National Consultant: Advancing the Digital Safety of Women Journalists

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 through education, science, culture, and communication. The organization is committed to fostering freedom of expression and the safety of journalists, particularly in the context of emerging challenges such as Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting UNESCO's initiatives to enhance the protection ecosystem for women journalists in Pakistan who are facing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). This position requires the consultant to provide technical expertise through evidence-based research and policy analysis, aimed at developing practical resources that strengthen institutional responses to TFGBV. The consultant will be responsible for mapping existing protection mechanisms, identifying legal and institutional gaps, and recommending measures to improve coordination and support services. Additionally, the consultant will facilitate technical consultations with stakeholders to validate findings and ensure that recommendations are contextually relevant and aligned with international standards. The overarching goal is to contribute to UNESCO's broader mission of promoting the safety of journalists, freedom of expression, and gender equality in Pakistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a national mapping of the protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing TFGBV, which involves documenting existing prevention, protection, reporting, referral, and support mechanisms. The consultant will review relevant legal, policy, and institutional frameworks governing cybercrime and online violence, and identify opportunities for strengthening institutional coordination and operational responses. Furthermore, the consultant will develop practical technical resources, including a Training Toolkit and a Resource Guide, to support institutional capacity development. The consultant will also engage in stakeholder consultations to gather perspectives, validate findings, and document feedback for incorporation into final outputs. A consolidated implementation roadmap will be prepared to outline priority actions for strengthening 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, digital rights, cybersecurity, Gender Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, or Social Sciences. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in fields directly relevant to the assignment is required. This includes experience in media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, human rights, gender equality, and digital governance. Candidates should demonstrate experience in research and policy analysis, as well as developing analytical reports and technical guidance. Proven engagement with government institutions, media organizations, and civil society is essential, along with a strong understanding of Pakistan's media landscape and relevant legal frameworks.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in fields such as Journalism, Media Studies, Law, Human Rights, digital rights, cybersecurity, Gender Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, or Social Sciences is required for this position. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of the issues surrounding the safety of women journalists and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas directly relevant to the assignment. This includes experience in media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, human rights, gender equality, and digital governance. Demonstrated experience in conducting research and policy analysis, as well as developing analytical reports and technical guidance, is essential. Candidates should also have a proven track record of engaging with various stakeholders, including government institutions and civil society organizations, and should be familiar with Pakistan's media landscape and legal frameworks.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Urdu would be beneficial, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage effectively in the Pakistani context.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is six months, with an estimated total of 20 to 25 working days spread over the contract period. The position is based in Islamabad, with flexible working arrangements and regular in-person engagement at the UNESCO Office. The consultant will be expected to maintain regular communication with UNESCO and submit all deliverables for technical review and approval. The application process requires candidates to submit a comprehensive technical proposal, writing samples, and a financial proposal, among other documents. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process.