Media and Development Communication Practitioner

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency established in 1969, dedicated to promoting gender equality, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). With a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on empowering women and girls, advocating for their rights, and addressing issues related to population dynamics. UNFPA's work is guided by the principles of human rights and social justice, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals. In the Philippines, UNFPA is actively involved in initiatives that challenge discriminatory social norms and promote positive gender norms through media engagement and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The Media and Development Communication Practitioner will play a crucial role in developing communication guidelines aimed at promoting positive gender and social norms within the media landscape of the Philippines. This position is part of UNFPA's Country Programme for 2025, which seeks to transform societal perceptions and behaviors through effective media engagement. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive situational analysis of current media practices, identifying challenges and opportunities in promoting gender equality and SRHR. The role involves collaborating with national media organizations to develop and implement capacity-building workshops, ensuring that media professionals are equipped to create and disseminate gender-transformative content. The overarching goal is to foster a network of media champions who advocate for gender equality and social transformation, thereby contributing to the elimination of discriminatory biases in media reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Media and Development Communication Practitioner will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive situational analysis of media reporting trends related to gender and SRHR in the Philippines, including consultations with national media organizations and gender experts.
• Developing communication guidelines that promote positive gender and social norms, ensuring they are practical and adaptable across various media platforms.
• Designing and implementing a capacity-building program for media organizations, which includes training workshops, seminars, and ongoing mentorship to enhance their ability to produce gender-sensitive content.
• Engaging with media organizations and journalists to promote responsible and ethical media practices.
• Monitoring and evaluating the progress of media organizations in implementing the communication guidelines and producing gender-sensitive content.
• Preparing regular progress reports and a final report detailing key achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future media initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess the following qualifications:

• A degree in Development Communication, Media Studies, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in media and communication, with a focus on gender advocacy and capacity-building within media organizations.
• A strong understanding of gender equality, SRHR, and human rights issues, particularly in the context of media.
• Proven ability to develop communication strategies and guidelines related to gender and social norms.
• Experience in delivering training programs, workshops, and mentoring for media professionals.
• Familiarity with the media landscape in the Philippines and experience working with national media organizations.
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, specifically a degree in fields such as Development Communication, Media Studies, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or other related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of media communication, gender issues, and social norms, which are critical to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in media and communication, particularly in areas related to gender advocacy and capacity-building within media organizations. This experience should include a strong understanding of gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and human rights issues, especially as they pertain to media practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communication and reporting will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Filipino or other local languages would be considered an asset, as it may enhance engagement with local media organizations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will involve 55-person days spread over a duration of 6 months, with a flexible work environment that allows for both virtual and face-to-face interactions. The consultant will be compensated on a per deliverable basis, with a total payment structure outlined for the completion of specific deliverables. UNFPA will cover travel costs and other related expenses for fieldwork, and the consultant is expected to work closely with UNFPA's Gender/GBV Programme and Communications Team for monitoring and quality checks. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.