UNDP - Asia Pacific Human Development Media Fellowship 2009

Context and Objective

The human development approach puts people at the centre of development. It recognizes the importance of economic concerns but goes beyond them to raise issues of enlarging human capabilities and expanding people's choices.

The objective of the Media Fellowship is to contribute to building capacity in the Asia Pacific and support policy through advocacy and dissemination of research that bring people to the centre of development debates. The Fellowship encourages media professionals from Asia Pacific developing countries to undertake media advocacy on issues of concern in the region from a human development perspective on a new theme each year.

Theme – Gender: Overcoming Political, Legal and Economic Inequality

Changing mindsets - media, technology, education (universal and content):Governments and all relevant actors, including NGOs, academia, parliamentarians, local authorities, the business community, civil society, international organisations and the private sector can be instrumental in changing national and local priorities to focus on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Political will paves the way for a change process. The commitment in respect to gender issues is expressed, for example, in legislation as well as in the programmes, policies, and plans of governments. These can target mindsets for example through gender review of textbooks and utilization of ICT tools which level the playing field among genders. Cooperation between civil society organizations and the government can contribute to the gradual change of the stereotypical perceptions on gender in culture and practices prevailing in society which limits individual and group choices and freedoms in life.

What are the factors beyond the persistence of gender inequalities in Asia Pacific? What steps can reduce gender-based inequalities in the region? What challenges should be tackled in order to create and sustain an enabling environment? What examples exist of changes in government policies which, together with alliances developed with the civil society, have translated in promoting gender equality in practice? Has political will not only introduced the gender equality dimension, acknowledging its centrality, but also taken further commitments by mainstreaming gender in various dimensions of planning? These are some of the questions that could be addressed.

The Fellowship

The award will be based on a proposal, including a draft budget. Proposals can cover different media outputs, e.g. radio programmes, short films, public service announcements, print media articles, cartoons, photo essays, etc. The Fellows should be willing to present their work at workshops, seminars and other events as may be arranged by UNDP from time to time (travel-related costs will be covered separately).

The final media product will be shared with UNDP and acknowledge UNDP's support as follows: "This work was supported by the United Nations Development Programme under an UNDP Asia Pacific Human Development Media Fellowship. The content, information, analysis and policy recommendations of this work represent the independent efforts, perspective and views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Development Programme, its Executive Board or its Member States'.

Eligibility

Be a citizen of a developing country in the Asia Pacific region (1. Afghanistan 2. Bangladesh 3. Bhutan 4. Cambodia 5. China 6. Cook Islands 7. Democratic People's,Republic of Korea 8. Federated States of Micronesia 9. Fiji 10. India 11. Indonesia 12. Iran, Islamic Republic of 13. Kiribati 14. Lao People's Democratic Republic 15. Malaysia 16. Maldives 17. Marshall Islands 18. Mongolia 19. Myanmar 20. Nauru 21. Nepal 22. Niue 23. Pakistan 24. Palau 25. Papua New Guinea 26. The Philippines 27. Republic of Korea 28. Samoa 29. Solomon Islands 30. Sri Lanka 31. Thailand 32. Timor-Leste 33. Tokelau 34. Tonga 35. Tuvalu 36. Vanuatu 37. Viet Nam)

A mid-career accredited media professional
Around five years of relevant professional experience
Completed application with enclosures (proposal, budget, time frame, CV, supporting material, if any, in English); supporting material in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation
UN staff members are not eligible to apply

Application Process

All candidates must complete a formal application in English or with an English translation, including:
Summary statement of the objectives of the proposal
Project proposal, including a draft budget, not exceeding 2,000 words. The project timeframe should not exceed 12 months
Statement of professional objectives (please indicate how selection as a UNDP Media Fellow will contribute to your short and long term career objectives)
Curriculum vitae
Letter of reference from two professionals in your media who can comment on the applicant's past work and the potential of the proposed work to contribute meaningfully to its chosen field
Incomplete applications or those received after the due date, will not be processed.

Selection Criteria

Demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation
Contribute to value-addition or innovation in communicating research
Provide evidence for placement of final product in established media; preference will be given to strategic or wide reach
Complete work by third quarter of 2010 or earlier

Selection Procedure

Shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in an interview, conducted by an independent panel, which will comprehensively asses the proposal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and subsequently informed about the results of the interview.

Deadline

Applications should be submitted by 1st September 2009.

Contact Information

Applications or any queries should be sent to [email protected]

Alternatively, you could send them to:
UNDP Asia Pacific Human Development Media Fellowship
Human Development Report Unit
UNDP Regional Centre for Asia Pacific, Colombo Office
23 Independence Avenue
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka


More info: http://www2.undprcc.lk/about_us/fellowship.php