JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Division for Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)

Duty Station : New Delhi

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 12 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+5 Time) : 30/09/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Long Description

The roster will be valid from 15 October 2026 to 31 December 2027, or until further notice. UNESCO reserves the right to extend or close the roster at any time.

OVERVIEW

UNESCO — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — works to build peace, eradicate poverty, and foster sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. The UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, based in New Delhi, oversees UNESCOs programmes and partnerships across India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, working closely with governments, civil society, and partners to advance these goals.

The Regional Offices Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) function is responsible for amplifying the visibility and impact of UNESCOs work across the region. This includes producing and disseminating content across digital and social media platforms, covering events and field activities, designing publications and communications materials, and managing UNESCOs regional brand presence. The CPE team works across all of UNESCOs programme sectors — education, culture, sciences, and communication and information.

To support this mandate, the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia is seeking qualified individuals to join a Creative Services Roster. Rostered candidates will be selected for projects on an on-call basis, with no guarantee of assignment, to provide Video Editing services across a range of communications and public engagement activities.

The roster will be valid from 15 October 2026 to 31 December 2027, or until further notice. UNESCO reserves the right to extend or close the roster at any time.

GENERAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CATEGORIES

Type of Contract

Individual Consultant (Non-Staff) or registered agency/firm. Contracts may be issued to individuals or legal entities depending on the nature and scale of the assignment. 

Geographic Coverage

The roster is open to individuals and agencies based anywhere in South Asia. Candidates must clearly indicate in their application:

• Their country of residence/base; and
• The region(s) within India and/or countries in South Asia where they are available to undertake assignments.

Long Description

Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights (All Categories): All copyright and intellectual property rights in materials produced under this assignment shall vest in UNESCO. The selected candidate/consultant shall provide UNESCO with all final and editable/source files. UNESCO shall have the exclusive worldwide right to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, distribute and otherwise exploit the materials, in any form or on any platform. No material may be used, published, or reproduced by the candidate/consultant without prior written permission from UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, New Delhi. All work must be original and must not infringe third-party rights. AI-generated images or videos are not permitted. 

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

Long Description

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To enhance the visibility and impact of UNESCOs work in the region, the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia (UNESCO New Delhi) is seeking qualified individuals and agencies to join a roster of video editors. Rostered candidates will be engaged on an on-call basis to provide post-production support for UNESCOs digital and social media content needs.

A primary function of this roster is to engage video editors who can take raw footage — shot by UNESCO or its photographers and videographers — and produce high-quality, platform-optimized social media videos: short reels, YouTube clips, event wrap-ups, campaign videos, and interview cuts. Candidates should be adept at fast-turnaround, social-media-first editing in addition to longer-form post-production.

The call is open to individual video editors and registered agencies of any nationality who can deliver services remotely.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive raw footage and/or project briefs from UNESCO and produce edited video content for social media platforms (Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and longer digital formats, as required.
• Assemble edited sequences in accordance with agreed scripts, storyboards, creative briefs, or UNESCO direction; recommend pacing, cuts, and visual elements where appropriate.
• Produce short-form social media content — reels, clips, teaser videos, interview bytes — optimized for specific platforms in terms of duration, aspect ratio, and format.
• Apply colour correction and grading, audio editing and synchronization, sound mixing, subtitling, captioning, lower-thirds, motion graphics, and integration of voice-overs and music, as required.

Long Description

• • Add and synchronize subtitles and captions as provided or directed by UNESCO.
  • Ensure all visual content is compliant with UNESCO Graphic Standards and Logo Toolkit, and include the UNESCO video outro where required.
  • Mainstream UNESCOs gender strategy and ensure gender-balanced representation is reflected in the edited output.
  • Ensure all works comply with international copyright policy; no third-party music, footage, or assets may be used without appropriate licensing.
  • Submit first-round edits in MP4 format for UNESCO review; incorporate feedback and revisions until the video is considered satisfactory.
  • Deliver ready-to-publish files in MP4 format (H.264, appropriate resolution per platform) and the editable source/master file, including all linked assets, for archiving.
  Meet committed deadlines; flag any anticipated delays promptly.

