Consultancy: Communication and Information Verified listing

1. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this consultancy is to strengthen Pakistan's protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) through evidence generation, the development of practical technical resources, and informed policy dialogue.

To achieve the above objective, the scope of the consultancy comprises the following components:

Component 1: Evidence Generation and Policy Analysis

The consultant will undertake analytical research to strengthen understanding of the nature, prevalence and institutional response to TFGBV affecting women journalists in Pakistan. This will include:

• Undertake a national mapping of the protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing TFGBV, including documenting existing prevention, protection, reporting, referral and support mechanisms implemented by government institutions, media organizations, journalist associations, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders;
• Review relevant legal, policy and institutional frameworks governing cybercrime, online violence, media regulation and freedom of expression;
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen institutional coordination, operational responses and policy implementation related to the protection of women journalists experiencing TFGBV; and
• Analyse international good practices and develop evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the national protection ecosystem.

Component 2: Development of Technical Resources

Building on the findings of Component 1, the consultant will develop practical technical resources to support institutional capacity development and strengthen the protection ecosystem for women journalists experiencing TFGBV. The resources shall build upon relevant UNESCO normative instruments, guidance materials and international good practices, adapting them to the Pakistani context and the needs of relevant national stakeholders. This will include:

• Developing a Training Toolkit comprising a training curriculum, facilitator guidance note, presentation materials, participant handouts and practical case studies, drawing upon relevant UNESCO guidance and international standards on the safety of journalists;
• Developing a Resource Guide outlining reporting procedures, referral pathways, available support services and institutional responsibilities for women journalists experiencing TFGBV in Pakistan; and
• Preparing a Technical Guidance Note providing practical recommendations for adapting relevant UNESCO guidance and international standards to strengthen institutional responses, policy implementation and future capacity development initiatives in Pakistan.

Component 3: Stakeholder Consultation and Knowledge Sharing

The consultant will support UNESCO in promoting evidence-informed dialogue and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to validate findings and strengthen national responses. This will include:

• Identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders and conducting structured consultations, including bilateral meetings, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions and/or online interviews and discussions, as appropriate, to gather perspectives, validate findings and identify existing initiatives, gaps and opportunities for strengthening responses to TFGBV against women journalists.
• Preparing appropriate consultation tools, interview guides and other materials to support stakeholder engagement;
• Documenting stakeholder feedback and incorporating recommendations into the final technical outputs; and
• Preparing a consolidated implementation roadmap outlining priority actions for strengthening institutional responses to TFGBV against women journalists.

Throughout the assignment, the consultant shall ensure that all outputs are evidence-based, gender-responsive, aligned with international human rights standards and UNESCO's mandate on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists and gender equality.

D. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The consultant will work under the overall authority of the Country Representative to Pakistan / Head of UNESCO Office in Islamabad and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer (Communication and Information). The consultant will be responsible for implementing the assignment in accordance with the agreed workplan, maintaining regular communication with UNESCO, and submitting all deliverables for technical review and approval. The consultant will work closely with UNESCO and, where appropriate, engage with relevant government institutions, media organizations, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to support the successful implementation of the assignment.

UNESCO will provide overall technical guidance, and quality assurance with relevant stakeholders, including the organization of consultation and validation meetings, as required. The consultant shall ensure that all research and stakeholder engagement activities are conducted in accordance with confidentiality, informed consent, gender sensitivity and the principle of do no harm.