UNESCO is hiring a Programme Specialist (Communication and Information) at the P-3 level for a two-year fixed-term appointment, renewable, based in Apia, Samoa. The role sits within UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector and is attached to the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific. The approximate annual starting salary is $97,942 USD. Applications are open to internal and external candidates worldwide, and those from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly encouraged to apply.
At Youth Works Hub, we read the full vacancy and compiled every requirement, responsibility and condition below.
UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector
The Communication and Information Sector (CI) has a dual mission: promoting freedom of expression, media development and media-literate societies on one hand, and building knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage on the other.
The incumbent for this post focuses on the Pacific region from the duty station of Apia, Samoa. The role does not include responsibility for UNESCO's wider external communications, which is managed separately by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.
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Reporting Line and Strategic Framework
The postholder reports to:
🏛️ The Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (ADG/CI): overall authority
🌏 The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Apia: functional authority
All work is carried out within the frameworks of:
📋 UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (C/4)
📋 The approved Programme and Budget (C/5)
🌍 Global development plans, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Programme and Project Work
The incumbent takes the lead on the Field Office's communication and information programming in the Pacific. Key responsibilities include:
📊 Analyzing, evaluating and contributing to the development, planning and implementation of the Field Office's CI strategy for harnessing the potential of communication and information for development in the region, in consultation with relevant stakeholders and CI specialists in Field Offices and at Headquarters
📝 Identifying and developing both internal and external collaborative project proposals based on needs as well as the CI Sector's programmes, projects and activities
🗺️ Identifying focus areas within national priorities in the region and, when requested by national authorities, proposing alignment of these priorities with UN SDGs and development partners' strategies
💼 Managing and implementing programme activities included in the C/5 and developing new project options and proposals to be funded by contributions received for the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and the Information for All Programme (IFAP)
📂 Planning and implementing extrabudgetary funded projects, ensuring all reporting requirements are met including the use of the Core Manager digital platform, and identifying and participating in the development of joint programming opportunities
Advice and Knowledge Management
The postholder builds and maintains an up-to-date knowledge base across the programme area:
🔬 Researching, recommending and contributing to the development and expansion of a knowledge base on the programme
📄 Carrying out research and analytical work and preparing substantive inputs for policy development
🤝 Providing information and technical advice to other UNESCO Field Offices, peers and colleagues in the region
👁️ Remaining aware of developments, advancements and best practices among development partners and competitors, in order to inform and support governments, National Commissions, ministries and colleagues on policy formulation, project development, resources and best practices
🛠️ Ensuring technical backstopping for projects and events and providing technical support to colleagues in the region, other Field Offices and Institutes
🌐 Ensuring regular contributions to web and printed content and dissemination to colleagues, peers and stakeholders
📈 Carrying out trend and priorities analysis, researching and recommending particular courses of action based on findings
Networking and Partnerships
🔗 Contributing to UNESCO's involvement in UN project management systems, including the preparation of Common Country Assessments (CCA), United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCF), Country Programme Documents (CPD) and Country Action Plans (CAP)
📣 Planning, developing and implementing outreach strategies and visibility activities aimed at programme, regional and Field Office promotion and expansion
🏛️ Organizing consultations within the region and providing advice and guidance to governments, civil society organizations and the private sector on the development of strategies and policies in the area of communication and information
🤝 Liaising with colleagues within the CI Sector and in other Sectors, in own and other regions, Field Offices, Headquarters, Institutes and stakeholders to discuss developments and exchange ideas
🎙️ Attending and participating in meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars, promoting knowledge sharing, contributing to advocacy efforts and promoting approaches and interventions of proven effectiveness
Resource Mobilization
📈 Contributing to resource mobilization for the region and individual countries by playing an active role in raising extra-budgetary funds and preparing project proposals and concept notes
✍️ Preparing a variety of inputs and working to generate extra-budgetary funding and projects
🎪 Participating in fundraising events and activities
Administrative Support
🗂️ Preparing and following up on a variety of submissions and coordinating regional donor meetings
🎯 Ensuring support to events, key initiatives and conferences either hosted by the Regional Office or requiring Regional Office presence
💰 Providing financial backstopping for assigned projects
📝 Coordinating and/or preparing reports, notes, memoranda, briefings and other correspondence and documents, including news articles and social media contributions
🤝 Attending leadership/management team meetings as requested
🌐 Liaising with other teams to ensure coordination in work across the countries covered by the Regional Office
👥 May be required to supervise temporary and local staff, and project consultants
Required Education
🎓 An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in one of the following fields is required:
🎓 Communication and information
📺 Media studies
💻 ICTs and/or knowledge society issues
🌍 International relations
🔬 Social or political sciences
📚 Other related areas
Required Work Experience
🔑 A minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the field of communication and information is required, specifically promoting issues related to:
📰 Free, pluralistic and independent media
🌐 Building inclusive knowledge societies
📋 Or related areas
🌍 Of this experience, two (2) years preferably acquired at the international level.
