OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 06-FEB-2024

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

The Communication and Information Sector’s mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage. (The role of this vacant position does not include responsibility for UNESCO’s wider external communications, which is managed by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.)

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, the overall supervision of the Director, Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy (DIR/FMD), and the direct supervision of the Deputy Secretary of the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), the Consultant shall:

Long Description

A. Prepare the annual report on IPDC projects to be submitted to IPDC’s Bureau, by collecting and analyzing the individual implementation reports of all IPDC projects implemented in 2022-2033, using a Results-Based Management lens. The individual specialist will analyze the impact of IPDC’s support and its contribution to UNESCO’s priorities, and distill challenges and lessons learned. The length of the report will be approx. 40 standard pages (standard page = 320 words).

B. Contribute to the preparation of the 68th IPDC Bureau meeting (June 2024), including by supporting the preparation and finalization of high-quality working documents, speeches, briefings and reports.

C. Support the management of IPDC’s annual project cycle, including by:

C.1. Contributing to the planning and organization of training sessions for Field office colleagues, potential beneficiary organizations, and the IPDC Bureau members;

C.2. Taking part in the review process of proposals received by the IPDC Secretariat.

D. Build further momentum for IPDC’s initiative to promote solutions to the viability challenges faced by media, including by:
D.1. Contributing to the preparation of UNESCO’s inputs to initiatives such as the Media Viability Manifesto and the Principles for Effective Support to the Media Sector.
D.2. Coordinating the finalization of the Media Viability Indicators and their piloting in 3-4 countries of the Arab States region.
D.3. Support outreach efforts for the new UNESCO policy brief ‘Data sharing to foster information as a public good’.

E. Support the development/updating and socialization of at least 2 new resources by UNESCO such as issue briefs and handbooks. The subject matters of these briefs are still to be confirmed but could include conflict-sensitive reporting; environmental reporting (with a focus on climate change); and/or media viability models.

F. Support the implementation and upscaling of IPDC’s ‘Safe Spaces’ initiative, focused on displaced and exiled journalists.

G. Contribute to IPDC’s fundraising efforts by contributing to the preparation of funding proposals as appropriate.

H. Other tasks within the field of IPDC’s work, as requested by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary to the IPDC.

Deliverables
• Monthly reports
• At the end of the contract, a final report with supporting documents

Long Description

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Journalism/Media studies, international development, political sciences or related field.

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, e.g. in in international relations, media, development, public policy, and/or working in relevant UN agencies/IGOs.

Skills/Competencies

• Good understanding of UNESCO’s work to promote media development and freedom of expression.
• Excellent drafting skills and ability to summarize information on complex issues.
• Strong project management skills. Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent organization and planning skills, and ability to prioritize assignments and deadlines.
• Discretion and maturity of judgement.
• Capacity to collect, digest, consolidate, synthesize and analyze a vast array of information and provide insights on complex issues.
• Solid computer skills including advanced knowledge of office software such as Word and Excel.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Previous experience in working on media development and/or press freedom issues.
• Previous experience working with a relevant UN agency or IGO.

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of UNESCO’s institutional mandates and working procedures.
• Previous experience in organizing events, including in a UN setting.
• Innovative thinking.
• Familiarity with the latest trends in the media sector.

Languages

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

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APPLICATION PROCESS

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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