SCOPE OF WORK AND RATE PROPOSALS

Candidates must propose their daily rate in local currency for remote post-production and editing services. Rates should cover:

• Daily rate for social media editing (short-form content: reels, clips, interview bytes); and
• Daily rate for longer-form post-production (event documentation, documentary edits).

Long Description

• UNESCO will specify the type and format of deliverable in each assignment brief. Rates should reflect the full scope of the editing task, including colour, audio, subtitling, and delivery.

DUTY STATION

All assignments are remote-based. Raw footage and project briefs will be shared digitally by the UNESCO Responsible Officer. Candidates must maintain regular communication via email and online meetings throughout the assignment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

University degree and/or professional training in film production, video editing, broadcast media, digital communications, or related fields. A demonstrable portfolio will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrable professional experience in video editing, including experience in producing social media content. Experience with institutional or development-sector communications is an asset

Long Description

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in industry-standard video editing software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent;
• Demonstrated experience producing social media video content for Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn — including reels, shorts, and platform-optimized formats;
• Strong understanding of post-production workflows, colour grading, audio mixing, and multi-format export;
• Familiarity with motion graphics software (Adobe After Effects or equivalent) is an asset;
• Experience with subtitle and closed-caption integration;
• Ability to manage and archive large media file libraries;
• Ability to work independently and efficiently under tight deadlines and revision cycles;
• Familiarity with UNESCO or UN branding standards is an advantage; and
• Note: use of AI-generated content or AI video/audio enhancement tools is prohibited unless expressly authorized by UNESCO.

LANGUAGES

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Proficiency in local languages of the duty station is an asset.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates and agencies should apply through the UNESCO careers website (https://careers.unesco.org/) and follow these steps:

• Create or log in to your account on the UNESCO careers website.
• Download and complete your Employment History Form.
• Prepare the following documents:
• Cover letter: highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences and explaining how your qualifications make you suitable for the assignment(s) applied for. Please indicate the category code (CPE-VE) to which you are applying, and clearly state your region of base (within India) or country of base (outside India) and the regions/countries where you are available to undertake assignment. Agencies should also include a brief organisational profile (year established, size, key clients).
• Curriculum vitae (CV): outlining your professional and educational history, including contact information, work experience, software skills, and language skills. Agencies should submit CVs of at least two (2) key personnel proposed for UNESCO assignments.
• Portfolio: showcasing your relevant skills. The portfolio should include at least three (3) recent work samples with brief descriptions of the project and your role. For CPE-VE  include links to online portfolios where possible.
• Standard service rates: completed in accordance with the rate form relevant to each category applied for (see Annex I). Rates should be quoted in local currency. Agencies should indicate whether rates are per individual team member or per assignment.
• Combine all items (Employment History Form, cover letter, CV or organisational profile, portfolio, and standard service rates) and upload as a single file under the Employment History attachment section.
• Complete or update your Candidate Profile; save and submit your application.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

All candidates must complete an online application and provide complete and accurate information. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the relevant Terms of Reference and the best value for money approach. This may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference and e-mail correspondence for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the selection of candidates for inclusion in the roster shall be the need to secure the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.

UNESCO is committed to promoting equitable and diverse geographical representation, gender balance, and diversity in terms of nationality and culture in the composition of its rosters. Qualified candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are equally encouraged to apply.

All applications and information submitted as part of the selection process will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee assignment; candidates will be contacted on an on-call basis depending on programme needs. Candidates in the final selection step for assignments will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. 

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.

Long Description

Selection for the roster will be based on a technical and financial evaluation in the ratio of 70:30.  

Individual candidates are assessed on personal experience, portfolio, and proposed rates.

INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the relevant rate for the category to which they are applying. All forms should be submitted as part of the single combined application file.

Rate Form: CPE-VE – Video Editing

Please provide your daily professional rates in local currency.