National Consultant - Advancing the Digital Safety of Women Journalists in Pakistan
Organizational Context
UNESCO, the United Nations agency for education, science, and culture, is dedicated to promoting freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. In Pakistan, the organization supports efforts to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) against women journalists. This consultancy aims to strengthen the protection ecosystem by generating evidence, developing practical resources, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, building on existing national initiatives and UNESCO's global frameworks.
Job Purpose
The National Consultant will provide technical expertise to UNESCO's Pakistan office, focusing on strengthening the protection ecosystem for women journalists facing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). This involves conducting evidence-based research and policy analysis to understand the scope of TFGBV and existing responses. The consultant will develop practical technical resources, such as training toolkits and resource guides, to enhance institutional capacities and improve coordination, reporting, and support services. Facilitating consultations with stakeholders will ensure recommendations are contextually relevant and gender-responsive. The ultimate goal is to inform future programming, foster collaboration, and contribute to a safer media environment, advancing freedom of expression and gender equality in Pakistan.
Responsibilities
The consultant will undertake analytical research to map the national protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing TFGBV, documenting existing mechanisms and identifying legal and policy gaps. This includes reviewing relevant frameworks on cybercrime, media regulation, and freedom of expression, and analyzing international best practices to develop evidence-based recommendations. A key responsibility is developing practical technical resources, including a training toolkit and a resource guide for women journalists, and a technical guidance note for institutions. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations to validate findings and gather input, preparing consultation tools and documenting feedback. Finally, a consolidated implementation roadmap will be prepared, outlining priority actions and potential future interventions, ensuring all outputs are evidence-based, gender-responsive, and aligned with international standards.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of professional experience in areas like media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, human rights, gender equality, or digital governance is necessary. Demonstrated experience in research, policy analysis, and developing knowledge products like reports and toolkits is essential. Proven ability to engage with government, media, and civil society organizations, along with a practical understanding of Pakistan's media landscape and relevant legal frameworks, is required.
Skills
Key skills include strong analytical and research capabilities for synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations. Excellent writing, drafting, and stakeholder engagement skills are crucial. The ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines is important. A sound understanding of gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches, along with high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct, is expected. Excellent English proficiency is required; knowledge of Urdu is beneficial.