OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The post is located in the Administrative unit of the UNESCO Nairobi Regional Office for Eastern Africa and provides decentralized basic and routine technical support on hardware and software application system within the Office's assigned area. The Information Technologies (IT) Assistant reports directly to the field office Finance and Administrative... Officer and carries out tasks under the overall authority of the Head/Director of the Office. The IT Assistant is tasked with the delivery of a range of office-oriented activities in support of the Administrative unit, and projects/programmes delivery.

In particular the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
Long Description
ICT Maintenance Services:

Administration and maintenance of the ICT infrastructure, equipment and services.
Undertake action for the upgrade, repairs or replacement of ICT infrastructure, equipment and services when and where appropriate.
Maintain the computer server and server room of the office and ensure the safety and security of all system applications, data bases and electronic files. 
Ensure internet connectivity at all times and the proper functioning of all network applications like the Intranet, website, shared drives and e-mail facilities.
Assist the users on the implementation of backups in order to safeguard their own information, keep backup copies of the server information. Ensure that this backup is kept in a safe place in case of a contingency.
Perform the routine backup of all computer software, applications, electronic files or data in a timely manner in conformity with HQ/DBS instructions/directives and ensure the recovery of these files or data in case of loss due to disasters or cyber warfare.
Keep the IT Business continuity Plan and IT Security Plan updated.

Long Description
Desktop Support Services:

Provide technical support to all authorized users for the installation and/or configuration of new equipment, components, gadgets and other peripheral accessories like desktops, laptops, notebooks, tablets, phone sets, docking stations, printers, scanners, cameras, sound and voice devices.
Assist authorized users to resolve technical problems encountered while using computerized systems and applications by running system diagnosis, maintaining track of problems, liaising with HQ/DBS for technical support and assisting DBS in diagnosis and troubleshooting/remedial action.
Provide support to all users using remotely connectivity tools, such as TEAMS, Skype, S4B, Zoom, Global Protect, etc Ensure connectivity with HQ. Follow up any problems encountered with the VPN connection and find the best possible solution.
Provide user support and training on commonly used applications software and maintain up-dated books/manuals and hardware databases related to the office automation.
Keep update the maintenance annual plan for IT equipment.
Update and run the system's antivirus applications and other protectives measures routinely or as appropriate.

Long Description
Procurement Support Services:

Advice the Financial and Administrative Officer on new opportunities for improvement and and upgrade of the IT equipment and the network. 
Assist in the negotiation with local ISP Operators for telephone project via S4B and INTERNET ensuring the prices are going down and the required bandwidths always increasing in order to cope with new needs like O365 for instance.
Maintain constant communication with the ISP in order to follow up in the case of the interruption of the service.
Locally support the implementation of the rollout of new functionalities, software, applications or services and ICT infrastructural changes as may be released by HO/DBS from time to time.
Assist in the identification of providers for IT equipment, and in the use of LTAs established by UNESCO and other UN entities, at local or HQ level.
Provide inputs in the occasional selection of local IT experts undertaking repairs and other works on ICT infrastructure and equipment.

Record managment and Insitututional memory:

Assist in the structure of digital record management in Our Drive with standardized filing scheme and adopting a naming convention for the digital documents, following DBS's guidelines in the 60-day roadmap.
Effective knowledge sharing and reuse enabled. In particular, facilitate internal meetings to update/remind colleagues on DBS policies and new features developed.
Participate in meeting and workshop mainly on areas of new technologies and telecommunications, and the inter-agency meetings related to the ICT working group.
Assist in updating and maintaining computerized databases as well as the Office's website.

Assets management:

Assist in the preparation of the inventory list and maintain the information updated on a regular basis. Assist in the preparation of the year-end asset inventory, and the list asset disposal, at least twice a year.
Provide technical support to efficiently manage the non-expendable items and the assets physical inventory list, using a software and barcode scanner.
Update the list of ICT assets following any new acquisitions or disposals and also the list of these terms in the custody of each and every user in the office and make It available for physical inventory exercises.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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

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

Completed secondary, technical and/or vocational education. 

Work Experience

At least 5 (five) of work experience in Information Technology.

Skills and competencies

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word,etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
Self-motivated and ability to work with minimum supervision.
Strong problem solving skills.
Solid understanding of IT security related issues.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and dynamic team environment.
Strong competencies in attention to detail and time management.

Language

Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education

A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field would be an asset.

Work Experience

Similar working experience with diverse organizations in the region or within the United Nations system or in an international organization/institution.

Languages

Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). more

Task description

Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa, and the direct supervision of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information (CI) in Africa, and in close cooperation with the Education team, the incumbent oversees UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Digital Skills programme which includes capacity... building, policy development and integration of MIL into formal education, design, plan and implement activities aimed at promoting the development of digital skills.
The incumbent manages UNESCO’s MIL programme from design, to planning, implementation, reporting and evaluation. S/he coordinates and establishes new and ongoing cooperation with education and media stakeholders at national and regional levels, including CSOs, governmental partners, academia and private sector, while ensuring close synergy and communication with the Education sector of UNESCO Nairobi Regional Office and the Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies at UNESCO Headquarters.

