Consultancy – Resource Mobilization for Communication and Information in Vietnam

Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI) Duty Station: Hanoi Job Family: Communication and Information Type of contract : Non Staff Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months Recruitment open to : External candidates Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 28/08/2020 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Consultancy – Resource Mobilization for Communication and Information in Vietnam

Background and context: In early 2020, during the elaboration of the current UNESCO Country Strategy in Viet Nam, the Organization was requested by the Government of Vietnam to scale up its activities in the area of Communication and Information, with specific reference to three main priorities: professionalism and training of journalists, media and information literacy and documentary heritage. In terms of opportunities and requirements, the potential scope of work is vast and there are number of factors to be considered.

As the country enters the third decade of the new Century, Viet Nam enjoys high internet and mobile phone penetration, reflecting a long-held strategy that the application of digital technology is a major pillar of economic development. However, while access is widespread, from a social angle, the country is not immune to the challenges of the new media landscape in terms of governance, access to information and knowledge and fake news and disinformation, issues that resonate strongly in the context of COVID-19.
With new media playing an important role in communication and information, efforts to foster media information literacy and strengthen the professionalism and ethical capacity of journalists and media professionals take on added importance.
The promotion of access to knowledge and information, particularly through ICT, can help transform economies and prepare the groundwork for knowledge societies. Specific initiatives for rural areas (e.g. ethnic minorities areas), can play an important role in their development;
The media environment is very important for gender equality, and actions to promote gender equality and combat stereotypes should play a central role in media development;
Documentary heritage, including print, audio, and video materials, comprise an important part of a country’s heritage. Through programmes like the Memory of the World Programme (MoW), UNESCO can provide valuable support for the preservation and promotion of documentary heritage in Viet Nam.

In this regard the Organization is seeking a consultant who will elaborate the Organization’s initial actions in the three above-mentioned areas with a view to fund mobilization and partnership.

Work assignment: Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the UNESCO Representative in Viet Nam and in close collaboration with the Regional Communications Advisor in Bangkok, the consultant will assist in the design and financing of new UNESCO Communication and Information (CI) initiatives in Viet Nam, undertaking the following assignments in this regard: Under Documentary Heritage

Elaborate a detailed concept note for the proposed Honouring the Silent Heroes initiative (which will illuminate the hereto untold story of 72,000 civilian volunteers from the 1950’s to 1970’s) as a follow-up to discussions with the National Archives of Viet Nam and according to the best practice of the Memory of the World Programme;
In close collaboration with the National Archives and other relevant government authorities and departments, organize a National Stakeholder Seminar for the Honouring the Silent Heroes initiative to raise awareness and interest among partners. The Seminar should include potential financing partners in addition to proposed implementing agencies and should be highly visible;
On the basis of the Seminar’s outcomes, the consultant will identify and assure initial follow-up of the potential opportunities for resource mobilization, in close collaboration with the Representative and the Regional CI Focal Point in Bangkok.
The consultant will elaborate a full proposal for Honouring the Silent Heroes in the case a financing partner(s) is confirmed.

Under Media and Information Literacy (MIL)

Working with relevant officials of concerned Agencies (e.g. Ministry of Information and Communication, the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union and the Voice of Vietnam (national broadcaster), identify and elaborate a proposal(s) for a significant UNESCO intervention in MIL and explore resource mobilization opportunities with interested partners including embassies and appropriate private sector partners.

Under support for professional journalism 6. Working with relevant officials of concerned Agencies (e.g. Ministry of Information and Communication, the Voice of Vietnam (national broadcaster) and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities , identify and elaborate a proposal(s) for a significant UNESCO intervention to enhance professional journalism in Vietnam and explore resource mobilization opportunities with interested partners including embassies and appropriate private sector partners. Other 7. Provide a mapping of other potential opportunities for CI resource mobilization in Viet Nam. 8. Undertake any other related duties as required; Key deliverables

Concept note for Honouring the Silent Heroes finalized;
National Stakeholder Seminar for Honouring the Silent Heroes organized;
Empowering Youth for Hanoi Creative Capital project document finalized;
Mapping of other potential opportunities for CI resource mobilization in Viet Nam produced;
Proposal for UNESCO’s intervention under media and information literacy developed;
Proposal for UNESCO’s interventions to support professional journalism developed

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

Results focus (C)

Communication (C)

Building partnerships (M)

Planning and organizing (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education - Advanced university degree (masters or equivalent) in Communication, Social Sciences, Political Science, International Development or other related fields; specializations in communication and information fields are most desired; Work experience - At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience; - Good knowledge of the major development issues with regard to communication and media in Viet Nam; -International experience and / or previous UN/UNESCO experience is an asset;

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Competencies - Strong interpersonal and networking skills; - Highly organized and self-motivated; - Capacity to collaborate and positively engage with a range of partners and beneficiaries, including national/local authorities as well as key stakeholders in civil society including the private sector, and international development partners and Embassies; - Demonstrated personal sensitivity and commitment to the values and principles of equity, gender equality and cultural diversity; - Excellent computing skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and related programmes; and Languages - Excellent written and spoken English. - Knowledge of Vietnamese and / or French an asset

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Contract Duration: 6 months (September 2020 – February 2021 inclusive)

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO is committed to achieve and sustain gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities, as well as nationals from non-and under-represented Member States (last update here) are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

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