Associate Communication Officer (Natural Sciences)

OVERVIEW

Position Number : SC PA 061

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Contract Type : Project Appointment

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15/07/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Initial appointment is for one (1) year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.

The programmes seek to tackle global challenges, notably related to climate change and conservation of the environment, and develop sustainable and long-term solutions through the collaborative work and partnerships, implemented through projects, activities, and management of prizes (hereafter designed as "extrabudgetary projects").

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences and Secretary of the MAB Programme, and direct supervision of the Chief of Section of the MAB Networking: Biosphere Reserves and Capacity-Building, close collaboration with the Natural Sciences Sector Communication and Partnership Officer the Associate Communication Officer will support the implementation and adaptation of communication and advocacy strategies for the MAB Programme’s extrabudgetary projects.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In this context, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and produce a broad range of communication and information materials to enhance the visibility of projects and prizes and support resource mobilization efforts.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of public awareness campaigns highlighting the Division’s extrabudgetary projects.
• Monitor and evaluate communication activities, including tracking performance indicators and assessing impact; prepare analytical reports on outputs, deliverables, and achievements.
• Develop and maintain information networks and oversee the availability of publicly accessible materials related to the Division’s projects.
• Support the production of written communication materials, including but not limited to online news items, reports and brochures for the effective management of the Prizes.
• Contribute to content development for websites, social media platforms, and mobile applications.

Long Description

• Collaborate closely with communication officers and Programme Specialists at UNESCO Headquarters and Field Offices.
• Participate in relevant inter-agency communication forums to enhance the visibility and promotion of the Division Programme projects.
• Ensure that project initiatives are effectively promoted across various media channels, as well as at specialized conferences and workshops.
• Facilitate information exchange, share insights on communication trends and developments, and support communication with colleagues within and beyond the Section, including Field Offices, UN agencies, and external partners.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

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

Short Description

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework .

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication, journalism, public relations, or a relevant field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in advocacy and communication, preferably one (1) year acquired at the international level.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, drafting and editing skills in English and French or Spanish;
• Ability to adapt communication styles to suit different audiences;
• Ability to articulate socio-environmental issues in a journalistic language;
• Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills;
• Proficiency in website management and managing social media channels;
• Excellent computer skills, including strong knowledge of Drupal 8 and Adobe Premiere Pro;
• Experience in the creation of engaging digital content, video editing, visuals, and infographics;
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and team cooperation;
• Proven experience in partnership engagement, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of communication strategies and campaigns;
• Capacity to build and maintain effective multicultural working relations with authorities and programme partners;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present documents and information for a range of audiences, including proposals, briefing notes, reports, etc.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English;
• Excellent knoweldge (written and spoken) of French or Spanish, and good knowledge of the other.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience with UNESCO, the United Nations System, or other international organizations' advocacy and communication activities;
• Understanding of ethical and inclusive communication standards;
• Knowledge of biodiversity programs and related initiatives.

LANGUAGES

• Knowledge of another official language of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

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 etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 87 824 EUR.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our  Guide to Staff Benefits .

SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website . 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, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.

Please note that 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 (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies to 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. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to UNESCO’s international posts.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you 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), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. The list can be accessed through the link: https://www.whed.net
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• 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.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.