Programme Officer

OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Programme Officer (Communication and Information)

Duty Station: Dhaka 

Job Family: Field Office   

Type of contract : Non-staff 

Level : SC-8

Duration of contract : 6 months 

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates   

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 21 September 2025 

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Communication and Information (CI) Sector of UNESCO Dhaka Office works to promote freedom of expression, access to information, knowledge sharing, preservation of documentary heritage, and the use of open solutions to foster inclusive knowledge societies. To strengthen these efforts, UNESCO seeks the services of a Programme Officer (Communication and Information) to provide programmatic, technical, and managerial support to the CI portfolio in Bangladesh.

Long Description

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UNESCO Representative and Head of Office, and in close coordination with the CI Sector team, the incumbent will:

A. Programme Development and Implementation

• Initiate and implement projects on Freedom of Expression including media sector development, safety of journalists, Media and Information Literacy (MIL), documentary heritage, and language preservation and promotion in collaboration with relevant units (e.g., CLT) and stakeholders.
• Provide inputs and technical support for the CI Programme in Bangladesh.
• Support the design, adaptation, and implementation of CI activities to address the country's evolving needs in a rapidly changing media and communication environment.
• Develop project proposals and assist in mobilizing extra-budgetary resources.
• Design projects to promote legal and regulatory protections for journalists and initiatives to improve working conditions in the media sector.

B. Programme Management and Coordination

• Contribute to the preparation, review, and dissemination of communication, information, and outreach materials related to CI projects and activities.
• Support monitoring and evaluation of CI initiatives, including:
• Data collection and analysis
• Desk reviews of relevant publications and policies
• Oversight of consultants and implementing partners
• Reporting on progress and results
• Ensure effective coordination and collaboration with UNESCO internal departments and external partners.
• Participate in UN Country Team (UNCT) activities relevant to the CI sector.

C. Cross-cutting Functions

• Ensure gender equality is systematically integrated into all programmes, both mainstreamed and targeted, to contribute to systemic change.
• Provide technical advice and design work plans to support government institutions, advisory bodies, and other stakeholders in line with international standards on freedom of expression and press freedom.
• Design strategies to strengthen media and communication systems through legal, institutional, and policy reforms.

D. Other Duties

Perform any other tasks assigned by the Head of Office to support UNESCO's CI mandate in Bangladesh.

Long Description

• • Implementation of projects supporting Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
  • High-quality input for reports, publications, and communication materials.
  • Timely monitoring and evaluation reports with data and analysis.
  • Effective coordination with partners and contributions to UNCT.
  • Documented strategies and work plans addressing freedom of expression, press freedom, and media reforms.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C)

Other Qualifications:

•  Ability to prioritize, organize, and perform multiple tasks and deliver under pressure
• Strong knowledge of communication and information policies, freedom of expression, media development, and preservation of documentary heritage.
• Proven ability in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership building.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multicultural team environment.

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For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

• Bachelor's/Master's degree in mass communication, journalism, public relations or in any other related field.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience.  Previous experience in international development bodies would be considered as an asset.

Languages: 

• Fluency in reading, writing and speaking in English and Bangla.

Duration of Contract:

The contract shall be initially for three months (with one month probationary period) with option for renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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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 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. Individuals 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization. 

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