UNESCO Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. Its core values include commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant at UNESCO involves providing technical expertise to enhance the protection ecosystem for women journalists facing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Pakistan. The consultant will work under the authority of the Country Representative to Pakistan and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer in the Communication and Information Sector. The role encompasses leading the development of evidence-based research, policy analysis, and practical resources aimed at improving institutional responses to online violence against women journalists. The consultant will document and map the existing protection ecosystem, analyze relevant legal and policy frameworks, and develop recommendations to strengthen institutional coordination and support mechanisms. Additionally, the consultant will engage with stakeholders through consultations and discussions to validate findings and ensure that recommendations are contextually relevant and aligned with international standards. The outputs will contribute to UNESCO's broader goals of ensuring the safety of journalists, promoting freedom of expression, and advancing gender equality in Pakistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including: conducting analytical research to understand the nature and prevalence of TFGBV affecting women journalists; mapping the protection ecosystem for women journalists, including existing prevention and support mechanisms; reviewing legal and policy frameworks related to cybercrime and online violence; identifying opportunities for strengthening institutional coordination; developing practical technical resources such as training toolkits and resource guides; facilitating stakeholder consultations to gather perspectives and validate findings; documenting stakeholder feedback; and preparing a consolidated implementation roadmap outlining priority actions for enhancing institutional responses to TFGBV.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in relevant fields such as Journalism, Media Studies, Law, Human Rights, Gender Studies, or Public Policy. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas directly relevant to the assignment is required. This includes experience in media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and gender equality. Candidates should demonstrate experience in research and policy analysis, developing analytical reports, and engaging with various stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society organizations. A strong understanding of Pakistan's media landscape and relevant legal frameworks is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in disciplines such as Journalism, Media Studies, Law, Human Rights, digital rights, cybersecurity, Gender Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, or Social Sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the issues at hand and for developing effective strategies and resources to address them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass progressively responsible roles in fields such as media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, human rights, and gender equality. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting research and policy analysis, developing reports and guidance materials, and engaging with stakeholders across various sectors. Experience in Pakistan's media landscape and legal frameworks related to freedom of expression and online safety is particularly valuable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Urdu is considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is six months, starting from September 202

• The position is classified as a Level 2 - Middle Consultant Contract, and it is open to external candidates. The consultant will be expected to work on-site in Islamabad. The application process requires candidates to submit a comprehensive technical proposal, relevant writing samples, a financial proposal, and an updated CV. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and integrity in the hiring process and encourages individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, to apply.