Back Consultancy services - Freedom of Expression and related issues Geneva

OVERVIEW

Grade :

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Geneva

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement: [[filter13]]

Job Family: Communication and Information

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 7 to 11 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 02-FEB-2025

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

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the direct authority of the Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva (GLO) and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FEJ), and in close consultation with the Coordinator of the Multi-Donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP) and the Associate Programme Specialist. In line with the UNESCO Major Programme V's Main Line of Action I and in line with the Multi-Donor Programme’s Outcome 1 (corresponding to Programme V/MLA1/ER 1 in the 42/C5), namely “Member States are enhancing norms and policies related to freedom of expression, including press freedom and the right to access information, online and offline, and are reinforcing the safety of journalists by implementing the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity”, and in agreement with the Decision of the 31st IPDC Council calling for reinforced synergies with the methodology of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) , and within the framework of a project entitled ”Utilizing the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process to improve freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists”, the Individual Consultant shall contribute to the implementation of project activities.

Long Description

Background

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a process within the UN system, involving the continuous assessment of the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. This state-driven procedure offers a unique chance for multi-stakeholder cooperation, through the submission of reports and within the framework of the implementation of recommendations. A research project by Sciences Po under the supervision of UNESCO in 2021 found that out of a total of 79,387 recommendations given over 3 cycles (up until the date of report submission), 3,205 recommendations (4,04%) fell under the topic of freedom of expression. Throughout the three cycles, the proportion of recommendations on freedom of expression has increased slightly, with the topics most mentioned being “laws and regulations” and “safety of journalists”. To fully harness the potential of the UPR to enhance freedom of expression, safety of journalists and access to information, UNESCO has developed a set of resources for different stakeholders to better engage with the UPR process in the field of freedom of expression.

Long Description

Scope of work

The Individual Consultant shall, in close coordination with the Section of Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FMD/FEJ), ensure the implementation of activities under the framework of the aforementioned project. In particular, the Individual Consultant shall:

• Support the organization of debates and workshops for government representatives, decision makers, media professionals, and civil society organizations in relation to freedom of expression and safety of journalists, and in connection with the various steps of the UPR process;
  • Disseminate and update relevant guidance and guidelines;
    • Assist in the organization of webinars, online workshops and meetings on the importance of Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Safety of Journalists and how to use the UPR to address national gaps, targeting different stakeholder groups within the framework of the project, including by preparing and sending invitations, liaising with participants and preparing written content for the meetings such as session descriptions and summaries, background notes and presentations;
      • Assist in liaising with stakeholders involved in the UPR, such as OHCHR and assist the Chief of Section and the Director of the Liaison Office with meetings through the preparation of briefings and talking points;
        • Contribute to proof-reading and reviewing of UNESCO reports covering Freedom of Expression to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism;
          • Prepare news items on project activities and ensure reporting on the project, including by providing elements to the project donors and for UNESCO internal reporting;
            • Assist in fundraising efforts regarding further projects on the UPR mechanisms, including by researching funding opportunities and contributing to concept notes and funding proposals;

              Long Description

              • Assist the Section CI/FMD/FEJ in implementing a partnership with the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), as well as other activities/projects in involving Geneva-based partners;
              • Support in the coordination on activities related to safety of journalists with OHCHR;
              • Monitor activities on freedom of expression and safety of journalists as required during the Human Rights Councils.
              • Perform other tasks related to the section’s work on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists and the Universal Periodic Review as requested by the Chief of Section or the Director of the Liaison Office.

                COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Accountability (C)Communication (C)Innovation (C)Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)Planning and organizing (C)Results focus (C)Teamwork (C)Professionalism (C)

                - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

                REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

                • A University degree preferably complemented by a Master degree in social sciences such as international relations, philosophy, human rights related fields.
                • At least 2 years progressively responsible professional experience in a multilateral work environment, working directly with government representatives.
                • Excellent English and knowledge of French

                  DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

                  • Experience working with UNESCO particularly in the fields of expertise in the CI and/or SHS Sector preferably in the area of freedom of expression.
                  • Excellent French, knowledge of other languages

                    BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

                    Deliverables and remuneration

                    • At the end of each month, the Individual Consultant will report directly, to the Director of the Geneva Liaison Office (GLO), on the progress of their work and missions before any payment.
                    • The GLO will provide an office, a professional email address and the computer equipment required to accomplish the assigned tasks.
                    • If the Individual Consultant has to participate in field missions, the GLO will provide ATKS (economy class and direct route) and 100% DSA & TF.
                    • The Individual Consultant has to provide a medical certificate and proof of the health insurance coverage valid in Switzerland and during missions abroad before starting the consultation with the GLO.

                      SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

                      HOW TO APPLY

                      Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and submit the following documents:

                      1. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
                      2. Technical and financial proposals indicating monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above, including travel and other related costs. (Applications submitted without a monthly rate will not be considered)
                      3. The contact details of three references.

                         Your application should be submitted in just one file with all the documents required (pdf format) to be uploaded in the application section \"Employment History Form\"

                         Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

                         The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.

                         UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

                         Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.