Parent Sector : Communication and Information-Dhaka
Duty Station: Dhaka
Job Family: Communication and information
Type of contract : Consultant
Duration of contract : 3 months with possibility of extension
Recruitment open to : Internal and external
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time): 25 November 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections, the stakes remain high. Political polarization, security concerns, and institutional fragility continue to pose challenges, while heightened public expectations place additional pressure on election administrators. The broader electoral landscape is being shaped by shifting media dynamics. Press freedom has improved since the July–August 2024 uprising, with previously restricted outlets resuming operations. However, self-censorship persists, and social media remains largely unregulated, heightening the risks of hate speech, harassment, and misinformation. Addressing these challenges requires a balanced approach that upholds media freedom while mitigating the risks of misinformation and polarization.
The BALLOT Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC), promote voter education and civic engagement, support legal and electoral reforms, and enhance safeguards against misinformation and electoral violence. Through the BALLOT Project, the United Nations—led jointly by UNDP, UNESCO, and UN Women—is providing technical assistance to Bangladesh to advance democratic governance. The initiative serves as a platform for institutional strengthening, voter empowerment, and confidence-building in the electoral process. Inclusive and credible elections remain essential to sustaining peace, reinforcing democratic institutions, and maintaining long-term stability.
Under the framework of UNESCO’s contribution to the BALLOT Project and in alignment with SDG 16.10, the Junior Consultant will support project management activities, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of project interventions and priorities. The role will include coordination, research, knowledge management, and identification of new initiatives and partnerships as guided by the project coordination committee. The Junior Consultant will also contribute to UNESCO’s collaboration with law enforcement authorities on Freedom of Expression initiatives. The position requires a sound understanding of Bangladesh’s media and electoral environment, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with government counterparts, donors, and partners in alignment with UNDP and BEC.
The Junior Consultant will work under the supervision of the Project Lead, Media and Elections, BALLOT Project, in close coordination with the Head of Office and the UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh. The role will also involve close collaboration with UNESCO Headquarters and partner agencies, including UNDP, UN Women, and the BEC
Duration: Initial contract of 3 months, with possibility of extension based on performance and project requirements.
Start Date: December 2025
Remuneration: 60,000-100,000 BDT per month (depending on level of experience and qualifications), plus travel costs according to UN rates
Time Commitment: 5 days per week (40 hours per week, excluding lunch break)
DELIVERABLES
The Consultant will submit the following deliverables:
Activity Progress Report: A concise monthly report summarizing activities undertaken, progress achieved, and pending actions.
Event documents: Agendas, invitations, participation lists and other logistical support elements for each event supported.
Meeting and Event Reports: Timely submission of concise summaries and documented proceedings of meetings, FGDs, and workshops, including participant lists, photos, and key discussion points.
Final Project Report: A comprehensive report summarizing all project activities, results, and lessons learned at the end of the assignment.
Minimum Academic Requirements (level of education, relevant major)
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Journalism, or a related discipline relevant to media and elections, freedom of expression, or governance.
General Professional Experience
Specific Professional Experience
Excellent knowledge of English and Bangla (oral and written).
Previous experience in elections, media development, safety of journalists, capacity building of government and non-government officials, or freedom of expression initiatives.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through the UNESCO jobs portal, including the UNESCO personal history form. Please integrate your CV and a brief statement of interest into the PHF as the system allows only one file to be attached. Applications should be sent to recruitment.dhaka@unesco.org by 25 November 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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