Consultant Contract

The National Consultant will provide technical expertise to support UNESCO's efforts to strengthen the protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Pakistan. The consultant will lead evidence-based research, policy analysis, and develop practical technical resources to strengthen institutional responses to online violence against women journalists.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a national mapping of the protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing TFGBV, including documenting existing prevention, protection, reporting, referral and support mechanisms implemented by government institutions, media organizations, journalist associations, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Review relevant legal, policy and institutional frameworks governing cybercrime, online violence, media regulation and freedom of expression.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen institutional coordination, operational responses and policy implementation related to the protection of women journalists experiencing TFGBV.
• Analyse international good practices and develop evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the national protection ecosystem.
• Develop a Training Toolkit comprising a training curriculum, facilitator guidance note, presentation materials, participant handouts and practical case studies, drawing upon relevant UNESCO guidance and international standards on the safety of journalists.
• Develop a Resource Guide outlining reporting procedures, referral pathways, available support services and institutional responsibilities for women journalists experiencing TFGBV in Pakistan.
• Prepare a Technical Guidance Note providing practical recommendations for adapting relevant UNESCO guidance and international standards to strengthen institutional responses, policy implementation and future capacity development initiatives in Pakistan.
• Identify and engage relevant stakeholders and conduct structured consultations, including bilateral meetings, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions and/or online interviews and discussions, as appropriate, to gather perspectives, validate findings and identify existing initiatives, gaps and opportunities for strengthening responses to TFGBV against women journalists.
• Prepare appropriate consultation tools, interview guides and other materials to support stakeholder engagement.
• Document stakeholder feedback and incorporate recommendations into the final technical outputs.
• Prepare a consolidated implementation roadmap outlining priority actions for strengthening institutional responses to TFGBV against women journalists.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or higher) in Journalism, Media Studies, Law, Human Rights, digital rights, cybersecurity, Gender Studies, Public Policy, International Relations, Social Sciences or another relevant discipline.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more fields directly relevant to the assignment, including media development, freedom of expression, safety of journalists, human rights, gender equality, digital governance, cyber policy, public policy, legal/policy research or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking research and policy analysis and developing analytical reports, policy papers, research studies, technical guidance, toolkits, resource guides or other similar knowledge products.
• Proven experience engaging with government institutions, media organizations, civil society organizations and development partners.
• Demonstrated practical understanding of Pakistan's media landscape and relevant legal, policy and institutional frameworks relating to freedom of expression, safety of journalists, cybercrime, digital governance and online safety.
• Demonstrated experience independently identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders, including government institutions, media organizations, journalist associations, civil society organizations, development partners and other relevant actors, and conducting structured consultations through bilateral meetings, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions, online discussions or other appropriate consultation methods.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into practical and evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent writing and drafting skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, coordination and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Sound understanding of gender-responsive and human rights-based approaches to research and programme development.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct, including the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Excellent knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of Urdu would be useful.

Skills

• Media Development
• Freedom of Expression
• Safety of Journalists
• Human Rights
• Gender Equality
• Digital Governance
• Cyber Policy
• Public Policy
• Legal Research
• Policy Analysis
• Research and Studies
• Technical Guidance
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Consultation Methods
• Analytical Reporting
• Policy Paper Writing
• Knowledge Product Development
• Writing and Drafting
• Gender-Responsive Approaches
• Rights-Based Approaches

Languages

English, Urdu