Senior Visibility Consultant

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 3 - Senior

Hiring Unit : Education Sector (ED)

Duty Station : Kassala State

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 4 months

Hiring open to : Internal and External

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 17/09/2026

Only Candidates who are entitled to work in Sudan are eligible to apply 

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

BACKGROUND

The consultant will implement visibility activities within the following 3 projects:

1. Strengthening Sudan’s Response to Hate Speech, Peace Building and Social Cohesion: Education System Enhancement with a Cultural Lens.
2. SUD-INCA: Better Employability for Sudanese youth through TVET in Kassala and Red Sea States.
3. Sudan Transitional Education Plan 2025 - 2027.

Strengthening Sudan’s Response To Hate Speech

Since April 2023, Sudan has faced an unprecedented humanitarian and protection crisis driven by the ongoing conflict. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence, with more than 9 million people displaced internally, making Sudan the world's largest internal displacement crisis.

In 2025, more than 30 million people will need humanitarian assistance. People are facing an acute food security and nutrition crisis, especially in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, where mass hunger has taken hold. Meanwhile, disease outbreaks are compounding the crisis, alongside worsening climate shocks.

Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risks of conflict-related sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence. Despite humanitarian efforts to reach many areas, severe access constraints, particularly in active conflict zones, and funding constraints continue to hinder aid delivery where it is needed most.[1] (OCHA 2025). 

Better Employability For Sudanese Youth Through TVET

Funded by the Italian AICS, the project aims to increase the quality and relevance of TVET delivery in Kassala and Red Sea states generating new employability opportunities for Sudanese youth, particularly girls and disadvantaged groups such as IDPs and people with disabilities, in Agri-TVET and related fields’, equipping them with relevant skills for better employment and livelihood. The interventions will concentrate on two pre-identified states of Kassala and Red Sea, given the assessed skills gaps and opportunities identified, UNESCO’s strong synergies with federal and state governments and implementation feasibility within the current Sudanese context. In order to address the deficiency of functioning vocational centres in the country, the project intends to rehabilitate and empower two Model TVET Centres (MTCs) in the targeted states. This will be achieved through infrastructural support, capacity development and supply of equipment and tools to the Aroma Agricultural School,  in Aroma city, Kassala and the Port Sudan Technical School in Red Sea State. In addition, the project will introduce vocational training courses in line with eight trades pre-identified to cater to the skills gap of youth, through the lens of gender, inclusion of People With Disability (PwD) and crisis-responsiveness.

Long Description

Sudan Transitional Education Plan

The outbreak of the war in Sudan and ensuing events have severely undermined previous efforts to improve the education sector, resulting in widespread school closures, protection violations and displacements. According to estimates by Education Cluster, this has left 17 million children without access to education (HRNP, 2024). Among the 12.5 million students who were enrolled before April 2023, 9 million children have not been able to return to school and face high risk of dropout. 10,400 schools (54% of all schools) have remained closed for more than 2 years in conflict-affected areas, and 3,471 (18%) are being used as shelters (OCHA, 2025).

The Transitional Education Plan identifies strategic priorities and key educational objectives over the coming years (2025-2027). The approach adopted ensured that the basic and urgent educational needs of all learners in Sudan, including girls, boys, and children with disabilities, are met. Attention was paid to gender issues, the social support program, humanitarian needs, peacebuilding, and development needs, to respond appropriately to the emergency while considering emerging needs.

OBJECTIVE

This consultancy aims to cover the following:

1. Counter Hate Speech (CHS): In collaboration with the National Radio and TV Corporation, ground countering hate speech in Kassala state through education and culture, working with partners. Communities and Schools in Kassala state will be engaged and targeted messages will be broadcasted through Kassala State Radio and TV Corporation (KSRTC)to raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech. Particularly, two hotspots in Kassala state will be targeted measuring the impact of the media campaign in their perspective on hate speech.
2. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Promoting TVET in Kassala state and targeting youth, women and IDPs through TV, Radio, theatre and music. Focus will be on Aroma, where the targeted agricultural school is located.
3. Transitional Education Plan (TEP): The advocacy component of the TEP will be implemented in Kassala state, to reflect the importance of education and encouraging parents and children to continue their education and empowering teachers and those working in education.

