Service Contract: UNESCO Communication & Information Unit

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Service Contract

Level : SC-9

Hiring Unit : Communication & Information Unit

Duty Station : Phnom Penh

Work location : Phnom Penh

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Cambodia Time) : 7 August 2026

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

1.Background
UNESCO's Communication and Information (CI) Unit in Cambodia implements a broad portfolio of projects centered on media development, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists, complemented by work on digital transformation and media and information literacy (MIL). These workstreams are closely interrelated: an enabling media environment requires both institutional safeguards for press freedom and the digital literacy competencies that allow citizens and media professionals to navigate an evolving information ecosystem.
To support the day-to-day coordination, technical implementation, and programme management of CI activities, UNESCO Phnom Penh is seeking a service contract holder who will cover the unit's work on press freedom, media development, safety of journalists, digital transformation and MIL, with attention to youth engagement across these areas.
2. Objective
The service contract holder will assist the CI Unit with the design, coordination, and implementation of its programme activities in Cambodia, ensuring coherent delivery across the unit’s thematic mandate.
3. Supervision, Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, and the direct supervision of the Associate Project Officer for the Communication and Information (CI) Unit, the incumbent is responsible for supporting the design, coordination and implementation of the CI Unit's programme in Cambodia, covering press freedom, media development, safety of journalists, digital transformation and media and information literacy (MIL), with attention to youth engagement across these areas. The incumbent works closely with relevant government ministries, UN agencies, and civil society and media partners to ensure coherent delivery of the CI Unit's thematic mandate. The incumbent works within the frameworks of UNESCO's Medium-Term Strategy (C/4s), the approved Programme and Budget (C/5) and according to global development plans such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Programme Coordination and Implementation: Coordinate and contribute to the design and implementation of the CI Unit's programme activities in Cambodia — covering press freedom, media development, safety of journalists, digital transformation and media and information literacy (MIL), with attention to youth engagement — in consultation with relevant government ministries and local partners. Prepare correspondence and follow up with line Ministries and other partners, identify appropriate local implementing partners, and monitor and backstop project activities as required.

2. Technical Assistance and Policy Support: Provide technical assistance, including the development of needs assessments and the drafting of technical papers and policy briefs, in the areas of access to information, freedom of expression, digital transformation and youth engagement, to support evidence-based programming and policy dialogue in Cambodia.

3. Partnerships, Meetings and Capacity-Building Events: Assist in organizing meetings, workshops and trainings, including developing the necessary logistical and administrative material. Contribute to the development of Terms of Reference and support the procurement and close supervision of international and national consultants, experts and service providers to ensure quality delivery, and facilitate communication between international experts and national counterparts.

Long Description

4. Data, Reporting and Knowledge Management: Collect, compile and analyse data related to media development and freedom of expression in Cambodia. Prepare project briefs and progress reports in English and Khmer in consultation with the project team, and attend and report on project-related meetings and activities arranged by government counterparts, NGOs and other partners.
5. External Relations and Public Information: Facilitate press briefings and other activities pertaining to external relations and public information, contributing to the visibility of UNESCO Cambodia's Communication and Information programme with government counterparts, media and the public.
6. Additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the work team.
The Contract Holder undertakes to carry out these tasks and services with care and diligence, and to comply with the instructions of his/her supervisor in connection with his/her duties as set out above.
UNESCO may assign additional tasks to the contract holder or may modify his/hers tasks without the contract holder's consent, provided those tasks are consistent with his/her duties as set out above.

4. Contract Duration
Duration: 11 months

5. Factor Descriptions

5.1 Nature of Work:
The work requires the regular provision of quality professional and technical inputs to the CI Unit's programme in Cambodia across press freedom, media development, safety of journalists, digital transformation and media and information literacy, as outlined and guided by the supervisor. S/he gathers, drafts and provides content for technical papers, policy briefs, project briefs, progress reports and public information materials, in both English and Khmer. S/he researches current best practices, concepts, frameworks and trends in Cambodia's media and digital environment and synthesizes findings, providing inputs and recommendations for programme design as well as identifying areas of concern and opportunities to colleagues and management. The incumbent is required to apply frameworks and approaches appropriate to Cambodia's evolving political, media and digital landscape, including awareness of the current state of press freedom and digital transformation in the country.

5.2 Enabling Environment:
The work is carried out in a team environment, with layered review and work control, under the overall authority of the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia and the direct supervision of the Associate Project Officer for the CI Unit. Particular areas of research, technical assistance and coordination will be assigned, even though the incumbent may determine the specific method of compilation. Findings, analysis and technical inputs, prior to presentation and release, will be reviewed by the supervisor, thereby greatly reducing exposure to risk, but still impacting the scope and development of CI programme activities and allowing exposure to a broad range of government, civil society and international stakeholders engaged in Cambodia's media and digital transformation agenda.

5.3 Partnership: Continuous contacts are required with relevant government ministries (including the Ministry of Information and other line Ministries), media organizations, journalists, civil society partners, international and national consultants and experts, and UN agencies, to effectively coordinate and implement CI programme activities. S/he will exchange information, prepare correspondence, and facilitate communication between international experts and national counterparts, as well as attend and report on meetings and activities organized by government counterparts, NGOs and other partners. External contacts are focused on the practical needs of programme execution, including facilitating press briefings and other public information activities. Typical communities of interest include government counterparts, media and journalist associations, civil society organizations, international consultants and experts, and colleagues within the Sector, Field Office and Headquarters.

5.4: Results
As the work is geared toward supporting the coordination and technical delivery of the CI Unit's programme in Cambodia, the results have a direct impact on the quality and timeliness of programme implementation, the strength of partnerships with government and civil society counterparts, and the availability of accurate data and analysis on media development and freedom of expression in Cambodia. The post holder serves as a team member, offering substantive technical and coordination contributions across press freedom, digital transformation and MIL activities, with recommendations that also inform policy dialogue and the CI Unit's public information and external relations efforts.

6. COMPETENCIES – Core (C) & Managerial (M)
• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement (C)
• Planning and Organizing (C)
• Building Partnerships (M)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000245056

Long Description

7. Work Experience
Education
• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media studies, international relations, public policy, or a related field.
Experience
• Demonstrated experience in programme coordination in an international organization, UN system, or NGO setting.
• Substantive knowledge of and experience working on media development, press freedom, journalist safety, or related areas.
• Familiarity with digital transformation, media and information literacy, AI ethics, or digital inclusion issues in the Cambodian or regional context.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement with Government counterparts, civil society, media organizations, and/or international partners.
Skills and Competencies
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Khmer.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proactive, well-organized, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment

8. Application
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following documents:
• A letter of expression of interest
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

9. 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).

10. 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.
• Individuals 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.
• The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.