Location : Suva, FIJI
Application Deadline : 27-Sep-13
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : National Consultant
Languages Required : English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Oct-2013
Duration of Initial Contract : 15 days
Expected Duration of Assignment : 15 days between October and November 2013
Background
Media in Pacific Island countries face varying degrees of enabling policy and legislative environments. Common across the Pacific region are concerns over the quality of media reporting and the absence of common media standards and enforcement mechanisms with regards to journalism ethics and standards. These concerns are largely shared by media representatives themselves. Simultaneously, there is an increasing number of voices in the region that call for tighter regulation of the media. There is thus a risk that without functioning self-regulation mechanisms and adherence to journalism standards, Pacific media will be facing an increasingly restrictive legislative environment.
National self-regulation mechanisms to enforce media standards are non-existent currently, although efforts by development partners are underway and are likely to gain a foothold in some Pacific Island countries. At the same time, a number of media outlets across the Pacific have expressed their support for a regional media self-regulation mechanism to establish and enhance the adherence to media standards across the Pacific region. The establishment of such a regional mechanism has been promoted by the Pacific Freedom Forum.
In the context of UNESCO’s efforts to increase the freedom of the media, access to information and to use communication as a means of achieving sustainable development in the Pacific, and UNDP’s programs promoting human rights and freedom of expression, the two organizations, in partnership with the Pacific Freedom Forum, have decided to undertake a feasibility study on establishing a regional media self-regulation mechanism for the Pacific.
Duties and Responsibilities
- The overall aim of the feasibility study is to enable an informed discussion among media stakeholders about possible self-regulation mechanisms at the regional level with a view of exploring viable options to establish such a mechanism in the Pacific;
- The objective of the feasibility study is to present and discuss the various models of self-regulation mechanisms; their advantages and disadvantages based on lessons learnt from existing mechanisms; based on consultations with media and development partners in the Pacific; and taking to account a possible need to adapt these to the Pacific region;
- The discussion on feasibility shall include at the minimum sections on: financing and sustainability of a regional mechanism; membership and appointments; relationship vis-à-vis national self-regulation mechanisms; as well as regional standard setting and enforcement processes;
- The feasibility study shall include a clear presentation of at least two different possible media self-regulation models for the Pacific region including an outline of the process towards their establishment, and a recommendation with regards to the most appropriate model for the Pacific;
The national consultant on media self-regulation mechanisms will report to the international consultant who will act team leader and will be responsible for the following:
- Substantively contribute to timely and high quality delivery of the feasibility study;
- Substantively contribute to a desk review of guidance documents as well as existing media self-regulation mechanisms globally, and to the discussion pro’s and con’s of existing models as well as their adaptability to the Pacific region;
- Provide continuous advise to the international consultant on relevant legislative and policy frameworks related to media regulations in Pacific Island countries;
- Provide substantive support to the international consultant in organizing in-depth consultations with media representatives, media associations, as well as development partners across the Pacific region and ensure reflection of their views in the feasibility study;
- Contribute the development of a clearly presented feasibility study that presents and discusses a regional self-regulation mechanism for the Pacific in an accessible manner and transparently takes into account the views of media and development partners consulted during the process;
- Ensure high relevance of the final feasibility study for the Pacific region and ensure accurate reflection of existing legislative and policy framework related to media in the Pacific.
Competencies
- Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style and to deliver presentations to external audiences, including audiences unfamiliar with the technical aspect of the topic;
- Proficiency in English. Excellent analytical, writing and report drafting skills;
- Ability to interact and to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations both as a team member with people of different national and cultural backgrounds;
- Ability to work under high pressure;
- High degree of cultural competence;
- Discretion, diplomacy and sound judgment in a politically sensitive environment;
- Excellent organizational, coordination and interpersonal skills;
- Executes day-to-day tasks systematically & efficiently;
- Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate team members of different backgrounds and in different locations;
- Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced University degree in journalism, law, human rights law, ethics, international development or related area.
Experience:
- 7 years of relevant professional experience in the area of journalism, media development, media regulation, human rights;
- Knowledge of international frameworks and guidelines relevant for media self-regulation mechanisms;
- Proven research and writing skills including a substantial number of relevant publications;
- Demonstrated ability to consult with and take into account views of large number of stakeholders;
- In-depth knowledge of legislative and policy frameworks related to media freedom in the Pacific region;
- Relevant experience (7 years +) with specific expertise in media freedom and in particular media self-regulation mechanisms;
- Familiarity with relevant international guidelines and frameworks on media freedom and media regulation;
- Significant experience in consulting with and briefing a wide variety of stakeholders.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent English writing and communication skills.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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