Consultant: International Programme for the development of Communication (IPDC)

UNESCO is looking for a Consultant for the International Programme for the development of Communication (IPDC) to further its work on promoting solutions to media viability challenges. The position will be based in Paris, with a 7-11 month employment contract.

Key responsibilities

The consultant will:

• Lead UNESCO’s inputs to implement the Media Viability Manifesto and the Principles for Effective Support to the Media and Information Environment.
• Strengthen UNESCO’s response to media viability challenges in the digital and AI era, including fair compensation, sustainable revenue models, audience engagement shifts, and AI-related content use.
• Manage the update process of UNESCO’s Media Viability Indicators and identify opportunities for piloting.
• Lead outreach and visibility for UNESCO’s media viability resources through a structured engagement strategy.
• Identify and secure opportunities (conferences, partner events, donor engagements) to promote UNESCO’s media viability work.
• Contribute to the preparation of 2026 World Press Freedom Day, including organizing at least one session on media viability and support to independent, public-interest journalism.
• Support the finalization and promotion of an evidence brief on the return on investment in supporting independent, public-interest journalism.
• Contribute to fundraising for media viability by identifying and engaging relevant donors, mapping alignment with UNESCO’s mandate, preparing outreach materials (concept notes, briefings, pitch decks), initiating or facilitating contact with at least three prospective donors, supporting follow-up, and contributing to full project proposals.
• Support preparation of the 70th IPDC Bureau meeting (June 2026) and 35th Council session (November 2026), including drafting working documents, speeches, and official reports.
• Support management of IPDC’s annual project cycle, including review of project proposals submitted to the Secretariat.
• Undertake additional tasks within IPDC’s mandate, as requested by the Secretary or Deputy Secretary.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Journalism/Media studies, international development, political sciences or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in project planning, coordination, and analysis in media development, international development, or related public policy fields.
• Proven experience in the preparation of official reports, briefing notes, or session documentation.
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience with UN agencies or IGOs.
• Experience in outreach, partnership-building, or donor engagement, including contributions to fundraising materials or proposal development.
• Good understanding of UNESCO’s work to promote media development, media viability, safety of journalists and freedom of expression.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, speeches, working documents, and donor materials.
• Excellent organization and planning skills, with proven capacity to manage multiple deadlines and support intergovernmental processes with discretion and sound judgement.
• Ability to conduct stakeholder outreach and identify funding opportunities, including preparing concise, compelling resource-mobilization materials.
• Solid computer skills including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent knowledge of English.

How to apply

Applicants should apply by logging in or creating an account on the UNESCO platform. More guidelines for filling the application and details on the  application and recruitment process can be found here.

Applications must be submitted no later than 26 February 2026, midnight, Paris time.