Jr. Consultant-Media and Elections
Jr Consultant-Media and Elections
Parent Sector : Communication and Information-Dhaka
Duty Station: Dhaka
Job Family: Communication and information
Type of contract : Consultant
Duration of contract : 3 months with possibility of extension
Recruitment open to : Internal and external
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time): 25 November 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections, the stakes remain high. Political polarization, security concerns, and institutional fragility continue to pose challenges, while heightened public expectations place additional pressure on election administrators. The broader electoral landscape is being shaped by shifting media dynamics. Press freedom has improved since the July–August 2024 uprising, with previously restricted outlets resuming operations. However, self-censorship persists, and social media remains largely unregulated, heightening the risks of hate speech, harassment, and misinformation. Addressing these challenges requires a balanced approach that upholds media freedom while mitigating the risks of misinformation and polarization.
The BALLOT Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), promote voter education and civic engagement, support legal and electoral reforms, and enhance safeguards against misinformation and electoral violence. Through the BALLOT Project, the United Nations—led jointly by UNDP, UNESCO, and UN Women—is providing technical assistance to Bangladesh to advance democratic governance. The initiative serves as a platform for institutional strengthening, voter empowerment, and confidence-building in the electoral process. Inclusive and credible elections remain essential to sustaining peace, reinforcing democratic institutions, and maintaining long-term stability.
Under the framework of UNESCO’s contribution to the BALLOT Project and in alignment with SDG 16.10, the Junior Consultant will support project management activities, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of project interventions and priorities. The role will include coordination, research, knowledge management, and identification of new initiatives and partnerships as guided by the project coordination committee. The Junior Consultant will also contribute to UNESCO’s collaboration with law enforcement authorities on Freedom of Expression initiatives. The position requires a sound understanding of Bangladesh’s media and electoral environment, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with government counterparts, donors, and partners in alignment with UNDP and BEC.
The Junior Consultant will work under the supervision of the Project Lead, Media and Elections, BALLOT Project, in close coordination with the Head of Office and the UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh. The role will also involve close collaboration with UNESCO Headquarters and partner agencies, including UNDP, UN Women, and the BEC
KEY COMPETENCIES of the Assignment
- Good organisational and project management skills.
- Strong ability to engage and negotiate constructively with government officials and policymakers
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to engage and negotiate effectively with government officials and policymakers.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and high-quality written material.
- Proven teamwork, adaptability, and commitment to assigned tasks.
- Proficiency in digital tools, visualization, and IT applications relevant to project coordination.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Long Description
Duration: Initial contract of 3 months, with possibility of extension based on performance and project requirements.
Start Date: December 2025
Remuneration: 60,000-100,000 BDT per month (depending on level of experience and qualifications), plus travel costs according to UN rates
Time Commitment: 5 days per week (40 hours per week, excluding lunch break)
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Deliverables
DELIVERABLES
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables:
Activity Progress Report: A concise monthly report summarizing activities undertaken, progress achieved, and pending actions.
Event documents: Agendas, invitations, participation lists and other logistical support elements for each event supported.
Meeting and Event Reports: Timely submission of concise summaries and documented proceedings of meetings, FGDs, and workshops, including participant lists, photos, and key discussion points.
Final Project Report: A comprehensive report summarizing all project activities, results, and lessons learned at the end of the assignment.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Academic Requirements (level of education, relevant major)
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Journalism, or a related discipline relevant to media and elections, freedom of expression, or governance.
General Professional Experience
- From 2-5 years of professional experience in media development, monitoring and communication within the electoral or governance context in Bangladesh, with prior experience in a senior capacity, including experience in assisting capacity building of government officials, journalists, and other key stakeholders.
Specific Professional Experience
- Preferred 5 years of experience in governance program, journalism, media monitoring, or public-interest communication.
- Proven experience in advocacy and policy engagement with government institutions and key national stakeholders.
- Preferred 5 years of experience in managing or supporting projects involving planning, coordination, and resource mobilization.
- Preferred 4 years of experience applying techniques related to project design, development, and implementation.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English and Bangla (oral and written).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience in elections, media development, safety of journalists, capacity building of government and non-government officials, or freedom of expression initiatives.
Long Description
Application Instructions
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through the UNESCO jobs portal, including the UNESCO personal history form. Please integrate your CV and a brief statement of interest into the PHF as the system allows only one file to be attached. Applications should be sent to recruitment.dhaka@unesco.org by 25 November 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
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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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