Article
Vacancy: Associate Communication Officer (BIOCOM Project Madagascar)
Duty station: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Contract type: Non-staff, service contract
Level: SB4
Duration of contract: 6 months
Closing date: Friday, 29 November 2024
Email: nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
UNESCO implements an extrabudgetary project with support of the Republic of Korea through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management for Integrated Community Development in National Parks of Madagascar (BIOCOM). The overall objectives of the project are to conserve the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage property (Rainforests of the Atsinanana) and safeguard Montagne des Français protected area.
The duration of the project is for 58 months (2020-2025) and has three expected outcomes:
- A reduction of deforestation and an increase of ecologically intact forest and the initial phase of reforestation of degraded habitats. Protected areas are well monitored, long-term conservation is assured and research advances as needed.
- The Parks are effectively managed and protected, sustainable livelihoods (alternative income generating activities) of the local community developed.
- Increased engagement of youth and women in natural resources governance through awareness, training activities and capacity-building activities.
In the BIOCOM project, the incumbent will play an essential role in devising the project’s communication strategy and plan as well as ensuring that project/donor visibility and public relations plan.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, under the overall supervision of the Chief of Natural Sciences sector and the direct supervision of Associate Programme Specialist in Antananarivo Antenna, in close collaboration with the national coordinator of the Antenna and the Publications and Information Programme Specialist in Nairobi Office, the incumbent is expected to specifically perform the following tasks:
- Ensure implementation of BIOCOM project/donor visibility and public relations plan.
- Serve as BIOCOM focal point for media relations at meetings, conferences and events, liaising with partner agencies, receiving press queries and facilitating interviews as needed in communications outreach, particularly, but not limited to, articles, radio messages, information campaigns, press conferences, TV shows and documentary films.
- Edit and source contents on the BIOCOM project regularly in various forms such as UNESCO web news, reader-friendly stories, biannual information notes (electronic newsletter) and committee meeting documents.
- Write, edit and source contents of the UNESCO website to present the project and its results, and update and enhance the website, including communication products in the project.
- Work with BIOCOM management team and Nairobi office in the preparation, editing and finalization of speeches and remarks for high-level events.
- Support achieving expected outcomes of the BIOCOM project related to awareness raising and capacity building activities using radio and broadcasting.
- Undertake additional tasks as when assigned by the Supervisors, Publication and Information Programme Specialist or the Director of Nairobi office.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of journalism, communication, international relations, or similar
Work experiences:
- Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in the field of journalism / communication of which at least 1 year acquired at international and/or regional level
- Experience in science communication/environmental communication is a plus
Languages:
- Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of French, good knowledge (written and spoken) of English
- Good knowledge in Malagasy (written and spoken) is a plus
Competencies and skills:
- Good analytical, organizational and project management skills
- Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
- Capacity to build and maintain effective working relations with national/local authorities, relevant institutions, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
- Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and persuasively (orally and in writing) with various stakeholders at all levels, within and outside of the Organization
- Ability to work effectively in a team and to function within a multi-cultural environment
- Solid IT skills including knowledge of office software
- Knowledge of resource mobilization mechanisms
- Knowledge of the geopolitical context of Madagascar
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (as applicable)
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of journalism, communication, international relations, or similar
Work experiences:
- At least 2 years of experience in the environmental protection/education, experience with ESD and TVET is a plus
- Professional experience in the United Nations System or other international development organization(s)
- Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining professional networks
- Experience in promoting South-South cooperation in science policy and capacity building at the national and regional level
- Relevant experience or training in sustainable development linked with the 2030 Global Agenda and Agenda 2063
Competencies and skills:
- Good knowledge of UNESCO’s work in the field and familiarity with activities of the Natural Sciences Sector
- Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organizations and/or the United Nations System.
HOW TO APPLY
Email with subject line as “Application: Associate Communication Officer (BIOCOM Project) to Email: nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org before 29 November 2024.
Please note: UNESCO does not charge any fees for accepting applications.