Technical Support for Media Capacity Building

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Position Title: Technical Support for Media Capacity Building
Location: Dominican Republic
Country: Dominican Republic
Deadline Date: 14.03.2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a presence in over 190 countries, UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women. The organization operates in various sectors, including education, natural sciences, social/human sciences, culture, and communication/information. It employs thousands of staff members globally, working towards sustainable development and fostering intercultural dialogue.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing technical support to the Communication and Information Programme at UNESCO, specifically focusing on enhancing the institutional capacities of Dominican media to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. The incumbent will work under the authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana and will directly report to the National Officer of the Communication and Information Programme. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the local media landscape and the ability to implement capacity-building activities that support the development of institutional protocols for improved emergency preparedness and response. The successful applicant will also be responsible for reviewing existing guidelines for media coverage of emergencies and disasters, ensuring they are updated to reflect current needs and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will carry out a thorough review of the locally produced 'Guidelines for media coverage of emergencies and disasters' and will incorporate necessary provisions related to business continuity operations, content production, infrastructure preservation, women's journalists' safety, multistakeholder participation, psychological support for media staff, and other relevant aspects tailored to the local context. Additionally, the role involves executing concrete actions to implement capacity-building activities aimed at developing institutional protocols that enhance preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters. The incumbent will also be responsible for producing and reporting on workshop minutes and proposing next steps for ongoing development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Social Communication, Information Sciences, Disaster Risk Management, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in journalism, media research, media development, journalism education, or training. Proven experience in technical report writing and involvement in research or development projects addressing disaster risk reduction is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, analytical and research capabilities, and advanced IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office tools. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and under pressure while meeting tight deadlines is crucial.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Communication, Information Sciences, or Disaster Risk Management is required. A PhD in these areas is considered a desirable qualification, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in fields such as journalism, media research, or disaster risk management. Experience in similar roles within the UN system or in projects implemented in collaboration with UN organizations is highly desirable, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational context and expectations of working within international frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of English is also required, as it facilitates communication within the international context of UNESCO. Advanced knowledge of English is considered a desirable qualification, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under a non-staff contract, with a duration ranging from 1 to 6 months. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the application deadline is set for midnight on March 14, 202

• UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is dedicated to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.