UNESCO Is Hiring an Consultant on Media Development and Digital Competencies Education: Great oppotunity – Apply Now for 2026
Are you passionate about media development, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and information integrity? A prestigious opportunity is now open with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for a Consultant on Media Development and Digital Competencies Education (Re-advertised) based in Bangkok, Thailand.
This 11-month consultancy offers a unique chance to shape media literacy, freedom of expression, digital transformation, and ethical AI development across the Mekong region.
Duty Station and Contract Details
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Sector: Communication and Information (CI)
- Contract Type: Affiliated Personnel
- Duration: April 2026 – March 2027 (7–11 months)
- Application Deadline: 16 March 2026 (Midnight Paris Time)
- Recruitment Open To: External candidates
The consultant will work within UNESCO Bangkok’s Regional Office and support key initiatives across Thailand and the Mekong region.
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About the Role
This consultancy sits at the intersection of media development, digital competencies education, freedom of expression, and ethical artificial intelligence. The selected Individual Specialist will contribute to strengthening information integrity, promoting inclusive digital transformation, and supporting youth participation in civic digital spaces.
Working under the authority of the Regional Director and the supervision of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information, the consultant will play a strategic and operational role across multiple regional initiatives.
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Key Responsibilities
1. UNESCO–CODEMAO Youth Coding Initiative (Thailand)
The consultant will provide strategic planning and implementation support for the Youth Coding Initiative, including:
- Developing the 2026–2027 strategic workplan
- Executing project activities across Thailand
- Coordinating stakeholders and mobilizing additional resources
- Monitoring financial utilization and procurement processes
- Delivering progress reports and evaluating project impact
A strong focus will be placed on equality, inclusiveness, and youth empowerment throughout the five-year project cycle.
2. Media Development & Freedom of Expression
The consultant will support flagship UNESCO programmes such as:
- The International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC)
- Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists
- COP30 Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change
In addition, the consultant will advance Media and Information Literacy (MIL) initiatives in the Mekong region, including:
- Supporting the MIL Cities framework
- Coordinating youth-focused MIL activities
- Organizing advocacy events for World Press Freedom Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information
3. Digital Transformation & Ethical AI
A key dimension of this role involves advancing responsible digital transformation and AI ethics across the region.
Responsibilities include:
- Promoting UNESCO’s global AI empowerment initiatives for journalists, newsrooms, and civil servants
- Strengthening partnerships and stakeholder engagement
- Supporting youth participation in safe and meaningful online civic spaces
- Providing knowledge and technical support for digital inclusion initiatives
4. Documentary Heritage & Knowledge Preservation
The consultant will help implement the final phase of the Japanese Funds-in-Trust project on documentary heritage preservation, including:
- Coordinating translation of the UNESCO Building Resilience Toolkit into two Asia-Pacific languages
- Developing communication materials to promote toolkit use
- Supporting budget monitoring and final reporting
Deliverables & Reporting
Throughout the contract period, the consultant will submit structured deliverables including:
- Strategic workplans
- Curriculum proposals
- Progress and financial reports
- Annual activity reports
- Final implementation and narrative reports
- IPDC proposal screening reports
Payments will be made in installments upon successful submission of deliverables.
Travel & Mission Details
The consultant will be based in Bangkok but may travel on mission related to programme implementation. Travel will be economy class, and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be provided in accordance with UNESCO regulations.
Travel arrangements must be coordinated and agreed upon in advance.
Required Qualifications
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:
- Communication arts
- Journalism
- Communication design
- International relations
- Social sciences or related fields
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience coordinating media development or digital competencies education projects
- Proven experience in Asia and the Pacific is highly desirable
Skills & Competencies
- Strong project management and strategic planning skills
- Analytical and conceptual thinking
- Excellent coordination and partnership-building ability
- Capacity to work independently in multicultural environments
- Strong communication and reporting skills
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of English
- Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages is an asset
UNESCO Core Values
Candidates should demonstrate commitment to:
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Respect for Diversity
- Professionalism
- Innovation
- Teamwork
- Results Focus
UNESCO maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and promotes gender equality and geographical diversity. Applications from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
Application Process
Interested candidates must apply online and upload a single PDF document containing:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter
- Approach and methodology (max 2 A4 pages) including workplan
- Proposed consultancy fee (monthly rate + estimated mission cost, quoted in USD)
Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be considered. The selection process may include written assessments and competency-based interviews conducted via video or teleconference.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This consultancy offers a rare chance to:
- Influence regional media development policy
- Advance ethical AI and digital inclusion
- Empower youth through digital competencies
- Promote freedom of expression and information integrity
- Contribute to sustainable and inclusive digital transformation in the Mekong region
If you are a media development specialist with a passion for digital education and global cooperation, this role places you at the heart of impactful international work in Asia and the Pacific.
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO Consultant on Media Development and Digital Competencies Education position is more than a consultancy—it is an opportunity to shape the future of digital literacy, media pluralism, and ethical innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
With a strong focus on youth empowerment, information integrity, and inclusive digital transformation, this role offers meaningful professional growth while contributing to global development goals.
Apply before 16 March 2026 and become part of UNESCO’s mission to build knowledge societies grounded in freedom of expression, access to information, and responsible technology.