In particular, the incumbent shall:

Serve as UNESCO Nairobi focal point for programmes related to MIL and digital skills.
Lead and coordinate programme and project rollout, including the promotion of the revised UNESCO’s MIL Model Curriculum in Eastern Africa.
Conduct a thorough mapping exercise of all UNESCO’s current and planned MIL and digital competency programmes, including current and potential partners, in Eastern Africa.
Craft a comprehensive regional strategy for advancing MIL and digital competency programmes in Eastern Africa, in line with UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2024-2025.
Lead the organization of national and regional events, engagements and other initiatives in support of Global Media and Information Literacy Week.
Propose and implement initiatives to strengthen MIL and digital skills engagement with UNESCO’s ASPnet patrons and partners in Eastern Africa.
Support efforts under UNESCO’s Social Media 4 Peace programme, especially relating to strengthening MIL and digital skills of beneficiaries, in close cooperation with programme officer.
Develop projects, programme and funding proposals, oversee agreements and contracts as well as define UNESCO's involvement and mobilize relevant resources for programme related to enhancing MIL and digital skills in the region.
Participate in planning and budgetary processes of CI sector’s activities in relation to both regular programme and extrabudgetary resources.
Develop monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and assess programme implementation and linkages of programme work.
Plan, develop and implement outreach strategies aimed at expanding and communicating programmes, promoting UNESCO projects, and increasing visibility, resources and partnerships.
Build relationships with external actors: Internet companies, regional organizations, civil society, parliamentations, policy makers, etc.
Build intra and intersectoral collaboration (such as with ICT Competency Framework for Teachers, enhancing inclusivity of ICT and digital competency education for persons with disabilities, CI’s Social Media 4 Peace programme, digitalization and AI-related programmes) to strengthen impact of MIL and digital skills.
Write and edit public information materials (press releases, feature articles, op-eds, etc.) for MIL and digital competencies-related programmes in journalistic style and provide regular and timely updates to UNESCO Nairobi website with contents and news releases
Undertake additional tasks as and when assigned by the Supervisor or the Director of UNESCO Nairobi.
In line with UNESCO’s overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the MIL and Digital Skills Programme Officer is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible

Eligibility criteria

Age
27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in communication and information, media and information literacy and/or digital competencies, with preferably two years acquired at the international level.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Information technology

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Journalism, information science, communication, media studies, media and information literacy, ICTs and digital skills, Artificial Intelligence, Information Literacy and Digital Skills.

Competencies and values

PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Other desired technical knowledge:

Good project management and organisational sills, including large-scale programmes
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to participate effectively in negotiations with internal and external partners, as well as demonstrated ability to work and maintain effective working relationships within a multicultural environment.
Ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national. Local authorities and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations
Ability to manage competing priorities.
Problem-solving skills.
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. more

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Strategic thinking... (M)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate, public or business administration or international relations, or related field.

Work Experience

At least fifteen (15) years of progressive professional experience at the appropriate management level within the United Nations system, other international, national or private sector institutions, including a wide experience in diplomatic work or development issues related to UNESCO’s areas of competence, in association with national and international organizations.
Demonstrated experience in advocacy and resources mobilization.
Proven partnership experience with successful implementation of partners at global, local and community levels
Professional experience in the field of education, sciences, culture, social sciences or communication.

Long Description
Skills & Competencies

Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
Institutional leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact and political astuteness.
Demonstrated strategic planning and management abilities, including capacity to administer extensive programmes and projects, financial and human resources, as well as to exercise appropriate supervision and control.
Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff, as well as ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a large and diversified body of staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, as well as exercise supervision and control and ensure continuous training and development of staff.
Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities, and risks.
Organizational skills, including in establishing plans and priorities, and in implementing them effectively, as well as in devising implementation plans.
Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing; demonstrated ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners.

Long Description
Languages

Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages (English or French) of the Organization and working knowledge of the second language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Courses/degree/training in a management-related field.

Work Experience

Experience in the field of international relations and diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, development.

Long Description
Skills & Competencies

Broad general culture, good geopolitical knowledge of the region and sound analytic capacities.
Proven leadership and demonstrated managerial skills combined with flexibility.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Ability to identify key strategic issues, objectives, opportunities and risks.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative and maintain effective working relationships with partners of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Good knowledge of the United Nations system.

