Senior Consultant (FEJ)

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Parent Sector: Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station: Paris

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): 09-FEB-2025

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

The Communication and Information Sector's mission is to promote freedom of expression, media development and media literate societies, and to build knowledge societies through fostering universal access to information, innovation for sustainable development and the preservation of documentary heritage.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Under the authority of the Director, Division for Freedom of Expression, Media Development and Media and Information Literacy (CI/FMD), and the direct supervision of Chief of Section, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FMD/FEJ), the consultant will support the implementation, monitoring and reporting of the EU funded project 'Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Access to Information through the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms'.

Digital platforms have become a new front in the pursuit of peace. The transformative role that digital platforms have played in advancing human rights is undeniable. Yet the same digital platforms that have democratized access to knowledge and culture, and fostered global connection, have also become ecosystems of misinformation, disinformation, ideological polarization, and incitement to violence, discrimination, and hate.

Thus, while companies lack transparency, accountability and due diligence, many countries have embarked on regulatory processes without a human right-respecting approach. Following a series of multi-stakeholder consultations, UNESCO published in November 2023 the Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms.

As part of the implementation strategy of the Guidelines, UNESCO has set out 3 main objectives:

1. Increase the global understanding of a human rights-based approach of digital platform governance.
2. Regulators and public sector authorities, in collaboration with civil society ensure rights-based regulatory processes.
3. Governments, civil society, along with the Global Forum of Networks and the I4T Knowledge Network implement and advocate for consistent, rights-respecting contextualized regulations.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The consultant will work to maintain effective engagement and coordination of the Global Forum of Networks for Regulatory Authorities and the I4T Knowledge Network through the following activities:

Activity 1. Toolkit for regulatory authorities: Provide inputs for the development of a toolkit designed for regulators to inform on international standards of human rights in the context of the governance of digital platforms.

Activity 2. Toolkit for civil society organizations: Provide inputs for the development of a toolkit for civil society organizations, fact-checkers, youth, and academia.

Activity 3. Self-assessment: Develop a questionnaire to assess the compliance of any given Member-State with the principles of a Governance system of Digital Platforms based on human rights.

Activity 4. Trainings for regulatory authorities: Co-facilitate trainings for regulatory authorities tailored to different stakeholder groups.

Activity 5. Trainings for civil society: Co-facilitate trainings aimed to provide tools for engagement with the multi-stakeholder community.

Activity 6. Multi-stakeholder conferences and workshops: Support the organization of global and regional meetings on implementing the Guidelines.

Activity 7. Global Forum of Networks: Strengthening and structuring governance for the Global Forum of Networks.

Activity 8. Fundraising strategy: Identify partnerships and provide inputs for fundraising opportunities.

Activity 9. Strategic Guidance: Support UNESCO team in identifying emerging issues affecting the governance of digital platforms.

DELIVERABLES

• Monthly reports of the activities and supporting documents produced.
• Final detailed report on the overall consultancy.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Accountability (C)

Communication (C)

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)

• Advanced university degree (Master's or above) in law, public policy, political science, social sciences, communications, media studies, or internet studies.

Work Experience

• At least ten years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in training and/or policy advice.
• Strong research skills and proven subject matter expertise.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English and/or French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience
• Work experience in the UN or with regional stakeholders.

Languages
• Knowledge of another UNESCO Official language.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should complete the online application and submit the required documents.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application.

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