Consultant (Media pluralism and diversity) (Paris, France) contract Full Time

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 – Middle

Hiring Unit : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 10 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC±0 (UTC) Time) : 13/05/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

I.    Background 

1.1.    As part of its expected results under 43 C/5 5.4.CI, UNESCO supports initiatives that strengthen freedom of expression, media pluralism and diversity. In this context, particular importance is given to media development in fragile and transitional contexts, ensuring the representation and participation of all social groups — especially girls and women — and exploring the potential of new digital and AI-based solutions in the media sector.

1.2.    In line with its strategic objectives, UNESCO aims to support Member States and media organizations in designing and implementing dedicated programmes, projects and concrete activities to develop public service and community media. This support includes providing normative, policy, and operational guidance, capacity development, technical assistance, international cooperation, research, and project implementation. UNESCO also seeks to strengthen resource mobilization and partnerships to enhance the sustainability and scalability of current initiatives, as well as to launch new ones, which contribute to the development of inclusive, independent and pluralistic media ecosystems.

1.3.    The objective of this consultancy is to provide technical and operational support to UNESCO’s media pluralism and diversity initiatives, including the resource mobilization and partnerships, communication of results and monitoring of initiatives and projects funded from regular and extra-budgetary budgets.

II.    Scope of Work / Responsibilities

2.1.    Under the authority of the Director of the Division of Freedom of Expression, Media Development, Media and Information Literacy, the overall supervision of the Chief of the Section for Media Development and Emergency (MDE), Media Development and Emergency and the direct supervision of the Advisor for Communication and Information,

2.2.    The Individual Specialist will:

(i)    Provide technical advice and project management support relating to the media pluralism and diversity

a.    Offer concrete, actionable recommendations for implementing activities that strengthen public service and community service media, including institutional policy development, capacity building, content production, and establishing technical and financial sustainability mechanisms.

b.    Offer concrete and actionable recommendations for further mainstreaming and targeted interventions to advance gender equality in the media sector. This includes measures to promote the equal participation and representation of women and men in media institutions, representation and portrayal, and leadership schemes. It also includes actions to address gender bias, stereotypes, and discrimination in media production and the revision of editorial and management practices in growing gender-based violence in the digital domain.

(ii)    Provide concrete technical input for the implementation of projects funded from the regular programme and extra-budgetary budget 

a.    Provide concrete technical input for projects funded from the regular programme and the extra-budgetary resources.

b.    Ensure the accomplishment of project management tasks, including logistics and administration, for the organization of meetings, online consultations, and other events relating to the above-mentioned initiatives.

c.    Support monitoring, reporting, and documentation processes relating to initiatives, including preparing progress reports and knowledge and communication materials, and collecting lessons learned to inform evidence-based decision-making and enhance project effectiveness.

(iii)    Contribute to the resource mobilization and partnerships for projects promoting media development, pluralism, and diversity

a.    Conduct analysis and research, including mapping partners and donors, and reviewing existing funding mechanisms that are suitable for supporting media pluralism and diversity.

b.    Establish a list of potential donors and map their funding criteria and submission timelines. Maintain contact details.

c.    Assist with the organization of consultations with partners and donors who have been identified and provide input for resource mobilization documentation.

(iv)    Maintain communication and outreach channels related to the media pluralism and diversity 

a.    Provide input for the preparation, updating and revising of UNESCO’s CI/FMD webpage, social media and communication materials (news items, visualizations and promotional content).

b.    Support the creation of mailing lists, databases, survey instruments, forms and templates for managing information and data, in collaboration with the UNESCO staff responsible for communications and web development. 

1 June 2026 to 1 April 2027 (10 months, full-time)

III. Deliverables:

3.1.     Monthly progress reports include the following elements as per the timeline:

A. Inception deliverables (June – July 2026):
a)    Inception report with work plan
b)    Outlined methodology and proposed recommendations. 
c)    List of recommendations for resource mobilization and partnerships.
d)    List of communication materials and resources.

B. Implementation phase (August – March 2027)
a)    Progress report on implementation of workplan and methodology.

C. Project Implementation (June 2026 – March 2027)
a)    Progress reports on implementation of projects funded from the regular programme and extrabudgetary resources 
b)    Technical inputs for project documents, communications, and outreach materials (e.g. news items, conceptual notes, suggestions for communication strategy) related to pluralism and diversity, including public service media and community media

D. Resource mobilization and partnerships (June – November 2026)
a)    Comprehensive donor mapping report including funding modalities, criteria, contact details, and timelines. 
b)    Stakeholder and donor mapping report. 
c)    List of potential partnerships (Microsoft Excel format tables)

D. Operationalization and partnerships (June – December 2026) 
a)    Documents presenting actionable strategies, projects and concrete recommendations for engagement with partners. 
b)    Summaries of consultations with partners and donors, including key recommendations for next steps.

D. Communication and Outreach (June 2026 – March 2027)
a)    Provide inputs for updating and revising UNESCO’s CI/MDE webpage, social media, and communication materials (news items, visualizations and promotional content social media, including key messages). 
b)    Support the establishment of mailing lists, databases, survey instruments, forms, and templates for information management, in collaboration with UNESCO staff responsible for communication and web development.

E. Final report (March-April 2027) 
a)    Final report summarizing all findings and recommendations, immediate tasks to follow up with partners and donors.

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

EDUCATION

•    Advanced degree in media, communications, public policy, or related fields. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

•    At least five years of proven experience in media development, pluralism, diversity, and public service media and community media. 
•    At least two years’ work experience in project management and implementation related to communication and information.
•    Knowledge of donor funding mechanisms and project management in transitional or fragile contexts. 
•    Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills. 
•    Experience with UN agencies or international organizations is desirable.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

•    Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. 
•    Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills. 
•    Understanding of gender, inclusion, and diversity principles in media. 

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent knowledge of English or French and a good working knowledge of the other. Spanish and other UN languages would be an asset. 

Interested candidates should complete the on-line application, download and complete the Employment History form (Word file).
At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information:

Part 1: Technical Proposal
a)    an up-to-date curriculum vitae;
b)    a statement of maximum 200 words indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
c)    list of relevant publications, if any. Provide link or URL to view online.

Part 2: Financial Proposal 
a)    A competitive fee for the assignment, which should be quoted in EUR and expressed on a monthly basis (with maximum of 4.000 EUR per month) – the overall cost of the assignment, expressed as an overall lump-sum. 

Additional Information:
•    The selected candidate will work remotely and if needed attend the meeting at UNESCO Headquaters in Paris, France. No travel supported.
•    This Consultant Contract is for a period of 10 months.
•    Estimated contract dates from 1 June 2026 to 1 April 2027.

Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.