UNESCO is recruiting an Associate Communication Officer (Social Media Coordinator) at grade P-1/P-2 in Paris, France, on a two-year renewable Fixed Term contract with an approximate annual starting salary of US $65,970. The post is open to internal and external candidates until 04 December 2026, midnight Paris time. At Youth Works Hub, we read the full vacancy notice and set out every duty, requirement and condition below.
Key Facts About This UNESCO Post
📌 Position: Associate Communication Officer (Social Media Coordinator)
🔢 Position number: CPE 083
🏅 Grade: P-1/P-2
🏛️ Parent sector: Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)
📍 Duty station: Paris, France
🗂️ Job family: Public Information
📝 Contract type: Fixed Term
⌛ Duration of contract: 2 years, renewable
🚪 Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates
💵 Approximate annual starting salary: US $65,970
🧭 UNESCO core values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Inside the Division for Communications and Public Engagement
The Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) shapes and manages UNESCO's internal and external communications, making sure the Organization's activities, content and messages reach diverse audiences effectively.
The Division strengthens UNESCO's visibility, reputation and institutional narrative. It does this by managing digital platforms, press relations, publications, events and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring coherent messaging across Programme Sectors and Field Offices.
Where the Social Media Coordinator Sits in UNESCO
The incumbent works under the overall authority of the Director for Communications and Public Engagement and the direct supervision of the Chief of Digital Content. Serving as social media coordinator, the post holder supports the implementation of UNESCO's Social Media Strategy and Guidelines and, within established and operational frameworks, contributes to a coherent, engaging and audience-centred social media presence across UNESCO platforms.
The role coordinates the planning, production and delivery of social media content, keeping it consistent with UNESCO's communication strategy, mandate and organizational priorities.
Who the Post Holder Works With
🤝 The Chief of Digital Content, the Communications Strategy Planning Team and the Director of the Division, in close collaboration
👥 Relevant CPE colleagues and CPE specialists
🌐 Communication focal points across Programme Sectors
🔬 Subject specialists involved in social media campaigns and content initiatives
Carrying UNESCO's Global Narrative Across Platforms
The incumbent ensures that UNESCO's global narrative vision and key messages are appropriately reflected in social media content and adapted to different platforms, audiences and languages.
The post holder is also the main focal point for social media monitoring, listening and performance analysis, giving insights on key performance indicators and statistics and strengthening UNESCO's presence and impact across social media content platforms.
Implementing the Social Media Strategy and Guidelines
🎯 Work with Sectors' communication focal points and CPE's communications specialists to ensure message consistency and graphic coherence and to create engaging social content
🗓️ Coordinate with the Communications Strategic Planning Team to update the Communications Planning Grid with social media input, aligning activities with UNESCO's communication priorities
Coordinating Social Media Campaigns
📢 Develop and assess social media components for communications campaigns
🚀 Contribute to the design of strategies that maximize outreach to global audiences and increase awareness of UNESCO's role, messages, activities and special events, through organic, earned and paid media on social media platforms
🔄 Support the adaptation of campaign content to different social media platforms, audiences and languages
Developing Multimedia and Multilingual Content
🎬 Contribute to the strategic planning, creating and editing of engaging multimedia content to further develop UNESCO's presence on a range of major social media platforms
🎨 Maintain a consistent brand tone and identity on different social media platforms, in all languages
🔍 Review, fact-check and edit all content to ensure accuracy, clarity and high quality before posting
🗣️ Ensure multilingual production and sharing of social media content
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🌍 All opportunities in France →
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Monitoring and Evaluating Results on Social Media
The post holder supervises the monitoring and evaluates the results and impact of communication materials on social media platforms. This includes reporting on developments, trends and attitudes, along with demographic analyses of target audiences, through the use of social media listening tools, including Talkwalker/Meltwater and other relevant tools.
Bringing New Social Media Trends Into UNESCO
🔭 Survey the social media landscape for new trends and opportunities and share findings
💡 Provide advice on social media practices, platform requirements and content formats
📖 Conduct social media training sessions and provide regular strategic guidance to Programme Sectors and Field Offices
Competencies UNESCO Looks For
The vacancy lists eight Core competencies. Detailed information is available in the UNESCO Competency Framework.
