CONSULTANT (CIFreedom of Expression Online)

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 UTC2 Time) : 14/07/2026

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

The Communication and Information (CI) Sectors mission is to promote freedom of expression mediadevelopmentand 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 UNESCOs wider external communications which is managed by the Division for Communications and PublicEngagement.)

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 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 Organizations broader efforts to promote and protect freedom of expression in the digital environment.

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.

The duration of this contract is 11 months.

• 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.

EDUCATION

• Masters degree in international relations human rights media/communication studies political science or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strongorganizationalcommunicationand coordination skills.

LANGUAGES

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

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

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 addition candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the positions 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).

• 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.