Consultant for Media Viability

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO, which stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Established in 1945, UNESCO aims to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO's mission includes promoting freedom of expression, media development, and fostering knowledge societies through universal access to information and innovation for sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Media Viability is situated within UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector. The primary mission of this sector is to promote freedom of expression and media development while fostering media-literate societies. The consultant will work under the authority of the director-general" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information and will directly report to the Director for Freedom of Expression, Media Development, and Media and Information Literacy. The consultant's role is pivotal in addressing the viability challenges faced by media in the digital and AI era. This includes leading UNESCO's initiatives on media viability, enhancing responses to challenges such as fair compensation and sustainable revenue models, and managing the process of updating UNESCO’s Media Viability Indicators. The consultant will also be responsible for outreach efforts, fundraising, and supporting the preparation of key meetings and reports related to media viability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading UNESCO’s inputs on the implementation of the Media Viability Manifesto and the Principles for Effective Support to the Media and Information Environment.
• Enhancing UNESCO's response to media viability challenges in the digital and AI era.
• Managing the update process of UNESCO’s Media Viability Indicators and identifying opportunities for their piloting.
• Developing and implementing a structured engagement strategy targeting Member States, media development organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating visibility efforts across UNESCO platforms and strengthening partnerships.
• Identifying and securing opportunities to promote UNESCO’s work on media viability, including preparing materials for conferences and donor engagements.
• Contributing to the preparation of the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.
• Supporting fundraising efforts by identifying relevant donors and preparing outreach materials.
• Assisting in the preparation of the 70th IPDC Bureau meeting and 35th Council session, including drafting reports and working documents. 1
• Supporting the management of IPDC’s annual project cycle and other tasks as requested by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary to the IPDC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Journalism/Media studies, international development, political sciences, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project planning, coordination, and analysis in media development or related public policy fields. Proven experience in preparing official reports and documentation is essential, along with at least 2 years of relevant work experience with UN agencies or intergovernmental organizations. Experience in outreach, partnership-building, and donor engagement is also required, including contributions to fundraising materials or proposal development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Journalism, Media Studies, International Development, Political Sciences, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of media viability and the broader context of international development.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass project planning, coordination, and analysis specifically within the realms of media development, international development, or related public policy fields. Candidates should also have at least 2 years of experience working with UN agencies or intergovernmental organizations, which is vital for understanding the operational frameworks and expectations within such entities.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English, which is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of French and/or other official languages of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and would enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The consultant contract is for a duration of 11 months, with a full-time workload expected. The selected candidate will have the flexibility to work remotely. The estimated start date for the contract is between February and March 202

• The monthly budget for this assignment is capped at USD 6,080, which is commensurate with the level of relevant professional experience. Candidates are required to submit both a Technical and Financial proposal as part of their application, and applications without these components will not be considered. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities to apply.