💬 Communication
🛡️ Accountability
✨ Innovation
📚 Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
📋 Planning and organizing
🏁 Results focus
🧩 Teamwork
🎖️ Professionalism
Required Education
🎓 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
Required Work Experience
⏱️ A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in social media management and digital communications, including content creation, of which preferably one year acquired at international level
💻 Experience in coordinating social media content and campaigns involving several colleagues and/or teams, within organizational constraints such as approval procedures, brand guidelines or multiple stakeholders
✍️ Strong experience in drafting, editing and translating communication materials tailored to different audiences
🔗 Strong experience in coordinating tasks with internal and external stakeholders at different levels and adapting content to different platforms, audiences and languages
📊 Experience in social media monitoring and performance analysis
📅 Experience in scheduling social media posts and campaigns across several accounts
Skills the Role Demands
🗃️ Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with a proven capacity to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines
☎️ Excellent coordination, interpersonal and communication skills
🖋️ Excellent writing, editorial and multimedia development skills
📲 Strong knowledge of major social media platforms and emerging trends, with the ability to provide recommendations to improve reach and engagement
📈 Good understanding of organic, earned and paid social media to improve reach, engagement and impact
🪄 Ability to adapt content for different platforms and audiences
🔎 Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality
🌟 Creative, innovative and results-oriented approach
⚖️ Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive topics with sound editorial judgement and cultural awareness when developing or reviewing digital content
🧗 Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and adapt to changing priorities, in line with organizational goals
🌏 Team-oriented and culturally sensitive, with strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across diverse teams
🏫 Ability to provide guidance and conduct training sessions for stakeholders at different levels
Language Requirements
🇬🇧 Excellent knowledge of English or French (written and spoken) and a good working knowledge of the other language
Desirable Qualifications
These are not required, but they strengthen an application.
🏢 University degree in management and coordination of duties
🖥️ Relevant professional training, such as MOOCs, Masterclasses or other short-term training programmes
🇺🇳 Work experience in similar functions within the United Nations system or an international organization/institution
🌐 Experience coordinating global or multilingual social media campaigns
🎧 Familiarity with social listening tools such as Talkwalker or Meltwater
🇪🇸 Good knowledge of Spanish (written and spoken)
🔠 Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese and/or Russian)
Salary, Leave and Staff Benefits
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $65,970. UNESCO's salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits, which may include, if applicable:
🏖️ 30 days annual leave
👪 Family allowance
🏥 Medical insurance
🏦 Pension plan
Full information on benefits and entitlements is available in UNESCO's Guide to Staff Benefits.
Application and Selection Process
All candidates must complete an online 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 and/or written assessments
🗨️ Interviews with a Panel
☑️ Reference checks
📎 Requests for additional information 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.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Degree Checks and Recognised Institutions
Candidates retained for an interview will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s), diploma(s) or certificate(s) required for this position.
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.
Diversity and Recruitment Principles
🏆 Paramount consideration in the appointment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity
🚫 UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment
🔰 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
🌐 The Organization is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture
🗺️ Candidates from non- 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
🔒 All applications are treated with the highest level of confidentiality
Conditions Attached to the Appointment
✈️ Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO's international posts
🛂 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
🩺 UNESCO appointments are subject to medical clearance
🕰️ The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years
Find more jobs at international organizations and beyond on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary of the UNESCO Associate Communication Officer in Paris?
The approximate annual starting salary for this post is US $65,970. UNESCO's pay consists of a basic salary and other benefits, which may include 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance and a pension plan, if applicable.
How long is the contract?
The post is a Fixed Term contract with a duration of 2 years, renewable. It is graded P-1/P-2 and based in Paris.
How much experience do I need for this UNESCO social media job?
You need at least two years of relevant professional experience in social media management and digital communications, including content creation. Preferably one of those years was acquired at international level.
Can I apply with a Bachelor's degree?
A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. The standard requirement is a Master's or equivalent in communications, journalism, political science, international relations or related fields.
Which languages are required?
You need excellent knowledge of English or French, written and spoken, and a good working knowledge of the other language. Good Spanish and knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese and/or Russian) are desirable.
Which social listening tools does the job use?
The vacancy names Talkwalker/Meltwater and other relevant tools for social media monitoring and listening. Familiarity with Talkwalker or Meltwater is listed as a desirable skill.
Who supervises the Social Media Coordinator?
The post holder works under the overall authority of the Director for Communications and Public Engagement and the direct supervision of the Chief of Digital Content.
Can I change my UNESCO application after submitting it?
No. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted, so all information must be complete and accurate before the deadline.
What does the selection process include?
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel and reference checks. Candidates may also be asked for additional information pertinent to the position's qualifications.
Does my university need to be recognised?
Yes. UNESCO only considers higher educational qualifications from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Does UNESCO charge a recruitment fee?
No. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 04 December 2026
Links
🔗 Application and vacancy notice (UNESCO Careers): https://careers.unesco.org/job/Paris-ASSOCIATE-COMMUNICATION-OFFICER-%28Social-Media-Coordinator%29/1376705257/
🔗 World Higher Education Database (WHED): https://www.whed.net
