Job: INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT ON MEDIA SELF-REGULATION MECHANISMS

Location : Suva, FIJI

Application Deadline : 25-Oct-13

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 04-Nov-2013

Duration of Initial Contract : 20 days

Expected Duration of Assignment :Between November and December 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

• Take responsibility for the overall leadership in coordinating the schedule and workload of the consultant team for the timely and high quality delivery of the feasibility study;
• Carry out a desk review of guidance documents as well as existing media self-regulation mechanisms globally, and discuss pro's and con's of existing models as well as their adaptability to the Pacific region;
• In cooperation with the national/regional consultant, develop a conceptual approach and organize 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;
• Ensure 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;
• Bear responsibility for the consolidation of inputs from the national/regional consultant and for the final editing of the feasibility study;
• Bear responsibility for incorporation of views and comments from the partner organizations commissioning this consultancy.

Competencies

• Proficiency in English. Excellent analytical, writing and report drafting skills;
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically & efficiently;
• Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource;
• 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;
• 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;
• Proven leadership skills and ability to motivate team members of different backgrounds and in different locations;
• Ability to work under high pressure;
• High degree of cultural competence;
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside the UN;
• Excellent organizational, coordination and interpersonal skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualification:

• Advanced University degree in journalism, law, human rights law, ethics, international development or related area.

Experience:

• 10 years of relevant professional experience in the area of journalism, media development, media regulation, human rights;
• Significant proven expertise on media self-regulation mechanisms, in particular in developing countries;
• Significant knowledge of international frameworks and guidelines relevant for media self-regulation mechanisms;
• Proven research and writing skills including a substantial number of relevant publications;
• Significant experience in consulting with and taking into account views of large number of stakeholders;
• Work experience in and knowledge of the Pacific is an advantage;
• Previous experience in developing or implementing media self-regulation mechanisms is a distinct advantage;
• Relevant experience (10 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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