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The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is looking for an Junior Professional Officer (JPO)  Executive Coordination and Programme Support Communication and Information Sector to support the Executive Office, Communication and Information Sector (CI/EO) – UNESCO Headquarters, Paris (France)      Title:                                        JPO in Political Affairs (P2) Office:                                     Executive Office, Communication and Information Sector (CI/EO) – UNESCO Headquarters Begin:                                      Autumn 2026 Duration:                               1 year (renewable) Duty station:                        Paris, France Age limit / nationality:      Maximum 32 years old at the date of application and of Swiss nationality     Background Information UNESCO's Communication and Information (CI) Sector advances the Organisation's priorities in freedom of expression and safety of journalists, media development, media and information literacy (MIL), universal access to information, digital transformation and emerging technologies including AI, and the preservation of documentary heritage (Memory of the World). The CI Executive Office (CI/EO) provides coordination, communication and programme support functions to the entire Sector, supporting the ADG/CI and senior management in ensuring the smooth planning, monitoring and reporting of the CI Sector's programme. This JPO position will contribute to executive coordination and governance-related functions within the CI/EO, providing broad exposure to cross-sectoral coordination, strategic planning, UN governance mechanisms, and high-level communication and visibility efforts.   Supervision The JPO works under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information (ADG/CI) and under the direct supervision of the Chief of the CI Executive Office (P5). Additional technical guidance is provided by programme specialists across the Sector. A structured onboarding and mentoring plan will be established, with regular performance discussions and learning goals co-defined with the JPO. A structured workplan with clear prioritisation of tasks will be regularly updated, and the scope of responsibilities will be progressively adjusted to ensure manageable workload and meaningful ownership.     Duties, Responsibilities and Output Expectations  The responsibilities of the position are structured around core coordination functions, complemented by supporting contributions in communication and partnerships. Within this context, the JPO will be responsible for: - Programme and Executive Coordination Support (core responsibilities): Providing executive support to the ADG/CI and senior management, including coordinating CI Sector inputs to briefings, talking points, background documents, publications, correspondence and reports by reviewing, editing and consolidating analytical and programmatic contributions; supporting the coordination of inputs for high-level and statutory meetings (Executive Board, General Conference); assisting in the preparation, monitoring and reporting of strategic and programme-related planning, including UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (C/4), the Programme and Budget (C/5), annual work plans, and extrabudgetary projects. - Strategic Focus Area (one priority at a time): Contributing to one major institutional or strategic priority at a given time, depending on sector needs and timing. Examples may include: support for the AI Summit in Geneva (2027); contributions to the UNESCO 80 Reform process; preparation of the Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) and Programme and Budget (C/5); or written contributions and preparations for the 2027 General Conference. The level of engagement will focus primarily on coordination and analytical support. - Communication, Visibility and Partnerships (supporting function): Contributing to the preparation of communication materials (drafting, editing, content support) in coordination with CI communication officers and the UNESCO Communications and Public Engagement division; supporting the development of communication strategies and the organisation of events, launches and media engagement; providing analytical and coordination support to partnership development efforts, including coordination, as appropriate, with the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva.  - Gender Equality and Youth Focal Point Support (supporting function): Contributing to the integration of gender equality and youth perspectives across CI Sector activities, including through review of selected documents and participation in relevant coordination mechanisms. - Carrying out any other tasks needed for the successful functioning of the Executive Office.     Qualifications and Experience Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in in communication, political science, international relations, media studies, information management, development studies, or related field.     Work experience: - A minimum of two years of relevant work experience, (including internships, consultancies or academic research) in communication, programme coordination, development cooperation, or policy analysis. - Experience in international resource mobilisation or strategic communication is an asset. - Experience in an international or multicultural environment is desirable.   Languages: Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good working knowledge of the other. Knowledge of an additional UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) is an asset. Passive knowledge of German is an advantage.     Competencies and skills: - Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills. - Strong organisational and coordination abilities; ability to work on multiple priorities under tight deadlines. - Good knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms. - Proficiency in computer skills and use of databases, including experience in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as use of the Internet and electronic media applications. - Team spirit, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to UNESCO's values.         Learning Elements Learning opportunities will be aligned with the JPO's core coordination and governance support role, while allowing targeted exposure to selected thematic and strategic areas. The JPO will benefit from continuous mentoring and feedback, access to internal training and learning networks, and UNESCO's broader professional development resources. The JPO will notably acquire operational insight into: the functioning of a UN specialised agency, including governance and intersectoral coordination; UN programme and project cycle management, with practical application of results-based management (RBM), planning, monitoring and reporting frameworks; thematic analysis on communication and information issues, including emerging priorities relevant to Member States; strategic communication, advocacy and briefing in multilateral contexts; Member States, stakeholder engagement and multilateral diplomacy; coordination and liaison with Geneva-based processes and partners; and partnership development and donor engagement. By the end of the assignment, the JPO will have demonstrated experience in executive coordination and UN governance processes, developed strong drafting and analytical skills in a multilateral context, gained practical experience in programme planning, monitoring and reporting, acquired exposure to major institutional processes (such as the AI Summit or C/5 preparation), and built foundational experience in partnership coordination.       Application process If you are interested, please apply online by sending a CV, a cover letter (in English) and copies of your diplomas and work certificates. Send your application to: bonny.wilkinson@eda.admin.ch Application deadline: 2 August 2026 Interviews are expected to take place between 17 and 20 August 2026.