TASKS

Under the overall authority of the Head of UNESCO Sudan office, and the direct supervision of the Head of Education Unit and CI Officer, and the respective Projects Managers, the consultant shall perform the following tasks, in addition to any other tasks assigned:

Strengthening Sudan’s Response to Countering Hate Speech:

1. Develop and submit to UNESCO a plan of action to implement CHS:
   1. The plan to contain the activities and dates for activities.
   2. List identified stakeholders in CHS.
2. Conduct a joint UNESCO and Kassala State Radio and TV Corporation (KSRTC), capacity building workshop for media professionals from social media, radio, TV, and journalists. Submit a summary report with recommendations and observations, published news links and social media.
3. Conduct a pre-assessment on identified Kassala 2 hotspots context and submit a report explaining the situation before the intervention.
4. Conduct a post-assessment on the Kassala 2 hotspots and submit a report to UNESCO explaining the situation after the intervention.
5. In consultation with stakeholders, coordinate the development of 14 CHS campaign radio and TV messages on countering hate speech in Badaweit and Tigri Languages. Submit to UNESCO a summary report about consultations with stakeholders.
6. Submit to UNESCO a report on the CHS campaign progress during the period of September – October 2026.
7. Submit to UNESCO a report on the CHS campaign progress during the period of November – December 2026.
8. Submit to UNESCO a concept note to organise a live broadcast coverage by KSRTC on countering hate speech in collaboration with Kassala Ministry of Education at 4 selected schools and 2 hotspot communities. Submit   summary reports.
9. In consultation with stakeholders, lead the development, validation and broadcast for Community Radio, submit to UNESCO a concept note to:
   1. Develop scenario scripts for 14 drama programmes in Badaweit and Tigri languages about CHS and peaceful coexistence. Submit to UNESCO the scripts and recordings.
   2. Develop 7 songs in the local 7 languages in Kassala state, about countering hate speech and peaceful coexistence. Submit to UNESCO the songs recordings.
   3. Develop 7 open programmes in the local 7 languages in Kassala state.  Submit to UNESCO the recordings.

Long Description

Better Employability for Sudanese youth through TVET

1. Develop and submit to UNESCO a plan of action for TVET promotion:
   1. The plan to contain the activities and dates for activities.
   2. List identified stakeholders in TVET, including but not limited to Kassala Ministry of Education, private sector, Youth and Women organisations, and media professionals.
2. Conduct 3 interviews with community leaders in Aroma and promoting TVET. Submit a summary report.
3. Submit summary report on the Aroma Musical Works on TVET promotion
4. Summary report on the development of 10 Radio messages production and broadcasting plan development about the importance of TVET and engaging community, youth, women and parents.
5. Develop and submit a concept note for 2 joint visibility community events in Aroma.
6. Summary report on the 2 joint visibility community events in Aroma.
7. Report on development of 2 scenario scripts and 2 videos for 2 drama works for KSRTC, about TVET and new courses in Aroma Agricultural School.
8. Submit a concept for Artists and Media professionals 2 day workshop about TVET promotion in Kassala.
9. Submit a summary report for Artists and Media professionals 2 day workshop about TVET promotion in Kassala.
10. Gather and submit designs collected from artists of wall arts at Aroma School about TVET
11. Consult with Kassala MoE and Aroma community to select the top 5 designs to be implemented. Submit summary report on consultations and selected designs.
12. Submit a concept Note for the Open Artists Competition for promoting TVET in Kassala state coordination with KSRTC.
13. Submit a summary report for the Open Artists Competition for promoting TVET.

