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Service Contract

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Bureau for Digital Business Solutions (DBS)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : Less than 1 month

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 16/10/2026

 

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

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

To strengthen its roster of audiovisual professionals, UNESCO is seeking conference technicians who may be engaged as consultants for occasional assignments paid on a daily basis.

Depending on operational needs, these consultants will provide services for conferences, meetings, ceremonies and other events held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, whether in person, online or in hybrid format. Events may involve sound reinforcement, projection, video capture, recording, videoconferencing and simultaneous interpretation systems.

Under the supervision of the head of the audiovisual service or a designated representative, consultants will be responsible for the technical preparation, operation and close-out of the sessions assigned to them. They will work in coordination with audiovisual teams, event coordinators, organizers, interpreters and, where applicable, external service providers.

UNESCO seeks to establish a roster of experienced professionals with complementary profiles. Particular consideration will be given to candidates who can work across several components of the audiovisual chain and adapt quickly to different equipment, room configurations and event formats.

MAIN TASKS AND SERVICES

Depending on the requirements of each assignment and their areas of expertise, consultants may be required to provide some or all of the following services:

Technical preparation

  • Review the technical specifications, session schedule and requirements communicated by the organizer.

  • Liaise with the technical coordinator and other stakeholders to clarify requirements and identify any constraints or incompatibilities.

  • Prepare, install, configure and test audiovisual equipment, including microphones, conference systems, sound reinforcement systems, audio consoles, interpretation systems, projectors, screens, presentation computers, cameras, video capture equipment and recording systems.

  • Check audio and video signal chains, required network connections and, where applicable, the routing, synchronization and stability of digital audio networks.

  • Configure and test the videoconferencing or webinar platforms used for hybrid and online meetings.

  • Conduct technical tests with speakers, interpreters and remote participants, as required.

Session operation

  • Provide technical operation for in-person, hybrid and online conferences, meetings and events.

  • Continuously monitor the quality and stability of audio and video signals in the room, remotely and in recordings.

  • Adjust audio levels and operate the relevant equipment to maintain a quality appropriate for listening, recording and, where applicable, simultaneous interpretation.

  • Manage the display and playback of presentations, videos and other audiovisual content.

  • Operate cameras, select appropriate shots and use programmed camera presets when required by the configuration.

  • Provide technical assistance to speakers, interpreters and participants experiencing difficulties with the equipment or remote participation tools.

  • Diagnose technical incidents, implement initial corrective measures and promptly alert the responsible team when additional intervention is required.

  • Follow the operational instructions, safety rules and procedures applicable to the spaces and equipment being used.

Completion of the assignment

  • Shut down systems in accordance with the applicable procedures.

  • Store the equipment and leave the room and control area in an orderly and operational condition.

  • Report incidents, malfunctions, maintenance requirements and any information relevant to service continuity.

  • When requested, contribute to a brief debriefing or hand over relevant instructions to the following team.

EXPECTED RESULTS

  • The technical requirements of the assignment are understood, verified and taken into account before the session begins.

  • Equipment is installed, configured, tested and operational within the required timeframe.

  • The quality of audio and video signals is monitored and maintained throughout the assignment.

  • The systems required for interpretation, videoconferencing, projection, video capture and recording operate in accordance with the event’s requirements.

  • Incidents are diagnosed and addressed promptly within the scope of the responsibilities assigned.

  • Participants, speakers and interpreters receive appropriate and professional technical assistance.

  • Safety, confidentiality, equipment-use and inter-team coordination instructions are followed.

  • Equipment and spaces are properly shut down, stored and restored at the end of the assignment.

  • Malfunctions and information required for technical follow-up are communicated clearly and accurately.

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

This call for applications aims to establish a roster of audiovisual technicians who may be contacted for occasional assignments, generally lasting one day or several consecutive days.

The duration, working hours, technical scope and conditions of each assignment will be specified when the assignment is offered. Depending on the event schedule, assignments may take place during the day, early in the morning, in the evening, at weekends or on public holidays.

Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee an engagement or a minimum number of working days. Assignments will be offered according to operational needs, the skills required and the consultants’ availability.

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

  • Vocational training or a technical qualification in audiovisual technology, sound, video, electronics, information technology, networking or a related field.

  • In the absence of a specialized qualification, equivalent professional experience demonstrating mastery of the expected competencies may be considered.

  • Training or certification in digital audio networking, conference systems, simultaneous interpretation, videoconferencing or professional audiovisual equipment would be an asset.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Practical experience in the technical preparation and operation of conferences, meetings, ceremonies or other events.

  • Experience using professional audiovisual equipment for in-person, hybrid or online events.

  • Experience in several technical areas, including sound, video, projection, videoconferencing, video capture, recording or conference systems.

  • Experience with multilingual conferences, simultaneous interpretation systems or in an institutional or international environment would be an asset.

 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Good knowledge of professional audio and video signal chains.

  • Ability to install, configure, test and operate a range of audiovisual equipment, including microphones, conference systems, audio consoles, interpretation systems, projectors, screens, presentation computers, cameras and recording systems.

  • Ability to use videoconferencing and webinar platforms and provide support to remote participants.

  • Good command of the Windows environment and the ability to configure the workstations, software and peripherals required for a session.

  • Ability to assess and maintain the quality of audio and video signals, including in the context of simultaneous interpretation.

  • Knowledge of digital audio networks and their operation. Dante certification or an equivalent qualification would be an asset.

  • Knowledge of professional conference systems, digital audio consoles, robotic cameras and platforms such as Zoom Meeting or Zoom Webinar would be an asset.

  • Ability to diagnose technical incidents quickly and implement an appropriate solution or contingency procedure.

  • Versatility and the ability to become familiar quickly with new equipment, software and technical configurations.

  • Service orientation, thoroughness, punctuality, autonomy and the ability to follow instructions.

  • Ability to work as part of a team and communicate with organizers, speakers, interpreters and other technical teams.

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

The daily fee will range from EUR 210 to EUR 315 per day of service.

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.
  • The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
  • UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.

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