Consultant - Media and Communications Specialist

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level : Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)

Duty Station : Bangkok

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 20/07/2026

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

OVERVIEW

UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) helps shape the public image and raise the Organization's visibility in the region through media and communications outreach, publications, office website and social media. It supports the communications goals of all teams across the Organization's areas of competence in the field office and the region. As a central service in communications, it fields regular requests from colleagues for communications-related support around initiatives, publications, campaigns and others. Also provides communication expertise to the UNESCO Bangkok website and social media channels, ensuring that content is engaging for all of UNESCO's stakeholders, including external audiences. This function provides support to senior management and programme teams by strengthening strategic communication, supporting external engagement, and ensuring effective dissemination of information aligned with UNESCO priorities.

Long Description

ASSIGNMENTS

The purpose of this assignment is to provide technical and operational support in media and communications, with a focus on communication strategy implementation, speechwriting, digital and social media engagement, content development, and public outreach. The Consultant will contribute to strengthening UNESCO’s regional visibility, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring effective communication of programme results and organizational priorities.

Long Description

Under the overall authority and the direct supervision of the Regional Director, the Consultant will perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of communication and external engagement strategies aligned with UNESCO priorities, including communication planning, messaging frameworks, and audience targeting. Ensure that all communication outputs comply with UNESCO branding guidelines, editorial standards, and donor visibility requirements, and provide guidance to programme teams on communication approaches and best practices.
• Coordinate external communications and public engagement activities by managing public-facing communication outputs targeting media, partners, and stakeholders. This includes building and maintaining relationships with media organizations, government counterparts, regional partners, civil society, and academic institutions, and strengthening UNESCO’s public positioning and visibility through proactive outreach.
• Draft and edit high-quality communication products, including press releases, media materials, op-eds, feature stories, and reports, as well as human-interest stories that highlight programme impact, including contributing to UNESCO’s ‘For the Peoples’ initiative by collecting and amplifying stories from across the region. Prepare speeches, talking points, briefing notes, and key messages for senior leadership engagements, ensuring the translation of complex policy and technical content into clear, accessible, and compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Support digital communications by managing and updating UNESCO Bangkok’s website and social media platforms, contributing to the design and implementation of digital campaigns aligned with UNESCO priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals, and monitoring analytics to improve outreach and audience engagement.
• Coordinate media relations and visibility efforts through drafting media advisories, press releases, and question-and-answer materials; organizing media interviews, press briefings, and coverage; and ensuring strong media visibility of UNESCO initiatives. Contribute, as required, to crisis communication and reputational risk management.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives linked to key organizational priorities, including education, digital transformation, culture, and inclusion. Assist in organizing events, regional forums, and public engagements, promoting UNESCO’s role in regional cooperation and policy dialogue.
• Regularly monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, proposing adjustments as necessary to enhance visibility and impact.
• Monitor emerging political and reputation risks in the Mekong countries and advise on how they affect UNESCO Bangkok's Communications Positioning.
• Work closely with programme teams to ensure alignment of communication outputs, provide inputs on messaging and branding, and facilitate coordinated implementation of communication activities across the Office.

Long Description

CONTRACT DURATION

The duration of the assignment will be between seven and eleven months, and the Consultant will be based in Bangkok, Thailand

Long Description

Location and Travel:

• The Individual Specialist will be based in Bangkok, Thailand and work within the premises of the UNESCO Bangkok office.
• The Specialist may be required to travel on mission directly related to programmes or projects implementation during the assignment. The Specialist should travel economy class and received DSA at the standard rate (and which should be reduced, as necessary, when the number of days of DSA exceeds the limits stipulated in the table of rates published by ICSC). DSA is only payable to individuals carrying out assignments away from their usual place of residence or work. The Specialist is expected to make her/his own travel arrangements and should be provided with a lump sum to cover travel-related expenses in accordance with UNESCO rules and regulations. Travel-related expenses (e.g. the cost of tickets, terminal fares and DSA) must be fixed and agreed between the parties.

DELIVERABLES

The Consultant will deliver high-quality communication outputs in a timely manner, including speeches, talking points, and briefing materials for senior officials; written communication products such as articles, press releases, and reports; and digital content for web and social media platforms. The Consultant will support communication campaigns, outreach initiatives, and events, while monitoring communication performance and providing analytical inputs. Monthly progress reports summarizing activities, outputs, and results will be submitted.

Long Description

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

• Advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, or journalism, with experience in strategic advisory roles.
• Proven ability to analyze complex communication challenges and develop innovative strategies or policy proposals.
• Experience in content development, media relations, digital communications, and supporting communication strategies is essential.
• Experience working within the UN system or similar international organizations, with a deep understanding of UNESCO's mandate and established contacts with Asia-Pacific media outlets.

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Good English writing and communication skills, with experience in supporting senior-level media engagement and digital strategy.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex communication projects and lead cross-functional teams.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge (spoken and written) of English.
• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese) is desirable.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should click on "Apply Now" and upload the following documents as a single PDF document in place of the Employment History Form.

• 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 the best value for money. Assessment 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
  • An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment.
  • Written technical and financial proposals (in English):
  1. Approach and methodology for carrying out the assignment (maximum 2, A4 pages), a workplan and comments on the Terms of Reference, in brief, if any, and
  2. The proposed daily or monthly rates or the amount/budget to be charged for the assignment, which should be quoted in USD.
  • Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.
  • Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
  • 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.