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Project Officer (Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists) - Job Opportunity at UNESCO

Paris, France
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
USD 111,566 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive 30-day annual leave package providing exceptional work-life balance in the international development sector
Medical insurance coverage ensuring health security while working on global assignments
Pension plan offering long-term financial security for international organization career paths
Family allowance supporting dependents which is particularly valuable for expatriate professionals
Competitive salary structure with additional benefits package exceeding many private sector equivalents
International organization status providing diplomatic privileges and tax advantages
Professional development opportunities within UNESCO's global network
Multicultural work environment fostering international career advancement

Key Responsibilities

Lead coordination and strategic management of the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, directly impacting global media freedom initiatives across multiple countries and regions
Drive programme implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes that influence international policy development and resource allocation for journalist safety worldwide
Develop comprehensive work-plans and technical specifications that shape UNESCO's approach to freedom of expression advocacy, affecting millions of media professionals globally
Provide authoritative technical advice to government representatives and international stakeholders on critical policy matters related to press freedom and journalist safety
Research and contribute to knowledge base development that informs global best practices in media freedom, creating resources used by organizations worldwide
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with public and private sector entities, leveraging relationships to advance UNESCO's mandate on a global scale
Lead resource mobilization efforts to secure multi-million dollar funding for critical freedom of expression initiatives, directly impacting programme sustainability and reach
Supervise international consultants and experts while managing complex administrative processes across multiple countries and legal jurisdictions

Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication, media studies, political science, international relations or in other areas covered by the work of UNESCO's programmes in Freedom of Expression, media development, safety of journalists; and media and information literacy

Experience

At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience in the development and implementation of multi-donor funded projects in the field of human rights, especially in subject areas related to freedom of expression and access to information, of which at least two (2) years acquired at international level

Required Skills

Strong understanding and knowledge of UNESCO's mandate and its programming in the areas of freedom of expression Strong knowledge and analytical skills in international human rights standards, particularly on freedom of expression, safety of journalists, media development, as well as media and information literacy Excellent organizational and planning skills, following a results-based approach Strong drafting and editing skills, with ability to draft, edit and produce reports on relevant issues Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to synthesize and exchange information on complex issues Excellent project management and coordination skills, results-based management and results-based budgeting Good IT skills, with proficiency in the use of MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), as well as in widely-used enterprise resource planning softwares Flexibility to adjust work schedules and priorities; capacity to work effectively under pressure Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a complex and multicultural environment Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of French
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global media freedom landscape is experiencing unprecedented challenges with declining press freedom scores in over 70% of countries worldwide, creating increased demand for specialized professionals who can navigate complex political environments and develop effective protection mechanisms for journalists. This trend is driving significant investment in international programs focused on media development and journalist safety. Digital transformation in media is fundamentally reshaping freedom of expression challenges, with online harassment, digital surveillance, and platform censorship creating new protection needs that require professionals with both traditional human rights expertise and digital literacy. Organizations are increasingly seeking candidates who understand both conventional media law and emerging digital rights frameworks. The integration of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) into international development programming has elevated the profile of press freedom work, leading to increased funding opportunities and career advancement potential for professionals in this field. Multi-donor programmes are becoming the preferred mechanism for addressing complex, cross-border media freedom challenges.

Salary Evaluation

The provided salary of USD 111,566 annually is competitive within the international development sector and aligns well with P-3 grade positions at major UN agencies. This compensation level is particularly attractive when combined with UNESCO's comprehensive benefits package and tax advantages, effectively providing purchasing power equivalent to USD 140,000-150,000 in the private sector.

Role Significance

Typically manages a network of 15-25 international consultants, experts, and service providers across multiple regions, while collaborating with a core team of 8-12 UNESCO staff members across headquarters and field offices. The role involves coordination with dozens of partner organizations and government representatives globally.
This is a substantive mid-level professional position with significant programmatic responsibility and direct impact on global policy development. The role operates at the intersection of policy, programming, and resource mobilization, requiring independent decision-making and strategic thinking while reporting to senior management. The position offers substantial autonomy in programme coordination and serves as a key liaison with government representatives and international stakeholders.

