OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The position falls under the overall authority of the UNESCO DAR Head of Office and Representative, and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer - Education for Health and Well-being (EHW). The Assistant Project Officer (Communication) will be responsible for the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Education for Health and Wellbeing Communications portfolio at the country level, specifically, the “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future” (O3) Programme; “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future” (O3 Plus) Programme and the UBRAF supported the project. Working closely with EHW Country Team and Regional Communication Officer, 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 organization’s credibility and brand. S/he will be specifically responsible for the following;

i) Advocacy and communications strategy

• In consultation with the regional Communication Officer and the EHW Team (Dar Office), support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Education for Health and Well-being  advocacy and communication strategy at the country level
• Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns
• Spearhead the production of campaign materials, including both print, digital, and multimedia materials
• Contribute to the production of communication products to support the 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
• Conceptualize, maintain and create updated content for all communication platforms, including Newsletters, Publications, Website and Social Media

ii) Report writing and design

• In consultation with EHW Country project team assist in the preparation of country project quarterly and annual reports
• Assist with the preparation and dissemination of publications including reports
• Support documentation of best practices and “lessons learned” for the Education for Health and Well-being  programme
• Review communications materials developed and support their dissemination
• Contribute to content development and revision of donor reports as required
• Provide support on other office/sectors communication needs as specified

iii) Young people today's website and social media

• In consultation with the country project team and the Regional Communication Officer, support country inclusion of country-specific stories and articles on the YPT Website.
• Develop special interest stories through the blog and other social media channels
• Manage translation services and validation before uploading new content to the UNESCO country-based website and sharing with the regional responsible officers.
• Utilize special UN international days – World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day, International Youth Day, etc. to develop relevant content for engagement
• Generate and distribute monthly project-related articles and contribute to the generation of the YPT newsletter

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

• Accountability (C)
• Communication (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant Social Sciences.

Work Experience and Language Proficiency

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in the communications field, of which preferably 2 years acquired at international organizations.
• Experience in working with diverse institutions, such as civil society, multi-lateral agencies, and non-government organizations.
• Experience working with both traditional media (print, radio, television) and social media
• Excellent knowledge (oral and written) of English 
• Knowledge of French will be an added advantage
• Fluency in a local language (Kiswahili).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills and competencies

• Ability to write compelling press statements, position papers, and information materials
• Proven knowledge of HIV, health education, and/or public health;
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, website management software)
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy
• 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)
• Experience working with diverse institutions, such as civil society, multi-lateral agencies, and non-government organizations, to strengthen their capacity and opportunities to engage in dialogue/advocacy with policymakers.
•  A key requirement is a maturity, excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy, the 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).
• Experience in being part of campaign teams will be an added advantage.