UNESCO is recruiting an Associate Public Information Officer at grade P-1/P-2 in its Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) in Paris, France, on a two-year Fixed Term contract that can be renewed, with an approximate annual starting salary of USD 68,118. The post is open to internal and external candidates, and applications close on 14 November 2026 at midnight Paris time. At Youth Works Hub, we read the full vacancy notice to set out every duty, requirement and condition of this post in one place.
What the Associate Public Information Officer Role Is About
Under the authority of the Director of the Division for Communications and Public Engagement, under the supervision of the Chief of the Digital Content Unit, and in close collaboration with the Press Unit, the incumbent compiles, prepares and/or edits initial drafts of communication, press and digital material in UNESCO working languages. The material is aimed at communication and awareness raising about UNESCO activities and events.
The post also contributes to the planning, coordination and assessment of UNESCO campaigns, press activities and engagement events.
The Post at a Glance
The vacancy notice lists the key facts of the position in its overview.
🔢 Position Number: CPE 013
🪜 Grade: P-1/P-2
🏢 Parent Sector: Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)
🗼 Duty Station: Paris
🧱 Job Family: Public Information
📝 Contract Type: Fixed Term
⌛ Duration of Contract: 2 years, renewable
🚪 Recruitment Open To: internal and external candidates
🕛 Application Deadline: 14 November 2026, midnight Paris time
UNESCO Core Values
The notice names four UNESCO core values that apply to the post.
🏛️ Commitment to the Organization
🧭 Integrity
🤲 Respect for Diversity
🎯 Professionalism
Where the Post Sits: The Division for Communications and Public Engagement
The Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) is responsible for shaping and managing UNESCO's internal and external communications. It ensures that the Organization's activities, content and messages are effectively conveyed to diverse audiences.
The Division strengthens UNESCO's visibility, reputation and institutional narrative by managing digital platforms, press relations, publications, events and stakeholder engagement. It also works to ensure coherent messaging across Programme Sectors and field offices.
Streamlining Content Across Corporate Channels and the Media
The first group of tasks is about contributing to the streamlining of content across UNESCO's corporate channels and key external audiences, including the media. In particular, the incumbent will do the following.
✅ Ensure streamlined messages and prepare initial drafts of content for UNESCO's website, social media and press outreach
📤 Support the dissemination of the content to the press and on UNESCO's website and social media channels
🗞️ Identify, compile and draft or edit quality, audience-relevant content for target audiences, including key messages, press releases, web stories, web pages and press briefings, videos and photos, to effectively communicate UNESCO's messages and activities and raise awareness
📰 Contribute to the development of positive and productive media relations by identifying key press contacts, ensuring consistency in messaging, exploring partnership opportunities to enhance communication efforts and maintaining working relationships with a network of journalists covering UNESCO's activities
🌐 Establish and maintain working contacts with other UN agencies to support UNESCO's campaigns and amplify UNESCO's communication efforts
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Creating Content for UNESCO Social Media
The second group of tasks covers contributing to content creation for UNESCO's social media platforms.
🤝 Contribute to content creation for social media platforms in close cooperation with the Social Media Coordinator
🔎 Assist in researching and analyzing information to support the planning and execution of social media campaigns for UNESCO channels, gather information from diverse sources and help evaluate newsworthiness, potential impact and campaign effectiveness
📅 Support the effective coordination and implementation of social media campaigns and engagement opportunities, manage relevant administrative processes and liaise with suppliers to produce campaign material and event programmes
🎬 Propose and create new visual content for social media, including graphics, images and videos, to enhance UNESCO's social media presence
💬 Promote UNESCO's missions and values across social media channels by engaging with audiences, fostering dialogue and responding to questions where appropriate
Creating Content for the UNESCO Website
The third group of tasks is about contributing to content creation for the UNESCO website.
🖥️ Contribute to the management and updating of content published on UNESCO's web platforms
🈯 Translate communication material accurately to ensure clear and consistent messaging
⏱️ Ensure the quality of the translation and input provided in terms of length, timeliness and consistency, presenting information in an accessible and easy-to-understand format
Training and Support
The fourth task area is training and support.
🪑 Provide training sessions to UNESCO colleagues on the use of the content management platform, including communication skills and web editing
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Core Competencies Listed for the Post
UNESCO lists seven core competencies for this post, and refers candidates to the UNESCO Competency Framework for detailed information.
