National Consultant (Communication and Information Sector)

Organizational unit: UNESCO Myanmar Project Office

Duty Station: Yangon, Myanmar

Title: National Consultant – Communication and Information

Duration of the contract: 8 Months

Application deadline: 25^th March 2022

I. Background:

UNESCO works to create an enabling environment for a free, independent and pluralistic media by promoting and protecting freedom of expression, safety of journalists, access to information and fostering a media and information literate society. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, under Goal 16, recognizes the importance of “access to information, fundamental freedoms and the safety of journalists for the creation of peaceful, just and inclusive societies”. The projects “Preventing hate speech and promoting peaceful society through Media and Information Literacy” and “Multi Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists” aim to help facilitate UNESCO’s work in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNESCO office in Myanmar is working with a wide range of stakeholders, including the international and local media development organizations, local CSOs and CBOs, journalists and media associations, on a series of activities to promote the freedom of expression and access to information. The activities include awareness raising on freedom of expression and safety of journalists, capacity building programmes and multimedia campaigns to promote Media and Information Literacy and advocacy for the development of Community Media in Myanmar. UNESCO also supports to strengthen the capacity of journalist regarding reporting on ethnic, cultural and religious issues, strengthen the capacity of community media to promote diversity and pluralism, enhance the awareness and dialogue on diversity, discrimination and pluralism of youth and women, and peace education as intersectoral activities.

II. Work Assignment:

The Individual Consultant shall perform the tasks the direct supervision of the Head of UNESCO Myanmar Project Office, and in close collaboration with the UNESCO Communication and Information unit in Myanmar. The Individual Specialist’s responsibilities include the following:

1) Assist in the preparation and organization of the meetings/workshops/conferences for the implementation of projects and compile documents related to these events;

2) Provide informal translation of English-Myanmar or Myanmar-English for project-related documents including reports, public communication materials or written feedback from participants in the activities organized;

3) Support the development of information, education and communication materials as well as outreach materials which will be used for the purpose of advocacy and awareness of the project.

4) Support to develop communication plans for the projects in line with the organization’s communication framework.

5) Provide support in monitoring and evaluation of project activities, including M&E tools development, collection and analysis of data, desk review of relevant articles and publications, interviewing national stakeholders, and preparing brief reports on findings and progress reports for the donors;

6) Technical support to the development and strengthening of communication channels

7) Undertake any other activities as requested by the Head of Myanmar Project Office and Communication & Information team.

III. Deliverables and timeline:

The Individual Specialist is required to provide, in addition to PDF files, the source documents and

the editable version (such as Microsoft Word editable files) of the deliverables to UNESCO, who is

the owner of all the deliverables.

1. Monthly progress reports outlining activities undertaken and achievements related to the work assignments by the last working day of each month starting from May 2022.

2. A final report summarizing the activities carried out, achievements and lessons learnt during the contract period by the end of December 2022.

IV. Location and travel:

1. The Individual Specialist will be based in UNESCO Myanmar Project Office in Yangon during the contract period.

2. The individual Specialist has to travel to the project areas if needed.

In line with UNESCO's overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the Individual Specialist is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts

whenever feasible.

V. Duration of contract

From 1^st May to 31^st December 2022

VI. Requirements

o Bachelor degree the field of communication, information science, social science, media, management or related areas.

o Minimum four (4) years of relevant experience preferably in the field of communication and information.

o Strong ability and prior experience working in the media development field, in particular in the development and support of media initiatives related to freedom of expression, right to information, journalists’ safety, community media and media and information literacy.

o Familiar with Myanmar’s media landscape, including knowledge on the existing media houses and journalists’ associations and organizations.

o Strong expertise and demonstrated experience in developing action on the development of communication materials, monitoring and evaluation, and management of communication channels.

How to apply:

VII. How to apply:

Interested applicants are invited to submit in writing to UNESCO Myanmar Project Office:

1. A cover letter in English clearly referencing “National Consultant – Communication and Information”, indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;

2. A writing sample in English, ideally a sample action plan or advocacy strategy related to media development. An up-to-date CV, with contact details including telephone numbers and email address;

3. Contact details including telephone numbers and email addresses of three referees. UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization best value for money.

Your application should reach yangon@unesco.org no later than 17:00 (Yangon time) on 25^th March 2022.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.