Jr Consultant-Media and Elections

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting human rights, gender equality, and cultural diversity. UNESCO operates numerous programs and initiatives worldwide, focusing on education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information.

Job Overview:
The Junior Consultant-Media and Elections position is critical as Bangladesh approaches its national elections, where political polarization, security issues, and institutional fragility present significant challenges. The role is designed to support the BALLOT Project, which aims to enhance the institutional capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and promote voter education and civic engagement. The consultant will be involved in project management activities, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of project interventions. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the media and electoral landscape in Bangladesh, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and partners. The consultant will also contribute to initiatives aimed at promoting freedom of expression and mitigating misinformation and electoral violence, thereby playing a vital role in ensuring inclusive and credible elections that are essential for sustaining peace and democratic governance in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: supporting project management activities such as planning, implementation, and monitoring of project interventions; conducting research and knowledge management; identifying new initiatives and partnerships; coordinating with government counterparts and other stakeholders; producing clear and concise written materials; managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines; and submitting regular activity progress reports. The consultant will also be tasked with organizing events, preparing meeting documents, and documenting proceedings of meetings and workshops. Additionally, the consultant will be expected to collaborate closely with the Project Lead and other team members to ensure the successful execution of project objectives and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Journalism, or a related field relevant to media and elections, freedom of expression, or governance. A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in media development, monitoring, and communication within the electoral or governance context in Bangladesh is required, with prior experience in a senior capacity. Preferred qualifications include 5 years of experience in governance programs, journalism, media monitoring, or public-interest communication, as well as proven experience in advocacy and policy engagement with government institutions and key stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Communications, Media Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Journalism, or a related discipline that pertains to media and elections, freedom of expression, or governance. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively contribute to the project and its objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in media development, monitoring, and communication within the electoral or governance context in Bangladesh. This experience should include prior roles in senior capacities, particularly in assisting the capacity building of government officials, journalists, and other key stakeholders. Preferred candidates will have 5 years of experience in governance programs, journalism, media monitoring, or public-interest communication, as well as experience in managing or supporting projects involving planning, coordination, and resource mobilization.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English and Bangla (oral and written) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders involved in the project. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is initially set for 3 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project requirements. The expected start date for the role is December 202

• The consultant will be expected to work 5 days a week, totaling 40 hours per week, excluding lunch breaks. The remuneration for the position ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 BDT per month, depending on the level of experience and qualifications, along with travel costs according to UN rates. Interested candidates are required to submit their applications through the UNESCO jobs portal, including the UNESCO personal history form, and should send their applications to recruitment.dhaka@unesco.org by the application deadline.