Individual Consultant for Communication and Information

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 promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. The organization has a mission to build peace in the minds of men and women, and it operates in over 190 countries with a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering universal access to information, promoting freedom of expression, and developing media literacy societies, thereby contributing to the creation of knowledge societies.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant for Communication and Information is situated within UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector, which focuses on promoting freedom of expression and media development. The consultant will assist in projects related to Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion, particularly in the area of Open Educational Resources (OER). The role involves supporting capacity-building initiatives, organizing regional meetings, and developing communication materials. The consultant will work under the supervision of senior officials and will be responsible for ensuring effective implementation of communication strategies and project deliverables. This position requires a proactive approach to fostering collaboration and enhancing the visibility of UNESCO's initiatives in the field of education and information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Consultant include:

• Supporting UNESCO’s capacity-building initiatives for the implementation of the 2019 Recommendation on OER by organizing regional information meetings, preparing briefing materials, and ensuring follow-up actions are implemented.
• Assisting in the preparation and launch of communication materials on OER, coordinating with various organizations for the development and dissemination of advocacy materials.
• Developing and disseminating capacity-building toolkits by consolidating existing materials into comprehensive resources.
• Creating awareness-raising content, including human interest stories and case studies on Open Solutions.
• Providing follow-up support for communication projects, ensuring quality control of deliverables and monitoring project milestones.
• Organizing training sessions on OER and Open Solutions, developing training materials, and facilitating sessions.
• Supporting online collaborative activities through the UNESCO OER Dynamic Coalition Portal, coordinating content development and community engagement.
• Undertaking specific duties as instructed by the Supervisor, including drafting information materials and ensuring visibility of activities through articles and newsletters.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, communication, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience at the international level in education and/or communication and information. Excellent communication and writing skills are essential, along with the ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data. Candidates should demonstrate strong coordination and negotiation skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Knowledge of UNESCO/UN rules and procedures is also required, along with proficiency in graphic design and multimedia product development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in a relevant field such as education, communication, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication and information in an international context, particularly as it relates to UNESCO's mission and objectives.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience at the international level is required. This experience should be in the fields of education, communication, or information, with a focus on project implementation and communication strategies. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in multilingual contexts and should be familiar with the challenges and opportunities of international collaboration in education and information sectors.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of English and very good knowledge of French. Knowledge of additional languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and/or Spanish is considered an asset and will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNESCO's global initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is for a period of 11 months, with an estimated start date of 26 March 202

• The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in a hybrid manner, combining remote and in-office work. The application process requires candidates to submit a technical proposal, personal CV, and a financial proposal indicating a competitive fee for the assignment. The maximum fee is set at 4500 EUR monthly. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and persons with disabilities. All applications will be treated confidentially, and UNESCO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.