Key Projects

Multi-million dollar multi-donor programmes spanning 3-5 years with activities across 20-30 countries focusing on journalist safety mechanisms, legal reform, and capacity building initiatives Development of international policy frameworks and best practice guidelines that are adopted by governments and media organizations worldwide Creation and management of emergency response systems for journalists under threat, including rapid response funding mechanisms and protection protocols Design and implementation of media development programs that strengthen independent journalism in conflict-affected and transitional societies

Success Factors

Exceptional diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills are critical for navigating complex political environments and building consensus among diverse stakeholders with often conflicting interests. Success requires the ability to maintain neutrality while advocating for press freedom principles in politically sensitive contexts. Strategic thinking and systems approach to problem-solving, as the role requires understanding how local media challenges connect to global trends and how programme interventions can create sustainable, systemic change rather than just addressing symptoms. Proven ability to build and maintain high-level relationships with government officials, donor representatives, and civil society leaders, as programme success depends heavily on coalition-building and stakeholder engagement across multiple sectors and regions. Financial acumen and resource mobilization skills, including the ability to translate programmatic impact into compelling funding proposals and maintain donor confidence through transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms.

Market Demand

High demand driven by increasing global threats to press freedom and the growing recognition of media freedom as essential to democratic governance and sustainable development, with limited pool of qualified candidates possessing the specific combination of human rights expertise, project management skills, and international experience required.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Results-based management expertise is essential as donors increasingly demand measurable impact and accountability in freedom of expression programming. The ability to design robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks and demonstrate programme effectiveness through data and evidence is fundamental to securing continued funding and organizational credibility. Advanced diplomatic and negotiation skills are crucial for operating effectively in politically sensitive environments where press freedom advocacy must be balanced against sovereignty concerns and cultural sensitivities. The ability to build trust and find common ground among diverse stakeholders often determines programme success or failure. Strategic partnership development and resource mobilization capabilities are increasingly vital as traditional funding sources become more competitive and organizations must diversify their funding base. The ability to identify and cultivate new donor relationships while maintaining existing partnerships is essential for programme sustainability.

Beneficial Skills

Digital rights and platform governance expertise is becoming increasingly valuable as online harassment, surveillance, and content moderation pose new challenges to freedom of expression that require both technical understanding and policy innovation Conflict-sensitive programming skills are highly beneficial given that many press freedom challenges occur in fragile and conflict-affected contexts where traditional development approaches may be ineffective or counterproductive Private sector engagement experience is growing in importance as organizations seek to expand beyond traditional government and foundation funding to include corporate social responsibility partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms

Unique Aspects

This position offers rare direct access to high-level government officials and international decision-makers, providing exceptional networking opportunities and career advancement potential within the global media development community
The role combines operational programme management with policy development and advocacy, offering comprehensive experience across the full spectrum of international development work
Working within UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector provides exposure to cutting-edge thinking on digital rights, artificial intelligence governance, and information integrity, positioning the incumbent at the forefront of emerging global challenges
The Multi-Donor Programme structure offers visibility to multiple donor governments and agencies, creating diverse career pathway opportunities within both multilateral and bilateral development organizations

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior roles occurs within 3-5 years with strong performance, given the specialized nature of the field and limited pool of experienced candidates. Advancement to country or regional leadership positions often achievable within 5-8 years for high performers.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Programme Officer or Chief of Section positions within UNESCO or other UN agencies, typically focusing on broader regional or thematic portfolios with increased budget responsibility and team management duties Country Representative or Regional Director positions with UN agencies or major international NGOs, leading comprehensive development programmes with multi-sectoral responsibilities Senior Policy Advisor roles with bilateral development agencies, foundations, or think tanks, focusing on media development strategy and policy research Deputy Director or Director positions with press freedom organizations, media development foundations, or human rights organizations, combining programmatic and organizational leadership responsibilities

Company Overview

UNESCO

UNESCO stands as the United Nations' specialized agency for education, science, culture, and communication, operating as one of the world's most influential multilateral organizations in the media freedom space. With 193 member states and a global mandate, UNESCO's Communication and Information Sector serves as the primary UN focal point for press freedom issues, making it the premier destination for professionals seeking to shape global media development policy.

UNESCO maintains unparalleled convening power and normative authority in the media freedom field, serving as the official UN agency monitoring journalist killings and coordinating the UN Plan of Action on Safety of Journalists. The organization's unique position as both a standard-setting body and implementing agency provides exceptional leverage for policy influence and programme impact.
Paris headquarters location offers access to European Union institutions, major donor governments, and international media organizations, while UNESCO's global network of 53 field offices provides opportunities for international assignments and career mobility. The Paris posting is particularly strategic for building relationships with European donors and civil society organizations.
UNESCO's culture emphasizes intellectual rigor, diplomatic protocol, and collaborative consensus-building, attracting professionals who value multilateral approaches to global challenges. The organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a stimulating multicultural environment, though the formal UN system requires adaptation to bureaucratic processes and diplomatic sensitivities.
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