Long Description

Sudan Transitional Education Plan

1. Develop and submit to UNESCO a plan of action for TEP & Education promotion:
   1. The plan to contain the activities and dates for activities.
   2. List identified stakeholders in TVET, including but not limited to, Kassala Ministry of Education, Teachers, Youth and Women organisations, and media professionals.
2. Conduct 3 recorded interviews with community leaders in Kassala state and promoting TEP & Education. Submit a summary report.
3. Report on 10 Radio messages production and broadcasting about the importance of TEP & Education and engaging community, youth, women and parents.
4. Develop and submit a concept note for 2 joint visibility community events in Kassala State to promote the TEP & Education.
5. Submit a summary report and develop 2 videos for the 2 visibility community events about TEP & Education in Kassala State.
6. Coordinate with KSRTC to develop 2 scenario scripts and 2 videos for drama work to be broadcasted on Kassala TV and Radio, about TEP & Education in Kassala state. 
7. Submit a concept for Artists and Media professionals 2 day workshop about promoting TEP & Education in Kassala state.
8. Submit a report for Artists and Media professionals 2 day workshop about promoting TEP & Education in Kassala state.
9. Submit a concept note for Musical Works to promote TEP in Kassala state.
10. Submit a report for Musical Works to promote TEP in Kassala
11. Develop and submit a concept note for promoting education through wall arts at selected schools in Kassala State. In consultation with stakeholders, select the top wall art designs and submit a report to UNESCO.
12. Submit a concept note for artists open competition in the promoting Education in Kassala State. In consultation with stakeholders, select the top winning works. Submit summary report to UNESCO.

DELIVERABLES

(2) Better Employability for Sudanese youth through TVET

(3) Sudan Transitional Education Plan

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• A university degree in Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, or another closely related field.
• Relevant professional training in strategic communication, advocacy, media production, community engagement, peacebuilding or behaviour/social change communication would be an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in Sudan in communication, advocacy, media, public information, community engagement or related areas.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in Kassala State and/or Eastern Sudan is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in Sudan in designing and implementing communication, advocacy and public-awareness campaigns, preferably related to education, TVET, youth, peacebuilding, social cohesion or countering hate speech.
• Proven experience working with Sudanese radio, television, journalists and/or other media professionals, including development and dissemination of radio/TV messages, interviews, drama programmes or similar media products. Extensive experience in collaboration with Kassala State Radio and TV Corporation and development/broadcasting of campaign materials.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement and stakeholder consultation in Sudan, including engagement with government institutions, community leaders, youth, women, schools, artists, media professionals and civil society organizations.
• Experience organizing and facilitating workshops, community events, media campaigns and public visibility activities in Sudan.
• Experience in developing concept notes, action plans, campaign messages, scripts and analytical/activity reports.
• Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, government institutions or development/humanitarian partners in Sudan is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and practical experience related to Sudan’s education sector, TVET, countering hate speech, peacebuilding/social cohesion and/or countering hate speech would be a strong advantage.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strategic communication and advocacy: Ability to translate project objectives into practical communication and advocacy campaigns appropriate to the Sudanese context.
• Media production and coordination: Strong ability to work with radio, television, journalists, artists and content producers and oversee development of interviews, messages, drama, music and audiovisual materials.
• Community engagement: Strong ability to engage diverse communities sensitively, particularly youth, women, IDPs, teachers, parents and community leaders.
• Stakeholder coordination: Proven ability to coordinate effectively with state authorities, media institutions, schools, communities, civil society and development partners.
• Understanding of the Sudanese context: Strong knowledge of Sudan's social, cultural and conflict context, particularly Kassala and Eastern Sudan, including sensitivity to ethnic, linguistic and community dynamics.
• Conflict sensitivity: Ability to develop and oversee communications related to hate speech, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion using a conflict-sensitive and culturally appropriate approach.
• Planning and organization: Ability to manage numerous parallel activities, deadlines and deliverables and produce clear implementation plans.
• Monitoring and reporting: Ability to document activities, assess campaign results and prepare concise, evidence-based reports, including pre- and post-intervention assessments.
• Writing and communication: Excellent drafting, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Languages: Excellent command of Arabic and good working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Badaweit, Tigre/Tigri or other languages used in Kassala State would be a strong asset.
• UN values/competencies: Professionalism, accountability, teamwork, respect for diversity, cultural sensitivity, integrity and ability to work independently under tight deadlines.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of Arabic and good knowledge of English. Knowledge of other official UN language would be an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

UNESCO Sudan Office invites qualified individual consultants to submit their applications through the UNESCO Careers Website. Applicants should submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the assignment in line with the terms of reference
3. A competitive lumpsum fee for the assignment quoted in USD.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals 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 hiring process.