Languages

Knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish). more

Long Description

Advance the work of IOC and engage current and potential members and partners in the region within the framework of the IOC. Lead, coordinate, and facilitate the development and implementation of IOC Medium-Term Strategy and Programme and Budget, and global programmes related to ocean research, sustained ocean observations and services, the development of science/policy... interface, the generation of scientific knowledge to support sustainable ocean management and capacity development in the region.
Exercise leadership and strategic thinking in developing, planning and implementing IOC programmes/activities responding to the existing and emerging priority needs and specific interests of Member States in the region and support the implementation of IOCAFRICA workplan as defined by the Sub-Commission.
Pursue partnerships and resource mobilization opportunities with governments, other UN agencies, the research, development and donor communities, with a view to implementing IOC Medium-Term Strategy, the IOC Capacity Development Strategy and programmes in the region and contributing to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Facilitate the coordination of regional activities in support of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development focusing on engagement of ocean stakeholders from science, policy, industry and civil society, the convening of regional task groups, supporting the design of Decade Actions, and identification of capacity development needs.
Ensure the smooth functioning of the Regional Secretariat, oversee the Secretariat’s human resources and their performance, prepare and monitor the budget for the Sub-Commission including extrabudgetary contributions, in line with UNESCO’s policies and procedures and Represent IOC, the Sub-Commission and UNESCO at the UN and other partner organizations’ intergovernmental and technical meetings, as appropriate.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Strategic thinking (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)

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

 Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in Oceanography, Marine Science, or related field.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively relevant professional experience in the field of ocean management and capacity development, of which preferably 4 years acquired at international level.
Experience in coordinating, managing, and implementing projects or programmes.
Experience in managing staff and teams.

Skills and Competencies

 Good knowledge of ocean management and capacity development in the region.
 Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to identify complex issues, and decide on ways forward respecting the constraints of the organizations involved.
 Demonstrated strategic thinking and change management skills.
 Strong programme management skills.
 Very good communication skills (oral and written) with proven ability to make effective and persuasive oral presentations to both technical and general audiences.
 Proven ability to advocate and negotiate with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders at all levels, internal and external, including building and maintaining partnerships.
 Ability to lead and empower teams and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages

 Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in English and working knowledge of French. more

The incumbent will also contribute to the implementation of initiatives related to the UNESCO global priorities (Africa and Gender Equality), priority groups (Small Island Developing States – SIDS) and transversal thematic areas, such as Culture and Education, Culture and Climate Change, Indigenous Peoples, SIDS, and Youth.
In particular, the incumbent will:

Ensure the delivery of the Culture... Programme in the countries covered by the Office in line with the Culture Sector’s strategies and priorities, particularly through capacity-building, policy advice, technical assistance and networking of relevant stakeholders in the Culture Sector’s fields of competence and in the advocacy of the linkages between culture and sustainable development.
Facilitate the coordination of the Culture Programme at sub-regional level by providing technical advice and guidance to the national offices, antennas and focal points of the sub-regional in the planning and development of programmes, projects and activities of the Culture Sector.
Contribute to the design, implementation, reporting and monitoring of programmes and projects in the field of culture, funded by the Regular Programme and voluntary contributions. Provide inputs, including qualitative and quantitative data, for the preparation of reports and briefings on programme implementation. Contribute to the overall delivery of and reporting on the Office’s programme objectives and intersectoral working modalities.
Provide policy advice and technical assistance to relevant stakeholders at regional, national and local levels, in the Culture Sector’s fields of competence as well as substantive contributions in the field of culture for the development of local, national, regional and international strategies.
Facilitate and develop capacity building and training activities and projects to support Member States, cultural institutions and culture professionals in view of the strategic objectives of protecting, promoting and transmitting heritage and fostering creativity and the diversity of cultural expressions, including preparedness and response in case of crises and emergencies.
Assist Member States in their efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and specifically promote the role of culture for sustainable development, as well as to undertake assessment of needs related to culture.
Establish, maintain and enhance strong and strategic working relationships with the concerned national/local authorities, cultural institutions and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
Build and enhance partnerships with UN Agencies, bilateral and multilateral donors/partners, development banks, international institutions and the private sector in order to conceptualize and design Culture programmes concept notes and project proposals based on situational analyses in line with the Major Programme IV – Culture priorities and the CLT Resources Mobilization Framework. Ensure the required fundraising in order to reinforce the Regular Programme by mobilization resources and building partnerships including with the private sector.
Develop actions, programmes and activities in the framework of the UN Reform and ‘Delivering as One’, such as Common Country Assessments/United Nations Development Assistance Framework (CCA/UNDAF) and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), regional and sub- regional joint initiatives and programmes, etc.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
Building partnerships (M)
Driving and managing change (M)
Leading and empowering others (M)
Making quality decisions (M)
Managing performance (M)
Strategic thinking (M)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education

Advanced University degree (Master's or equivalent) in the field of culture, social sciences, political science, international law, humanities, or a related discipline.

Work Experience

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in the field of culture, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at the international level.
Proven experience in designing and implementing programmes/projects in the field of culture.
Demonstrated experience in partnership development and in fundraising and resource mobilization.

Skills/Competencies

Excellent project management skills.
Excellent capacity to collect, synthesize and analyse information from various sources and to draft documents in a clear and concise manner.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated capacity to provide guidance and to lead and motivate a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Proven ability to build, maintain and enhance working relations with national/local authorities, cultural institutions and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.
Proven ability to engage in resource mobilization and build strategic and sustained partnerships. more