International Consultant - Communication and Information

Contract

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Vacancy Notice Reference: \[VN092023-18373-IC-CI-YGN\] **OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI) Duty Station: Yangon Classification of duty station: \[\[filter12\]\] Standard Duration of Assignement: \[\[filter13\]\] Job Family: Communication and Information Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 24-Feb-2023 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** ----------------------------------------- 1. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE --------------------------- UNESCO works to create an enabling environment for a free, independent and pluralistic media by promoting and protecting freedom of expression, safety of journalists, access to information and fostering a media and information literate society. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under Goal 16, recognizes the importance of “access to information, fundamental freedoms and the safety of journalists for the creation of peaceful, just and inclusive societies”. The projects “Preventing hate speech and promoting peaceful society through Media and Information Literacy” and “Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists” aim to help facilitate UNESCO’s work in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNESCO office in Myanmar is working with a wide range of stakeholders, including the international and local media development organizations, local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), journalists and media associations, on a series of activities to promote the freedom of expression and access to information. The activities include awareness raising on freedom of expression and safety of journalists, capacity building programmes and multimedia campaigns to promote Media and Information Literacy and advocacy for the development of Community Media in Myanmar. UNESCO also supports to strengthen the capacity of journalist regarding reporting on ethnic, cultural and religious issues, strengthen the capacity of community media to promote diversity and pluralism, enhance the awareness and dialogue on diversity, discrimination and pluralism of youth and women, and peace education as intersectoral activities. 2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT ---------------------------- To get technical and advisory support bringing critical input from an individual consultant for the communication and information unit of UNESCO Myanmar Project Antenna Office regarding resource mobilization, planning and implementation of the projects related to freedom of expression, press freedom, the safety of journalists, preventing hate speech, community media development and promoting peaceful society through media and information literacy. 3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ------------------------------ **Supervisory arrangements:** Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education and the direct supervision of the Head of Project Antenna Office in Yangon, in close collaboration with the UNESCO Communication and Information (CI) unit. The individual specialist shall be responsible for the following; **Terms of Reference:** 1\. Provide technical assistance in drafting concept notes, terms of reference, press releases, publications regarding the activities regarding Freedom of Expression, Press Freedom, Safety of Journalists, preventing hate speech and promoting peaceful society through Media and Information Literacy project. 1.1 Dialogues, meetings, workshops, trainings and other activities to strengthen the safety of journalists; 1.2 Dialogues, meetings, workshops and other activities to support the key stakeholders and partners; 1.3 Dialogues, meetings, workshops, trainings and other activities related to development and sustainability of community media; 1.4 Dialogues, meetings, workshops, trainings and other activities related to Media and Information Literacy (MIL), information disorder and hate speech; 1.5 Dialogues, meetings, workshops, trainings and other activities related to promoting peaceful society, diversity, inclusiveness and tolerance by collaborating with local Civil Society Organization/ Community Based Organizations (CSOs/CBOs). 1.6 Consultation meetings with relevant stakeholders and partners to promote collaboration and coordination for the implementation activities. 1.7 Commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI), World Radio Day (WRD), Global MIL Week and any other related campaigns and events. 2\. Provide technical assistance and support in organizing the following activities, and develop monitoring tools based on the [M&E Plan and Guidance](https://unesco.sharepoint.com/sites/EvaluationFocalPointNetwork/SitePages/Tools.aspx) 2.1 Provide technical advice and assistance for quality control of project partner’s deliverables regarding the safety of journalists; 2.2 Provide technical expertise and share knowledge on Safety of Journalists. The presentation will focus on specific laws and regulations relevant to journalists’ safety in Myanmar and methods to ensure journalists’ safety in daily practice; 2.3 Provide technical expertise and share knowledge at forums regarding the development and sustainability of community media, including at the workshops on community media with relevant partners. The presentation will focus on the role of community radio in development within the context of Myanmar and the provisions in the Broadcasting Law (2015) and its By-Law (2020) for community media; 2.4 Provide technical advice in formation of Community Media Support Network in Myanmar and review the advocacy and action plan of the network; 2.5 Provide technical advice on the research to support on the promotion awareness and dialogue through multimedia outreach targeting a diverse range of youth and women in order to enhance access to media outputs and education promoting diversity, inclusion and peace. 2.6 Provide technical advice to support the capacity building plans/strategy and lead the provision of training to community media, women/ youth groups and educators/teachers to promote inclusion and diversity. 2.7 Provide technical expertise and support on the activities related with enhancing collaboration and dialogue between civil society and media organizations to foster inclusion and diversity 2.8 Provide technical expertise and share knowledge at the seminars on Countering Information Disorder and Hate Speech through MIL to be organized with relevant partners and stakeholders. 3\. Work closely with CI team to design and prepare work plans for next stages of the Multi-Donor Programme and Peacebuilding fund’s activities and facilitate resource mobilization efforts through cooperation and partnerships. 3.1 An action plan describing the concrete activities that will be undertaken in 2023. These activities shall include advocacy efforts vis-à-vis duty bearers concerning the role of journalists and the importance of the media on the road to democracy. Further, the action plan shall include activities to mobilize peer journalists and gather their support for the issue of journalists’ safety; 3.2 The next stages to enhance the role of media and strengthen media self-regulation related to freedom of expression online and offline; 3.3 The next stages to focus on the legislative environment and key regulation for the establishment of sustainable community media. It shall be based on regulation currently in place and include recommendations for regulatory change integrating the advocacy and action plan of the community media support network; 3.4 The next stages to promote Media and Information Literacy in Myanmar. 3.5 Prepare relevant background/technical information (e.g., Brief notes) of the programs for use during donor visit or audit process. 