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.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Under the authority of the Director, Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy (CI/FMD), and the direct supervision of Head of Unit a.i. for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies (CI/FMD/MIL) and the guidance of the relevant Programme Specialists, the consultant will support the work of the Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies in achieving its global priorities, as well as provide technical assistance in the implementation of the research and MIL components of the project “Social Media 4 Peace,” funded by the European Union.

UNESCO promotes Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Digital Competencies for all to enable people’s ability to engage critically with information, online content and digital technologies, and exercise their rights to access information and freedom of expression To this end UNESCO supports MIL through the development of policy and strategy frameworks, policy recommendations, guidelines, curricula, and creation of networks that put critical thinking at the heart of engagement with online and offline content and information to contribute to the integrity of information.

In line with these efforts, UNESCO is implementing the project “Social Media 4 Peace: Phase II”, funded by the European Union, which seeks to build the resilience of societies to the impact and spread of harmful content in conflict-prone, conflict-affected, and socially polarized environments, while protecting freedom of expression and enhancing the promotion of peace through social media.

Provide technical assistance in the development of the country reports to be produced in Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and South Africa within the framework of the Social Media 4 Peace project. The country reports include: 1) assessment of the effectiveness and impact of regulatory frameworks and other national mechanisms related to content governance and their effectiveness and compliance with international human rights standards, 2) analysis of the root-cause, scale, and impact of online harmful content, and 3) identification of gaps and potential tech- and human-rights-based and user-centric solutions for the empowerment of digital platform users.

1. To assist in these research efforts, the consultant shall:

a. Develop the standard research framework which shall be adapted to the context of each of the three countries where it will be conducted.

b. Develop the Terms of Reference for the selection of the organization or entity that will conduct the research. This includes the technical specifications of the scope of work, expertise required, timeline of activities required for the successful completion of the reports.

c. In consultation with UNESCO project staff in the field, identify potential partners to be engaged in the research process.

d. Provide technical support in setting up and coordinating national advisory groups comprising of key stakeholders, who will provide oversight and technical guidance and inputs to the research process.

e. Support the dissemination and visibility of research findings and recommendations.

2. Provide technical support in the review of deliverables by local partners in the three target countries, to ensure alignment with the findings and recommendations of the country research reports produced for the SM4P project, and the Global Strategy of the Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies.
3. Provide technical support to UNESCO implementing Field Offices in the development of workplans to ensure alignment with the recommendations of the country research reports.
4. Provide technical support to UNESCO Field Offices in the adaption of toolkits, training modules and other resources produced by the Unit of Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies, to help advance the efforts in the promotion of MIL in line with UNESCO’s Global Strategy (43/C5).
5. Prepare strategies for the development and piloting of global resources and tools for media and information literacy, countering harmful content and promoting online peacebuilding.
6. Prepare briefing notes, talking points, news articles related to MIL, disinformation, and hate speech in relation to the topics being researched and analysed through the SM4P project.
7. Develop a monitoring system to facilitate the gathering of project results and other data for tracking and progress reporting purposes.
8. Support the sharing of project results during global conferences, such as Global MIL Week, by drafting concept notes and programmes. Assist the organization of events and gatherings under the project, including its participation in international celebrations.
9. The progress report covering Year 1 activities implemented under the project.

DELIVERABLES

1. Draft ToRs and research framework to be conducted in the target countries of the project.
2. Visibility report on the launch of the Youth MIL Toolkit.
3. Final version of the MIL Action Plan for Digital Platform Governance to be launched at WPFD.
4. Draft work plans on media and information literacy based on research findings.
5. Launch strategy for the research reports in each target country.
6. Concept note and agenda for SM4P session at Global MIL Week 2025.
7. Visibility report of the project for Y1.
8. Draft donor progress report for Y1.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, public policy, political science, social sciences, communications, human rights, media studies, or related field.

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in the implementation, management and coordination of projects related to freedom of expression, Media and Information Literacy, human rights, civic engagement acquired at the regional or international level.

• Experience in collaborative projects, particularly those involving diverse teams, external partners, and stakeholders, to develop workshops and training materials.

Skills/Competencies

• Good understanding and knowledge of UNESCO mandate and its programming in the areas of freedom of expression and access to information. Strong analytical and drafting skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and ability to exchange, develop and summarize concise information on complex issues.
• Ability to collect, consolidate, synthesize and analyze information from various sources.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in multicultural environment with external and internal partners.
• Excellent organization and planning skills, including the ability to organize own work priorities and deadlines. Discretion and maturity of judgement.
• Solid computer skills including advanced knowledge of office software such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Familiarity with the UN system.

Languages

• Excellent written and editing skills in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

• Work experience in UNESCO or experience with assignments for the UN is considered an asset.

Languages

• Knowledge of another UNESCO Official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).=