CONSULTANT (CI/Freedom of Expression Online)

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Communication and Information Sector (CI)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 14/07/2026

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

OVERVIEW

The Communication and Information (CI) 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. (The role of this position does not include responsibility for UNESCO's wider external communications, which is managed by the Division for Communications and Public Engagement.)

The Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (CI/FEJ) under the CI Sector advances this mission by addressing the implications of digital platforms and emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence (AI), for the enjoyment of these rights online. The Section also examines how these technologies shape information ecosystems and contribute to online harms.To this end, UNESCO has developed a range of strategic initiatives, including the Internet for Trust (I4T) Initiative and the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, adopted in November 2023 following an extensive global multistakeholder consultation process. The Guidelines promote a human rights-based, multistakeholder approach to digital platform governance, grounded in transparency, accountability, due diligence, and international human rights standards.

This work has established multiple cooperation mechanisms across different levels, including the Global Forum of Networks of Regulatory Authorities (GFN), the Internet for Trust Knowledge Network, and the Social Media 4 Peace Coalitions. The first phase culminated in the International Conference on Digital Platform Governance, held in Pretoria, South Africa, in February 2026, where stakeholders endorsed the Pretoria Proposition for Action, a shared framework outlining regulatory pathways for durable inter-regional cooperation and dialogue, translating common priorities into coordinated and concrete examples of action.

In 2026, UNESCO will launch the second phase of implementation, with continued support from the European Union. This phase will strengthen regional and cross-regional governance cooperation, reinforce institutional capacities, and support independent and public-interest media as a cornerstone of resilient information ecosystems. Activities will span including Africa (Southern Africa and West Africa/Sahel), Asia (South Asia and Southeast Asia), and Latin America and the Caribbean (Central America and South America). Against this backdrop, UNESCO seeks the services of an Individual Consultant to support the implementation of the second phase of the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the Pretoria Proposition for Action, contributing to the Organization's broader efforts to promote and protect freedom of expression in the digital environment.

Long Description

ASSIGNMENTS

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, the general supervision of the Chief of the Section for Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, and the direct supervision of the responsible Programme Specialist, the Consultant will contribute to the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the Pretoria Proposition for Action, with particular assignments in the following areas:

A. Coordination, Networks and Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate communication and knowledge-sharing among the partner networks involved in the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines, particularly the GFN and the I4T Knowledge Networks, in line with the priorities outlined under the Pretoria Proposition for Action;
• Support the strengthening and scaling of the partner networks, ensuring national-to-regional and regional-to-global synergies and knowledge sharing to advance human rights-based approaches to digital platform governance;
• Assist in the organization and facilitation of meetings, consultations, and collaborative processes involving participating networks to promote knowledge-sharing and cooperation;
• Prepare briefing materials, meeting reports, summaries of discussions and follow-up actions arising from engagement activities;

B. Project Implementation and Technical Support

• Support the planning, coordination and implementation of project activities at global, regional and national levels, including meetings, workshops, consultations, capacity-building activities and policy dialogues;
• Contribute to the development of technical, analytical and policy-oriented materials related to digital platform governance, freedom of expression, access to information, information integrity and related thematic areas, such as fair compensation for news and digital regulation in times of crisis;
• Assist in the implementation of activities aimed at strengthening stakeholder capacities and promoting multistakeholder engagement in digital platform governance processes;
• Support coordination with UNESCO Field Offices, implementing partners, participating institutions and other relevant stakeholders involved in project implementation;

C. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Contribute to the development, implementation and follow-up of monitoring activities, workplans, indicators and tracking tools for project implementation;
• Support the drafting of reports, analytical briefs, background papers and other reporting products;
• Support the dissemination and communication of project outcomes, good practices, lessons learned and policy recommendations across relevant stakeholder networks and audiences.

Long Description

Long Description

CONTRACT DURATION

The duration of this contract is 11 months.

Long Description

DELIVERABLES

• Periodic reports outlining coordination and communication support provided to the Global Forum of Networks of Regulatory Authorities (GFN), the Internet for Trust (I4T) Knowledge Network, and other relevant stakeholder networks, including support for the organization and facilitation of meetings, consultations, workshops, and collaborative processes aimed at advancing the implementation of the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the Pretoria Proposition for Action.
• Documentation and analytical summaries of key discussions, recommendations, emerging good practices, lessons learned, and opportunities for cooperation arising from network activities and stakeholder engagement processes, in line with the principles of the UNESCO Guidelines.
• Policy briefs, concept notes, briefing notes, presentations, background papers, and other technical and policy-oriented materials developed to support the work of these Networks on digital platform governance, freedom of expression, access to information, information integrity, fair compensation for news, and digital regulation in times of crisis.
• Periodic monitoring, reporting, and analytical outputs, including implementation updates, progress reports, donor reporting inputs, and contributions to project monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Master's degree in international relations, human rights, media/communication studies, political science, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least five years of relevant professional experience, two of which acquired at international level, preferably in the United Nations System or other intergovernmental organization, in areas related to freedom of expression and access to information online, digital governance and policy, information integrity, and governance of digital platforms
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in stakeholder engagement, network-building, and/or coordinating multistakeholder initiatives.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in organizing trainings, workshops and events at the international level in areas related to freedom of expression and access to information

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SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational, communication and coordination skills.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English /or French and a good working knowledge of the other.

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DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

LANGUAGES

• Good working knowledge of Spanish (both written and spoken).

APPLICATION PROCESS

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

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• A statement indicating how their qualifications and experience make them suitable for the assignment;
• An indication of the approach (methodology, detailed workplan) he/she would adopt to carry out the assignment, including any inputs that may be required from UNESCO;

Part 2: Financial Proposal

• A competitive fee for the assignment, which should be quoted in EUR and expressed on a monthly basis (with maximum of 4500 EUR per month)

Long Description

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

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).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.