Vacancy Notice: National Project Officer for the project “Social Media for Peace” ref. 2021-01/549INT5001

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The National Project Officer will be responsible to ensure the efficient and qualitative implementation of a UNESCO Communication and Information (CI) project funded be the European Union and entitled “Social Media 4 peace” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will contribute to the UNESCO and in particularly CI sector work in Bosnia and Herzegovina by promoting freedom of expression in the country and raising the visibility of UNESCO’s mandate in that area.

The project “Social Media 4 Peace” aims to strengthen resilience of fragile societies to potential harmful content spread online, in particular hate speech inciting to violence while enhancing freedom of expression and the promotion of peace through digital technologies, notably social media.

Under the overall authority of the Director of the Regional Bureau, and the direct supervision of the Head of Antenna in Sarajevo ( Bosnia and Herzegovina), and in coordination with the UNESCO Coordinator of the project in Brussels and at HQ a (namely the Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists Section within the Communication and Information Sector), the incumbent will perform the following duties:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and efficient qualitative implementation of the UNESCO Project "Social Media for Peace” in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Learn and efficiently use the UNESCO’s online systems for Contract management, budget planning and reporting, etc.

• Ensure the involvement and ownership of relevant partners and stakeholders in the coordination and implementation of the national activities of the project, notably relevant CSOs and INGOs, representatives of social media platforms, representatives of national authorities, etc.

• Support the Head of Antenna in liaising with the European Union Delegation in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina about the progress of the project implementation and with international and local organizations to avoid duplications and ensure synergies and cooperation where needed.

• Work closely with the partners selected to implement project activities, draft their TORs, prepare detailed budgets and contracts, monitor their contracts and progress, coordinate and follow-up to ensure the timely and qualitative delivery of the assignments as per agreed contract. Examine the accuracy of the documents and reports submitted by partners and process various claims of payments/payment requests from the contractors or implementation partners, in accordance with UNESCO rules and provisions as well as in accordance with the requirements of the EU.

• Coordinate the organization of in-country activities including meetings and other events. Prepare minutes, reports, briefings, presentations, speaking points.

• As delegated by the Supervisor, speak and/or actively participate in national and international conferences, workshops or trainings related to the thematic of the project, as required by the Head of Sarajevo Antenna.

• Ensure the visibility of the Project results and impact and respect of the EU visibility Guidelines. Prepare public information products such as news items, infographics, audio-visual materials for the UNESCO website and social media channels, in coordination with the overall Project coordinator in Brussels.

• Compile project reports for the donor in coordination with the Project Coordinator in Brussels and provide targeted qualitative and quantitative inputs on the project implementation.

• Continuously collect and share data and studies concerning social media usage, the dissemination of hate speech and /or disinformation and freedom of expression in XXX (country). Analyse them with a view to formulating guidance throughout the project implementation.

• Liaise with the 2 other Field Offices piloting the project, sharing outcomes of activities, lessons learnt and experience on a regular basis (at least once a month).

• Undertake duty travels if necessary.

• Work on any other activities that may be required to ensure the success of the Project implementation and perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The incumbent will report to the Head of Antenna in Sarajevo

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Results focus (C)

Teamwork (C)

Making quality decisions (M)

Managing performance (M)

Leading and empowering others (M)

Strategic thinking (M)

Driving and managing change (M)

Building partnerships (M)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Advanced University degree (Masters or higher) in journalism, political sciences, management, or in related fields of social and human sciences, or University degree (BA) combined with minimum of 7 year of experience relevant to the position.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project implementation and/or project management.

Knowledge, skills, and competencies

• Advanced knowledge of the media and social media landscape Bosnia and Herzegovina, and freedom of expression policy developments at national level, in particular in relation to online freedom of expression and the curbing of potential harmful content (disinformation, hate speech).

• Demonstrated experience in project development and management in an international environment in particular good communication, time-management, coordination, reporting and budget skills.

• Strong IT skills especially in MS-Excel, MS-Word, PowerPoint, etc. Demonstrated experience in developing strategies for communicating using new technologies and social media channels in particular.

• Strong oral and written communication skills; capacity to write clear prose.

• Ability to work with and in multicultural teams.

• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

• Ability to be proactive and work independently.

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s work and mandate.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina is required.

Behavioural

• Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms

• Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others

• Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience

• Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services

• Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders

• Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others

• Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility

• Professionalism - displays mastery of subject matter

• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation

• Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions

• Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of UNESCO

OTHER

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina may apply for this position.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which, where applicable, may include 30 days annual leave, etc. For more information on benefits and entitlements, please follow this link: ICSC booklet. The initial appointment is for 1 (one) year, including a probation period of 6 (six) months. It is renewable, subject to availability of funds and satisfactory service. Service Contract does not carry any expectation/right of extension.

HOW TO APPLY:

Electronically, by sending an application and a candidate CV (using UNESCO CV, available on this link: https://en.unesco.org/careers/media/3705), to:m.nikolic@unesco.org, copy to: m.taufiq@unesco.org and b.colasanti@unesco.org, or directly to: UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe - Antenna in Sarajevo, Zmaja of Bosne bb, 71.000 Sarajevo (UN House). Applications shall be accompanied by a Letter of Motivation of not more than two pages. The deadline for submission of applications is 1 March 2021 , by 17:00. Applications received after deadline will not be entertained.