Non-Staff Consultant

National Consultant-CI

National Consultant -CI 

National Consultant-Communication and Information (CI)

Parent Sector : Communications and Information (CI)

Duty Station: Dhaka

Job Family: Communications and Information

Type of contract : Non Staff Consultant

Duration of contract : 5 Months

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates 

Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time) : 03 July 2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

UNESCO defends and promotes freedom of expression, media independence, and pluralism. At the heart of its constitutional mandate, UNESCO endeavours to improve mutual knowledge and understanding among people by championing 'the free flow of ideas through word and image’. UNESCO strives for gender equality in media and culture, fosters freedom of expression and media development, particularly in advancing SDG 16.10. UNESCO stands out as the only UN agency dedicated to this purpose. Through capacity-building, policy advice, international cooperation, monitoring and foresight UNESCO empower member states and key actors with a view to ensuring fundamental freedoms and rights.

UNESCO’s Communication and Information (CI) Sector works to uphold information as a public good, advancing universal access, digital inclusion and freedom of expression. By adopting a multi-disciplinary and inclusive approach, UNESCO works with both duty-bearers and rights-holders across the world to develop and implement targeted actions that are born out of local needs, which ensures a holistic and results-based approach for sustainable change. It works towards creating inclusive knowledge societies.

Main action themes of CI sector:

1) Freedom Of Expression and Safety of Journalists

2) Media Development (including community media) and media in emergency

3) Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and digital competencies

4) Documentary heritage - Memory of the World programme (MoW)

5) Universal Access to Information

6) Digital Inclusion and Digital Transformation

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• All assigned CI projects are completed within the planned timeframe, achieving key milestones and delivering expected outcomes to advance the development of the CI sector in Bangladesh.
• Consultative and training workshops, discussion sessions, and related events are thoughtfully organized under the supervision of the Head of CI, effectively advancing the objectives of CI projects and fostering meaningful engagement with media development and safety of journalist.
• Support liaison with government ministries, state-level advisory bodies, commissions, embassies and donor, policymakers, CSOs, UN Agencies, media stakeholders to ensure alignment of project objectives with UNESCO priorities and promote impactful, rights-based implementation to foster collaboration.

• Support development and submission of project proposals lead to secured funding and resources for CI initiatives, specially on press freedom and media development.
• Prepare social media contents for CI sector, assist with drafting public outreach materials, making meeting notes, programme brief, developing reports and news items for the UNESCO website to enhance the visibility of CI Portfolio
• Support the successful implementation of advocacy strategies raises awareness of UNESCO’s constitutional mandate on enhancing media strength, independence, foster media diversity, pluralism, supporting community media and press freedom as human rights.
• Support comprehensive and well-researched reports and publications are compiled, drafted, and proofread, contributing to the knowledge base of CI projects.
• Regular oversight ensures projects remain on track, with any challenges or deviations promptly identified, addressed, and reported to the supervisor.
• Productive collaboration with team members, stakeholders, and partners enhances project effectiveness and impact.

OTHER TASKS

• Ensure gender equality and intersectionality are considered and integrated into all activities and aspects in alignment with UNESCO’s priorities
• Carry out additional programmatic, operational, and administrative responsibilities as delegated by both the Supervisor and the Head of Office. 

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Media, Democracy, and Human Rights/Political Communication and Media/Media and Communication/Mass Communication and Journalism/International Communication and Law/Media Studies etc.    

Work experience:

• • Minimum 2 years of working experience in the field of journalism/media monitoring and criticism/public interest advocacy and policy engagement/human rights and media development etc.
  • At least 2 years of experience in activities and/or projects that involved the understanding of managing, planning projects and mobilizing resources.
  • At least 2 years’ experience in applying techniques related to project development. 

Competencies and skills

• Good organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and maintain good working relations within a multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to draft and produce a variety of written material in a clear and concise manner.
• Good sense of teamwork, adaptability and commitment to assigned tasks.
• Excellent digital and visualization skills that are required for the workplace. 
• Good computer and IT skills as well as digital and visualization skills that are required at the workplace.
• Able to multitask under tight deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English and Bangla is essential; knowledge of another UNESCO official language is an asset.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Mass Communication and Journalism/International Relations/ Development Studies/ International Relations, or Social Science. 

Work experience:

• • Minimum 3 years of working experience in the field of journalism/media and development/human rights etc.
  • At least 3 years of experience in activities and/or projects that involved the understanding of managing, planning projects and mobilizing resources.
  • At least 3 years’ experience in applying techniques related to project development.

Competencies and skills:

- Capacity to be able to multi-task and be proactive;

- Able to work under tight deadlines;

- Excellent IT skills to carry out the work

Application Process

Performance Evaluation

Consultant performance will be assessed periodically by the supervising officer against agreed work plans and deliverables.

Benefits

Salary is negotiable between BDT 60,000 – 80,000 per month based on qualifications and expertise. Individual Consultancy Contract (full-time), renewable based on performance and availability of funds. Payment will be made monthly upon submission of approved deliverables.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. 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. 

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

Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.