Published: 30 November 2017

Communications Officer: UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa
Deadline: 28 December 2017 (midnight, Harare time)

Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe

Background
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking applications from nationals of Zimbabwe for a new post of Communications Officer for HIV and Health in Harare. The National Programme Officer position is at level C (NOC), with salaries being in accordance with United Nations scales. The appointment is for a period of one year with a six months probationary period, and may be extended for 2018 and beyond, subject to funding and performance. Additional information about UNESCO and its work on HIV and health education is available from the website: http://www.unesco.org/aids

Duties and requirements
Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director General for Education, guidance from the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and the direct supervision of the Regional HIV and Health Education Adviser, the incumbent will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the HIV and health Communications portfolio. Specifically, s/he will be responsible for developing and implementing an advocacy and communications strategy and closely monitoring the impact of communication efforts to enhance the organisation's credibility and brand.

Advocacy and communications strategy
Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the HIV and Health advocacy and communication strategy; Support the development and dissemination of advocacy campaigns; Production of campaign materials, including both written materials and basic design; Production of communication products to support country and regional communication efforts, including liaison with external service providers as required; Liaise with journalists from relevant media outlets around key advocacy and communications opportunities

Report writing and design
Assistance with the design and layout of publications; Support documentation of best practices and "lessons learnt" for the HIV and Health program; Review communications materials development by countries and support their dissemination; Support content development and revision of donor reports as required; Design and finalize reports to be published and disseminated; Other communication needs as specified.

Young people today website and social media
Support on going content development/management and user-testing of the young people today website; Implement plan for young people "ambassadors" to support the work on social media/website, including engaging in other languages as well; Work closely with the HIV and Health Education team to maintain updates on the new youngpeopletoday.net website, including progress in country and events across the region; Work closely with web programmer to ensure that the YPT website is kept up to date and has a dynamic look and feel for key audiences identified; Develop special interest stories through the blog and other social media channels; Manage translation services and validation before uploading new content to the site; Utilize special UN international days – World AIDS Day, International Women's Day, International Youth Day, etc. to develop relevant content for engagement; Build and implement a social media plan, aimed at engaging with young people across Eastern and Southern Africa. Develop messages and graphics for a variety of social media platforms.

Partner relations
Form linkages with communications personnel in partner organisations (ESA Commitment Technical Coordinating Committee and UN) to strengthen coverage; Assist countries writing articles/updates for website country pages; media release etc; Prioritize government relations communication plan, document best practices in engaging governments across the region; Prepare ESA communications materials, as relevant for different audiences i.e. presentations, newsletter, opinion pieces; Help in the administration of internal communications (i.e. database for all files, templates, etc.); Develop an integrated well-used photography asset database; Support the updates and maintenance of key stakeholders and media contact lists

Required Qualifications

Education
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations. A first-level university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or any that include art and design or an equivalent; in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience
At least four years of relevant work experience in the communications field; Experience with graphic design an asset.

Skills/Competencies
Excellent writing skills and the ability to write various types of documents including articles, press statements, position papers and information materials; Understanding of and experience with both traditional media (press, television) and social media preferred; Experience working with diverse institutions, such as civil society, multi-lateral agencies, and non-government organisations, to strengthen their capacity and opportunities to engage in dialogue/advocacy with policymakers; A key requirement is maturity, excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy, ability to multi-task, prioritize and deliver to deadline, as well as work under pressure; Credibility and confidence, with high level representational and partnership building skills, involving a wide range of partners (including relevant Ministries, UNAIDS Cosponsors, donors and civil society).

Languages
Fluency (oral and written) in English; Fluency local language.

Benefits and entitlements
UNESCO's salaries are calculated in US dollars and exempt from income tax.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

To apply
Please send your application letter, UNESCO CV, in English to: vacancies.harare@unesco.org cc: sr.musindo@unesco.org
* Note you must submit your CV in the UNESCO CV format, using the template at this link

Candidates who had previously applied are encouraged to resubmit their applications.
Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.
A written test may be used in the evaluation of shortlisted candidates.
UNESCO is committed to gender equality in its programming and to gender parity within the Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNESCO

You might also want to read this

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officer: UNESCO