International Consultant: Media and Information Literacy, Gender, and Preventing Violent Extremism - Curriculum Development on Inclusive Approaches to Address Gendered Challenges that Emerge

Contract

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Background:

Please note that this is a consultancy assignment of a temporary nature, with an expected workload of 15 days over 3 months. As additional activities under the project are expected, suitable candidates may be placed on a Roster for future opportunities.

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, and democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The Transnational Threats Department/Action against Terrorism Unit (TNTD/ATU) is the focal point for co-ordinating and facilitating OSCE anti-terrorism activities. The Department contributes to the implementation of the OSCE’s counter-terrorism commitments by providing support to the Chairperson-in-Office, the Secretary General and the participating States on anti-terrorism matters and by enhancing co-ordination within the OSCE on related issues.

TNTD/ATU also assists participating States with implementing their relevant commitments in this area, as defined by relevant decisions, and acts on requests from participating States to assist in enhancing their capacities to respond to current and emerging terrorist threats. TNTD/ATU supports the work of relevant UN bodies and enhances co-operation with external partners and other regional organizations in preventing and countering terrorism. TNTD/ATU currently comprises 13 staff members.

In May 2023, TNTD/ATU launched Project ‘INFORMED: Information and Media Literacy in Preventing Violent Extremism – Human Rights and Gender-Sensitive approaches to the digital information disorder’. The project addresses challenges related to violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT) that stem from online environments, in a human rights compliant and gender-sensitive manner. The project methodology includes a combined approach that encompasses innovative research, evidence-based policy guidance and training development- and delivery, including a training-of-trainer component. It includes policy dialogue and awareness raising aiming to support government and non-government actors in applying inclusive and human-centred approaches to tackle this issue, focusing on media- and information literacy as prevention. Furthermore, there is a specific focus on building critical thinking and analysis and engaging youth.

The OSCE Policy Brief – Linkages between Violent Misogyny and Violent Extremism published by TNTD/ATU together with the OSCE Secretariat Gender Issues Programme’s WIN project in 2022, recommends specifically that the OSCE executive structures “Continue to develop training and guidelines using examples of all forms of VERLT, particularly evolving and emerging forms of VERLT, such as gender-driven violent extremism, including the targeting of public spaces primarily frequented by women and attacks on women in digital spaces”. This was also highlighted in an expert group meeting held in connection with the launch event of the policy brief in September 2022. The UN Secretary General in the report to the General Assembly also noted the prevalence of violent misogyny, xenophobia and hatred towards minorities in July 2022. In the online space, conspiracy theories that fuel misogyny and hate are used as a basis to justify attacks.[1] Similarly, during the OSCE expert group meeting on violent misogyny and violent extremism, and in line with current research, it was noted that VERLT is increasingly being both gendered and ‘gamified’, with violent extremist exploiting gaming spaces and related platforms for their purposes and youth adopting violent misogynistic and hateful attitudes at a very early age.[2] Educators and parents require awareness of the issue, and guidance on how to prevent this from happening as well as to be aware of their important role in a comprehensive approach to P/CVERLT. At the same time, this is a systemic issue, that requires multi-stakeholder approaches, where communities work in a cohesive way to prevent VERLT in all its forms and manifestations.

To this end, the OSCE TNTD/ATU is seeking a consultant to adapt an existing training module which is based on the guidebook ‘Understanding the Role of Gender in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism’ to specifically address gendered manifestations of VERLT in the online space, and develop case studies and participant-led activities to identify local inclusive ways to approach to this issue through building critical thinking and analytical skills.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the ATU, please see: https://www.osce.org/secretariat/terrorism

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Adviser on anti-Terrorism Issues, the consultant will be tasked with the following:

- Suggest relevant changes to the existing curriculum to make the 2-day training suitable to address gendered VERLT in the online space. The training should include elements from other OSCE publications and curricula, as well as take on-board key learnings from the evolving body of research on the nexus between violent misogyny and violent extremism.

-Identify relevant case studies and exercises from across the OSCE area and beyond and propose participant-led exercises that use adult learning methodologies.

-Prepare all material for participants including hand-outs, pre-coursework etc., checking regularly with ATU on and political sensitivities and challenges.

- Ensure that the design of the module with participant-led sessions, peer-learning and other adult learning strategies are appropriate for the intended audience, taking into account the institutional cultures of intended beneficiaries.

- Prepare evaluation and pre/post-test surveys.

- Take part in virtual co-ordination meetings upon request.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in a discipline relevant to one or more of the following topics: communication, media, social sciences, security studies, gender studies, criminology, and/or international human rights;

  · Demonstrated knowledge about gender dynamics, gender-based violence, online gender-based violence and sexual harassment, as well as an ability to integrate an advanced gender perspective into tasks and activities;

  · Understanding of age-sensitive approaches and challenges connected to the online information disorder and its effect on youth radicalization to violence, and gendered radicalization to violence; the misuse of violent extremist and terrorist groups of gendered narratives in online radicalization to violence, including in gaming forums;

  · A minimum of eight (8) years demonstrated experience in researching, analysing and developing content and/or training on gender awareness, prevention of gendered violence, violent extremism and the use of social media in good governance; countering terrorist use of the internet, preventing and countering violent extremism online, human rights in the context of countering violent extremism and terrorism online;

  · Knowledge of policy and practical challenges in counter-terrorism, preventing and countering VERLT, compliance with the rule of law and human rights in the context of the OSCE area or the MENA region;

  · Knowledge of the impact of online experiences (i.e. digital exclusion or bullying vs. inclusion) on citizens’ lives;

  · Knowledge of the online media and digital landscape in one or more regions of the OSCE and the MENA region is highly desirable;

  · Previous experience in conducting training in media literacy and critical thinking highly desirable;

  · Professional fluency in English including excellent writing skills;

  · Proficiency in Arabic, Russian or South-East European languages is a significant asset;

  · Previous experience in international capacity-building assistance, preferably with the OSCE, other international organizations or civil society in a relevant area;

  · Flexibility, cooperation and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

Additional Information

• Issued by: OSCE Secretariat
• Requisition ID: SEC000309
• Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) / Consultant
• Grade: No grade
• Job Type: Consultant
• Number of posts: 1
• Location: SEC - OSCE Secretariat, Vienna
• Issue Date: Sep 18, 2023
• Closing Date: Oct 2, 2023
• Target Start Date: As soon as possible