🛠️ Experience in designing and implementing programmes/projects in the field of communication and information, or a related field, is also required.
Required Skills and Competencies
🎯 Excellent project management skills
📊 Knowledge of development issues and policies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation
📡 Knowledge of programmes covered by the Communication and Information Sector, in particular: freedom of expression, media development and media and information literacy, digital inclusion and policies, and digital transformation
🗣️ Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to build, interact and enhance working relations with a wide range of stakeholders, including national/local authorities, relevant IGOs and NGOs
🧠 Strong analytical skills, problem-solving, organizational and coordination skills
🤝 Diplomacy, tact and discretion
📈 Sound understanding of results-based management, monitoring and evaluation principles
💼 Ability to mobilize resources by carrying out scoping activities, identifying opportunities and drafting project proposals for possible funding opportunities, and building strategic and sustained partnerships
👥 Demonstrated capacity to provide guidance and to lead and motivate a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity
⏱️ Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results, with the ability to apply flexibility in adjusting work schedules and priorities
💻 Excellent IT skills, with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Language Requirements
🗣️ Excellent knowledge of English is required.
🌐 Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish) is desirable.
Desirable Qualifications
UNESCO welcomes candidates who additionally bring:
🌍 Demonstrated experience in international cooperation programmes and in the area of fundraising and resource mobilization
🤝 Experience in partnership-building with UN Agencies, the private sector, civil society and NGOs
📝 Experience in developing proposals and agreements to external funders
🏛️ Familiarity with the work and general functioning of UNESCO and/or international organizations in the UN system
🌐 Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish)
UNESCO Core Competencies
UNESCO's Core Values are Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity and Professionalism. The competencies required for this post are:
📢 Communication
✅ Accountability
💡 Innovation
📚 Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
🗓️ Planning and organizing
🎯 Results focus
🤲 Teamwork
🏆 Professionalism
Salary and Benefits
💵 The approximate annual starting salary for this post is $97,942 USD.
UNESCO's overall salary package consists of a basic salary and other benefits which may include, as applicable:
🏖️ 30 days of annual leave
👨👩👧 Family allowance
🏥 Medical insurance
🏦 Pension plan
For full information on benefits and entitlements, candidates can consult UNESCO's Guide to Staff Benefits.
Selection and Hiring Process
📋 All candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information by the deadline. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include:
🎥 Pre-recorded video interviews
📝 Written assessments
🗣️ Interviews with a Panel
📞 Reference checks
Candidates may also be requested to provide additional information pertinent to the position's qualifications. All candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome in due course. Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools, subject to their consent.
Additional Information for Applicants
🌐 Geographical mobility: Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO's international posts.
📜 Academic credentials: If shortlisted for an interview, candidates will be required to provide in advance a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
🏥 Medical clearance: UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country (Samoa) will be facilitated by the organization.
🚫 Zero tolerance: UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
🌍 Diversity commitment: 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. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
🔒 Confidentiality: All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
👴 Retirement age: The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
💰 No fees: UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNESCO Communication and Information Sector?
The CI Sector's mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media-literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. This post operates within that mandate from UNESCO's Regional Office in Apia, Samoa.
Is this position based in Samoa?
Yes. The duty station is Apia, Samoa, where the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific is located. The role covers the Pacific region.
What is the salary for this position?
The approximate annual starting salary is $97,942 USD. The full package includes additional benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and a pension plan.
How many years of experience are required?
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in communication and information is required, with preference given to candidates who have at least two of those years at the international level.
What languages are required?
Excellent knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and/or Spanish) is a desirable qualification.
Can candidates from any country apply?
Yes. The vacancy is open to internal and external candidates worldwide. UNESCO particularly encourages applications from candidates from non- and under-represented Member States, as well as individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities.
What is the contract length?
This is a two-year Fixed Term Appointment, which is renewable.
What is the application process?
Candidates must complete an online application on the UNESCO Careers website before the deadline. No modifications can be made once submitted. The process may include pre-recorded video interviews, written assessments, Panel interviews and reference checks.
Does UNESCO charge an application fee?
No. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Is geographical mobility required?
Yes. Geographical mobility is a condition of employment for staff appointed to UNESCO's international professional posts.
Deadline
⏳ 22 November 2026
Link
https://careers.unesco.org/talentcommunity/apply/1375629357/?locale=en_GB