🗣️ Communication
📌 Accountability
💡 Innovation
♻️ Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
🗂️ Planning and organizing
🏁 Results focus
👥 Teamwork
Education Requirements
The post asks for an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of communications, journalism, political science, international relations or related fields.
🎓 Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communications, journalism, political science, international relations or related fields
📘 A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree
Work Experience Required
Candidates need a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, media relations or digital content creation, of which preferably one year acquired at international level.
⌚ Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, media relations or digital content creation, of which preferably one year at international level
✍️ Strong experience in drafting, editing and translating communication materials adapted to different audiences
📱 Demonstrated experience in managing or supporting social media campaigns, including the production of multimedia content
🧩 Experience with web content management systems (CMS), preferably Drupal
Skills and Competencies Required
The notice lists a broad set of skills for the role.
⚖️ Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a proven capacity to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines
🔗 Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
🖋️ Excellent writing and editorial skills
🎞️ Perfect knowledge of the latest trends and tools in editing and video making on social media channels
🎚️ Ability to tailor content for different platforms and audiences
🔬 Strong attention to detail
🎨 Creative approach
🧠 Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in alignment with organizational goals
🔄 Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities
🤗 Team-oriented and culturally sensitive, with strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse teams
💻 Advanced knowledge of information systems, web standards and technologies, ICT, knowledge management, process automation and business development
📚 Ability to develop training material and to conduct training sessions in digital tools and content management
Language Requirements
The post requires excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and a good working knowledge of the other language.
Desirable Qualifications
Two additional points count in a candidate's favour.
🏅 Work experience in similar functions within the United Nations system or an international organization or institution
🔤 Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish)
Salary and Benefits
UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits, which may include, if applicable, 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, a pension plan and more. The approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 68,118. For full information on benefits and entitlements, the notice refers candidates to the UNESCO Guide to Staff Benefits.
Selection and Hiring Process
All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information by the deadline. To apply, candidates visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once it is submitted.
🎥 The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments
👔 Interviews with a Panel and reference checks may follow
📎 Candidates may be asked to provide additional information that may be pertinent to the position's qualifications
📬 All candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course
🗃️ Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools, subject to their consent under the Data Privacy Statement
Diversity and Geographical Representation
UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. It is also committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
🗺️ Candidates from non-represented and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply
🙌 Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply
🚫 UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment
Conditions of Appointment
The notice sets out several conditions that apply to international posts.
🛫 Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO's international posts
📄 If a candidature is retained for an interview, a scanned copy of the degree(s), diploma(s) or certificate(s) required for the position must be provided in advance
🏫 UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO
🏥 UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance
🛂 Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by the Organization, is required for International Professional positions
🎂 The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years
🔐 All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality
UNESCO's Hiring Principles
UNESCO recalls that the paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. It does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNESCO Associate Public Information Officer job in Paris?
It is a P-1/P-2 Fixed Term post (position number CPE 013) in UNESCO's Division for Communications and Public Engagement in Paris. The post prepares and edits communication, press and digital material and supports UNESCO campaigns, press activities and engagement events.
Who can apply for this UNESCO post?
Recruitment is open to internal and external candidates. Candidates need a Master's degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, political science, international relations or a related field, and at least two years of relevant experience. Candidates from non-represented and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome.
How long is the contract and can it be renewed?
The contract is a Fixed Term contract of 2 years, and it is renewable.
How much does the Associate Public Information Officer earn?
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is USD 68,118. Other benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and a pension plan, where applicable.
Which languages do I need?
You need excellent knowledge of English or French, written and spoken, and a good working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish) is desirable.
What experience does the post require?
You need a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, media relations or digital content creation, preferably with one year at international level. The notice also asks for experience in drafting, editing and translating communication materials, supporting social media campaigns and working with a web content management system, preferably Drupal.
How does the selection process work?
You complete an online application on the UNESCO Careers website, and it cannot be modified once submitted. The process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, interviews with a Panel and reference checks.
Does UNESCO charge a fee to apply?
No. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 14 November 2026 (midnight Paris time)
Links
🔗 Application (UNESCO Careers): https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1374880457/?locale=en_GB
🔗 Job description (UNESCO Careers): https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-ASSOCIATE-PUBLIC-INFORMATION%C2%A0OFFICER/1374880457/