3.6 Support the Head of the Office and CI team in the development of proposals and budgets and finding funding opportunities. **Note:** Due to COVID-19 pandemic and political situation, a degree of flexibility is needed to allow for amendment of the contract deliverables, travel and requisite payment. The participation at the consultation meetings, dialogues, trainings may be in person or through virtual conferencing depending on the COVID-19 pandemic and political situation in Myanmar and the availability of the Individual Specialist. **Travel:** The Specialist will be required to travel on missions directly related to projects and implementation during the assignment. The Specialist should travel economy class and receive Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties. The Individual Specialist is responsible for obtaining United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS) security clearance prior to each approved mission. 4. TIMETABLE AND DELIVERABLES ------------------------------ The Individual Specialist is required to provide, in addition to PDF files, the source documents and the editable version (such as Microsoft Word editable files) of the deliverables to UNESCO, who is the owner of all the deliverables. 4.1 Monthly progress reports outlining activities undertaken and achievements related to the work assignments by the last working day of each month between February and December 2023 including: a) Progress made in work assignment (refer to article 3.1), along with the final concept notes or terms of reference or press releases drafted; b) Progress made in work assignment (refer to article 3.2), along with the documents related to technical expertise and support; c) Progress made in work assignment (refer to article 3.3), along with the proposed work plans for next stages of the Multi-Donor Programme. 4.2 A final report summarizing the activities carried out, achievements and lessons learnt during the contract period by 22th December 2023. 4.3 A mission report, indicating the purpose of the mission, main activities including what was done during the mission, persons met and main points discussed, outcomes of the mission and follow up action points, is required to be submitted within two weeks after the end of each mission. All supporting travel documents (such as original boarding passes, original visa fee receipts, UNDSS security clearance) of official travel undertaken for reimbursement after each approved mission. **Timeframe** From: \[1st-March -2023\] To: \[31st-December -2023\] **No** **Deliverable(s)** **Article Reference** **Timeline** 1 Monthly Progress Report with concept note for advocacy project for safety of journalists, resources mobilization plan for 2024 – March 4.1 (a-c) 31st March 2023 2 Monthly Progress Report with mission report for UNESCO/UNSCC – April 4.1 (a-c) 30th April 2023 3 Monthly Progress Report with prepared donor report for PBF and WPFD event report \_ May 4.1 (a-c) 31st May 2023 4 Monthly Progress Report with comprehensive action plan – June 4.1 (a-c) 30th June 2023 5 Monthly Progress Report with concept note for self-evaluation process – July 4.1 (a-c) 31st July 2023 6 Monthly Progress Report with concept note and ToR for project evaluation process and IDUAI plan– August 4.1 (a-c) 31st Aug 2023 7 Monthly Progress Report with concept note for IDEI and IDUAI event report \_ September 4.1 (a-c) 30th September 2023 8 Monthly Progress Report with IDEI event report – October 4.1 (a-c) 31st October 2023 9 Monthly Progress Report with MDP progress reports November 4.1 (a-c) 30th November 2023 10 Final Report including travel documents with Donor reports - December 4.2 31st December 2023 5. FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED BY UNESCO (if any) ----------------------------------------------- **6. FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CONSULTANTS; AUTHORS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, FILM OR VIDEO PRODUCTION SPECIALISTS\] (if any)** N/A **COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ------------------------------------ Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **7.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** ----------------------------- **Education** Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in the field of communication, information science, social science, media, management or related areas. **Work Experience** Minimum ten (10) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in the field of communication and information. **Skills/Competencies** • Excellent project management, coordination and organizational skills; • Good analytical and problem-solving skills; • Ability to perform in facilitating workshops, dialogues and seminars focused on freedom of expression, right to information, journalists’ safety, community media and media and information literacy; • Strong technical skills regarding the projects related to Media and Information Literacy (MIL), safety of journalists and press freedom • Strong expertise and demonstrated experience in developing action plans and advocacy strategies aimed at mobilizing donor support for media development initiatives. • Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills; • Creative thinking and problem-solving skills; • Proven ability to work efficiently, under pressure, and in a multi-cultural environment **Languages** • Excellent knowledge of English (both written and spoken). **8. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** ------------------------------- **Work Experience** • Work experience with the UN or other inter-governmental organizations in relevant fields; • Strong ability and prior experience working in media development in the Asia-Pacific Region, in particular in the development and support of media initiatives related to freedom of expression, right to information, journalists’ safety, community media and media and information literacy. • Familiar with Myanmar’s media landscape and context, including knowledge on the existing media houses and journalists’ associations and organizations. • Proven experience in regional coordination and technical assistance; • Proven experience in donor and stakeholder relationship management; • Experience in preparing publications and reports; • Research experience; • Experience in leading, guiding and supervising international teams; • Relevant experience in the Asia-Pacific at both regional and national levels. **Skills/Competencies** • Good leadership and teamwork with excellent managerial skills. **Languages** • Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish). **APPLICATION PROCESS** ----------------------- Interested candidates should click on **“Apply Now”** and upload the following documents as a single PDF document in place of the Employment History Form. • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment. • Written technical and financial proposals (in English): o Approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum **4**, A4 pages), a workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference, in brief, if any, and o The proposed daily or monthly rates or the amount/budget to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD. Travel expenses should be drawn up separately. • Contact details including telephone numbers and email addresses of three referees. UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization the best value for money. **Additional Information** • Travel costs should be included in the financial proposal. • This contract is for a period of 10 months, with/without the possibility of extension. Estimated start date is: 1st March 2023 **Assessment** • Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered. • Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. **Note:** • Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidate(s) about the outcome or status of the selection process. • Please submit your application through SuccessFactors. Only if you are unable to attach requirements in the system, please inform us at [email protected] **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 a competency-based 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. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members 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. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. 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. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.