International Consultant for Media Training on Gender and Migration

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment. It merges the work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system focused on gender issues, namely DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. UN Women operates globally, advocating for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, employing individuals regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other basis covered by law. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and discrimination. The organization has a significant presence in various countries, working on initiatives that promote gender-responsive policies and practices.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Media Training on Gender and Migration involves enhancing the capacity of media professionals in South Africa to report on migration issues through a gender-responsive lens. The consultant will build on the pilot media training conducted in 2025, focusing on ethical, trauma-sensitive, and human rights-based reporting. The consultancy aims to equip journalists, editors, and media practitioners with the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately represent the experiences of migrant women and other marginalized groups in migration narratives. The consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering training sessions, developing a structured learning pathway, and ensuring the meaningful participation of migrant women leaders in the training process. The overarching goal is to promote inclusive media narratives that reflect the agency and contributions of migrant women, thereby fostering a more balanced public discourse on migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Training Design: Adapt and strengthen training content on gender-responsive migration reporting, integrating ethical and trauma-sensitive journalism approaches.
• Training Delivery: Conduct two in-person training sessions in Gauteng and Western Cape, facilitating interactive sessions and preparing training materials.
• Partnership Strengthening: Collaborate with the IOM South Africa Country Office and other media institutions to support the long-term institutionalization of gender-responsive migration reporting.
• Post-Training Follow-Up: Establish communities of practice for ongoing mentorship and peer learning, providing remote technical guidance on story development.
• Expected Deliverables: Prepare a training agenda, conduct training sessions, and submit a final report with key outcomes and recommendations. The consultant will also ensure that participants can define key concepts of gender equality, recognize biases in migration coverage, apply an intersectional lens to reporting, and address ethical challenges in their work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in social sciences, Gender Studies, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree. The consultant must have a minimum of five years of working experience in Gender Studies, International Relations, or Development Studies, with expertise in gender, migration, and media. Proven experience in facilitating media training and strong communication and participatory facilitation skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, Gender Studies, International Relations, or Development Studies. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of gender and migration issues, as well as for effectively training media professionals.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of relevant working experience in areas related to Gender Studies, International Relations, or Development Studies. This experience should include a strong focus on gender, migration, and media, as well as a proven track record in facilitating media training. The consultant must demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to engage participants effectively in a training environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of any other UN official language is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the field of gender and migration.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with a duration of 10 days, including preparation, training delivery, and reporting. The training will consist of two in-person sessions, one in Gauteng and another in Western Cape, with specific venues to be determined. The methodology will involve participatory approaches, case studies, and practical exercises to ensure effective learning. The budget for the consultancy will be agreed upon based on the scope of work and the consultant's experience. The consultant must adhere to UN Women’s ethical standards, including safeguarding principles and confidentiality requirements.