UNESCO Service Contract - Communication & Information Unit

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to promote peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women by fostering collaboration among nations. The organization operates numerous programs and initiatives worldwide, focusing on education, cultural preservation, and the promotion of freedom of expression. The Communication and Information Unit in Cambodia is part of this broader mission, working specifically on media development and the safety of journalists.

Job Overview:
The position of Service Contract holder within UNESCO's Communication and Information Unit in Cambodia is designed to support the coordination, technical implementation, and program management of various activities related to media development, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists. The incumbent will play a crucial role in ensuring that the unit's projects are effectively designed and implemented, with a particular focus on youth engagement. This role requires a deep understanding of the media landscape in Cambodia, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and media literacy. The Service Contract holder will be responsible for ensuring coherent delivery across the unit’s thematic mandate, which includes working closely with government ministries, UN agencies, and civil society partners to achieve the objectives set forth in UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Programme Coordination and Implementation: The Service Contract holder will coordinate and contribute to the design and implementation of the CI Unit's program activities in Cambodia, focusing on press freedom, media development, safety of journalists, digital transformation, and media and information literacy. This includes preparing correspondence, identifying local partners, and monitoring project activities.
• Technical Assistance and Policy Support: The role involves providing technical assistance, developing needs assessments, and drafting technical papers and policy briefs to support evidence-based programming and policy dialogue.
• Partnerships, Meetings, and Capacity-Building Events: The incumbent will assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and trainings, ensuring that all logistical and administrative materials are prepared.
• Data, Reporting, and Knowledge Management: Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing data related to media development and freedom of expression, preparing project briefs and progress reports, and attending project-related meetings.
• External Relations and Public Information: The Service Contract holder will facilitate press briefings and other activities to enhance the visibility of UNESCO Cambodia's Communication and Information program.
• Additional activities as required to ensure the success of the work team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media studies, international relations, public policy, or a related field. They should have demonstrated experience in program coordination within an international organization, UN system, or NGO setting. A substantive knowledge of media development, press freedom, and journalist safety is essential, along with familiarity with digital transformation and media literacy issues in the Cambodian context. Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills are required, as well as the ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines. Proactive and well-organized individuals who can work independently and collaboratively in a team environment are preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, media studies, international relations, or public policy is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of media development and the safety of journalists, as well as the broader context of digital transformation and media literacy.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in program coordination, particularly within international organizations, the UN system, or NGOs. Experience working on media development, press freedom, and journalist safety is essential, as is familiarity with digital transformation and media literacy issues in Cambodia or the regional context. Stakeholder engagement experience with government counterparts, civil society, and media organizations is also important.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Khmer are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the program's objectives.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 11 months, and it is open to external candidates. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity. UNESCO emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply. All applications will be treated with confidentiality, and candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years, and no fees are charged at any stage of the hiring process.