OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Within the framework of UNESCO’s Communication and Information (CI) programme 2022-2025, in particular its Output 6.CI3 on ‘Member States and media institutions enabled to strengthen media development and media pluralism, including through the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC)’ and Output 9.CI6 on ‘Member States have enhanced their policies for inclusive digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) development, and are enabled to address the digital and knowledge divides, including gender-based divides’, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (hereinafter “UNESCO Bangkok”) is recruiting an Individual Specialist to manage the planning, implementation and reporting of projects aimed at fostering media development and improving the digital literacy of teachers and students across the Mekong countries.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall authority of the Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information, the Individual Specialist shall undertake the following assignments:

1. Manage the planning, implementation and reporting of a youth-focused coding initiative in Thailand with potential expansion to other Southeast Asian countries, including:

a. Develop the project workplan in 2025-2026 and its long-term implementation strategy in close coordination with UNESCO HQ, donors, Thai government, schools and other stakeholders;

b. Identify participating schools, manage the resource allocation and provide support to ensure smooth implementation of training activities;

c. Initiate a baseline study on coding education in participating schools;

d. Coordinate schools’ participation in international competitions and exchange activities;

e. Conduct regular project assessments, gather feedback, and address priorities to ensure inclusivity and equality in programme execution.

2. Manage the launch, implementation and reporting of the 2025 UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) in Thailand and other Mekong countries, including:

a. Initiate the 2025 IPDC project application and manage the selection process;

b. Manage fund allocation, implementation and reporting of the approved projects in coordination with project implementers and UNESCO HQ;

c. Expand CI’s network with media organizations, journalists and academics to connect them with CI’s initiatives on freedom of expression and safety of journalists.

3. Support the planning, implementation and reporting of projects under the UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme in Asia and the Pacific, including:

a. Provide in-house management for a capacity-building project for the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage, including activity coordination, contract management, budget monitoring and reporting;

b. Support the establishment of the Women’s Empowerment Working Group under the MoW Sub-Committee on Education and Research (SCEaR) and advocate for gender mainstreaming studies in the MoW Programme across the Asia-Pacific region;

c. Engage with stakeholders, including the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP), National MoW Committees, UNESCO field offices, memory institutions and experts to promote the above projects and explore additional collaboration opportunities.

4. Support CI Bangkok in developing workplans, new project proposals and periodic reports to HQ, donors, Member States, and other stakeholders.

5. Assist in the development of publications, presentations and other communication materials related to the projects and activities mentioned above in close coordination with the Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) Unit.

6. Undertake missions and other tasks related to the above projects as and when assigned by the supervisor and the Director.

7. Submit the following deliverables to UNESCO for its approval by 31 December 2025:

a. Narrative report for the IPDC project completed in 2024 in the template provided by UNESCO HQ by 28 February 2025.

b. Open call for 2025 IPDC proposals, a pre-screening report and the final list of recommended proposals by 31 March 2025.

c. The 2025-2026 workplan of the youth-focused coding initiative by 30 April 2025

d. Coordination report for the capacity-building project for the preservation and accessibility of documentary heritage by 31 May 2025.

e. Draft questionnaire for the baseline study on coding education in participating schools by 30 June 2025.

f. List of schools participating in the youth coding initiative by 31 July 2025.

g. List of recommended participants for the international student literacy and technology exchange activities by 31 August 2025.

h. Draft concept note and agenda for a youth coding activity by 30 September 2025.

i. Progress report on the gender mainstreaming studies in the MoW Programme across the Asia-Pacific region by 31 October 2025.

j. Annual narrative and financial report of the youth coding initiative and the project’s long-term implementation strategy by 30 November 2025.

k. Final implementation report on the assigned projects and activities to be incorporated into CI’s annual reports to Headquarters, donors, Member States, and other stakeholders by 31 December 2025.

Timeframe

Timeframe (tentative)

1 February 2025 – 31 December 2025 (11 months)

Payment Schedule

Payment of each installment will be made upon submission of the deliverable by the due date.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent and above) in the field of communication arts, communication design, international relations, social sciences or related areas.

Professional Work Experience:

Minimum 2 years of work experience in coordinating media development or digital competencies education projects at the regional or international level.

Skills and Competencies:

• Extensive expertise and hands-on experience in educational and cultural project management and strategic planning in Asia and the Pacific
• Proven conceptual and analytical skills
• Effective planning and organizing ability
• Capacity to follow up and coordinate independently with minimal supervision
• Proven ability to work efficiently in a dynamic and multicultural team environment
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
• Proven capacity to build and maintain effective partnerships inside and outside the organization

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English; knowledge of other UNESCO official languages is an asset.