PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok is seeking an experienced Individual Consultant specializing in Media and Communication. This is a high-impact advisory role that involves providing critical input to UNESCO’s communication strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. The successful candidate will assume high-level responsibilities, analysing complex communication issues, and developing innovative methods and approaches. The assignment requires in-depth examination of technical factors and the formulation of strategic proposals to address communication challenges within UNESCO’s mandate.

The assignment provides strategic advice, quality control and management support to the Director of the UNESCO Bangkok office and ensures the overall coordination of the development, implementation and monitoring of the approved programme and budget of the regional office, as well as the communication with other senior programme specialists in the office, with other agencies of the United Nations System and with external partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the direct supervision of the Adviser for Communication and Information, the Individual Specialist shall develop communication materials to enhance UNESCO’s visibility in the region.

The specialist will lead the planning, development and implementation of external communication activities in order to raise the visibility of the office with its audiences, on the international agenda, and in the media, in collaboration with programme sections/teams to prepare overall communications strategies, develop messaging and communication goals and implement strategies through appropriate media.

The specialist 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).

Also within the framework of UNESCO’s Communication and Information (CI) Programme 2024-2025, in particular its Output 8.CI5 on “Member States have strengthened institutional and human capacities to integrate media and information literacy (MIL) in policies and strategies” and Output 6.CI 2 Performance Indicator 3 on the “Number of Member States in which duty bearers have benefited from policy advice and capacity development strategies to improve legislative and institutional frameworks related to freedom of expression and access to information”

The Individual Specialist shall specifically perform the following tasks:

Strategic Advisory Role:
• Provide critical input and strategic advice on the design, development, implementation and monitoring of communication strategies and strategic approaches to enhance UNESCO’s visibility in the region.

• Analyze complex communication issues and propose innovative solutions that align with UNESCO’s goals and objectives, particularly in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy.

Content Development and Quality Control:
• Write, edit and review a wide range of materials for the Director and the Bangkok office, including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points, press statements, outreach documents, on issues that cover the spectrum of UNESCO Bangkok’s mandate, in consultation with UNESCO programme colleagues in Bangkok, other field offices and headquarters, as necessary, ensuring consistency with UNESCO’s communication goals.

• Oversee the production of the content to be published on the UNESCO web portal and social media channels, ensuring all content is engaging and aligned with UNESCO’s strategic priorities, in cooperation with colleagues, other Sectors and central services as required; ensure quality control and updating of the content on the web in English and/or French; coordinate the updating of other language versions according to needs; guide colleagues on all web related activities and issues.

Leadership and Coordination:
• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of strategic communication activities, ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s communication and information (CI) program goals.
• Establish, develop and maintain working relationships with key media organizations and journalists across the region, acting as a media relations specialist for UNESCO at major conferences and special events, liaising with partner agencies as needed in communications outreach.
• Collaborate closely on UNESCO’s work for UN Communications work, attending meetings, seeking and building links and exchanges as per the One UN framework; Advise the Senior Management Team and staff as well as Country & Regional Offices, as possible, on options of UNESCO strategy orientation for communication.

Innovation and Digital Strategy:

• Design and develop new media outlets/assets to increase UNESCO’s brand visibility and maximize impact of the current platforms (podcasts and networks).

This includes the upgrade and design of new digital brands and promotional products to increase outreach i.e. brand video, brochures, brand merchandise.
• Devise, develop and implement strategy for new digital initiatives such as such as the “MIL driver’s license” online skills tutorial, tailored to different demographics for new signups to social media accounts, customized to age and gender self-identification.

Advocacy and Outreach:
• Produce promotional products for the “MIL Cities” designation in Mekong region and introduction of available tools and resources for MIL capacity building, such as through webinars, workshops and advocacy.
• Conceptualize and organize the United Nations flagship commemorations such as the International Day for Universal Access to Information (28 September 2024), Global MIL Week (24-31 October 2024), the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (2 November 2024) and World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2025).

Reporting and Evaluation:
• Regularly monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, proposing adjustments as necessary to enhance visibility and impact.

Undertake additional tasks assigned by the Regional Director of UNESCO Bangkok, contributing to the overall strategic direction of UNESCO Bangkok’s communication efforts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public relations, or journalism, with significant experience in strategic advisory roles.
• Proven ability to analyze complex communication challenges and develop innovative strategies or policy proposals.
• Extensive 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.

Skills/Competencies:

• Exceptional English writing and communication skills, with experience in 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 of English (both written and spoken) is required.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with UNESCO’s communication and information programs, including media and information literacy, freedom of expression, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience in policy development and capacity-building in the context of international development goals.

Languages:

• Knowledge of another official UNESCO language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese) is desirable.