Public Information Assistant

UNESCO contributes to peace and human development in an era globalization by furthering international cooperation through its programmes in education, sciences, culture and communication.

With its 191 member States and 6 Associate Members, UNESCO has its Headquarters in Paris (France) and operates globally through a network of offices and several institutes.

Post title: Public Information Assistant
Unit: Education Sector
Duty station: UNESCO Office in Nairobi
Grade: L-6
Closing date: 19 November 2009

Purpose of post

Under the overall direction of the Director of the Office of the Regional Bureau for Science in Africa / UNESCO Cluster Office for Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda (hereafter referred to as the UNESCO Nairobi Office), and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist in Education, and in close cooperation with the Programme staff and the Nairobi Office librarian / focal point for portal development, the incumbent will work as Public Information Assistant of the UNESCO Nairobi Office to ensure the sound and effective representation of UNESCO and its work in the Nairobi Office.

In particular, the Public Information Assistant will assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the UNESCO public information strategy as related to the overall strategy of UNESCO, as well as that of the United Nations Country Teams in the above mentioned Member States of the Nairobi Office.

Main responsibilities

• To assist in the preparation and implementation of a UNESCO public information strategy in close consultation with the Programme Specialists, the librarian and the office team in line with UNESCO’s overall strategy and that of the United Nations Country Teams in the Nairobi Cluster Countries;
• To liaise closely with the Bureau of Public Information (BPI) at Headquarters to ensure adherence to UNESCO public information procedures/ standards and to facilitate the dissemination of necessary information through BPI channels, particularly as related to publications and website content and format;
• To liaise with relevant sectors, divisions and units at UNESCO HQ on matters related to public information;
• To prepare and update the programme information of the Office through keeping a file of a “Fact Sheet” of each project planned for and implemented in Nairobi Cluster countries;
• To liaise with relevant mass media establishments so as to maintain sound contact for the purpose of publicizing UNESCO activities;
• To prepare media release/statements on important occasions such as UN international days relevant to the work of UNESCO, each of the programme activities, as well as for representation functions of the Director of the Office;
• To promote the public awareness of the work of UNESCO in general and its work in the Cluster Countries by actively seeking opportunities to publicize the Organization and the Office in the public domain, in close coordination and collaboration with National Commissions for UNESCO;
• To assist the general public and interested parties seeking to obtain information from UNESCO;
• To support the staff on public relations issues;
• To coordinate with the UNESCO Nairobi Office focal point for portal development to enhance the office website and ensure the timeliness of the information available on the world wide web and liaise with web managers of the HQ and other field offices / institutes of the Organization for links and exchange of information United Nations Country Teams – UNESCO Public Information Focal Point
• To participate, when requested, in the UNCT interagency communications group meetings and activities in close collaboration with the CI/NAI Programme Specialist;
• To actively take part in the public relations strategy campaign in close cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, other UN agencies and the CI/NAI Programme.

Other tasks

• To perform other related tasks as identified appropriate and deemed relevant by the Director of the Office Profile
• A university first degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or comparable academic preparation;
• National / regional experiences in public information or journalism, including a successful work experience in the media industry;
• Professional experiences in an area (areas) of UNESCO’s competences are highly desirable
• Full proficiency in English, including excellent written and spoken skills.

Knowledge of French will be an asset;

• Strong interpersonal and networking skills are essential;
• A demonstrated high level of professionalism and maturity and an ability to work in high-pressure situations under tight deadlines;
• A demonstrated ability to work in harmony with staff members of different national backgrounds in a professional manner, especially in a mutually supportive team approach;
• A high level of computer literacy and skills in website content development, web and e-mail networking and desktop publishing software are highly desirable;
• Highly organized and self-motivated;
• Familiarity with UNESCO and the UN system, and major development issues

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to send their applications to education.nairobi @ unesco.org (under the subject line, please mention ‘Application for UNESCO Public Information Assistant).’

The application file should consist of a detailed Curriculum Vitae with a recent photograph, certified copy of academic qualifications, and a covering letter explaining why you should be given the post.

Please prepare the file either in Microsoft WORD or PDF format and attach them to the email message to be sent to the above email address.

Application files will be received until 16:00, East Africa Standard Time, Thursday 19 November 2009.

UNESCO is committed to gender equality in its programming and to gender parity within the Organization.

Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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