o Knowledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. o Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively and persuasively. o Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment, and to manage, supervise and motivate staff and teams. o Ability to take initiative and to manage heavy workload; to work under pressure, with capacity for accuracy, paying close attention to detail and quality of work. o Good knowledge of the regional geopolitical context, challenges and priorities. o Good IT skills. o Good knowledge of the Organization and its rules and regulations. o Strong diplomatic skills.

o At least three years of professional experience related to promotion of Communication and Information, International Communication, Mass media, advocacy on freedom of expression and press, as well as international cooperation. Field experience will be considered an added value. o Ability to work in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity; excellent communication and drafting skills; Excellent computer skills Word; PowerPoint; Excel; Simplify; Navigator, etc., knowledge of UNESCO’s programmes will be an asset; ability to work under pressure and flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.