UNDP Jobs - 32896- ICTD Research and Multimedia Consultant

ICTD RESEARCH AND MULTIMEDIA CONSULTANT
Location :	New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Application Deadline :	05-Oct-12
Type of Contract :	Individual Contract
Post Level :	International Consultant
Languages Required :	English French
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	15-Oct-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :	One year
Background
Developing economies have witnessed unprecedented growth in the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the last decade. This has been particularly true with mobile technologies, which have spread rapidly in places that once struggled with basic communication, greatly broadening and "democratizing" access to ICTs. The role of ICTs in advancing citizen engagement and participation in the public sphere has been underlined in events across the globe; New technologies have given greater power and opportunity for people to monitor and share information, including information around conflict, crisis and peace initiatives as the recent events throughout the Arab region have reemphasized. Mobile phones and ICTs can offer new ways of empowering citizens and stakeholders by enhancing democratic processes and mechanisms to strengthen inclusive development processes. UNDP recognizes the significant opportunities for integrating the use of ICTs into development programming. The e-governance sub practice captures good practices, experiences and success factors to contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential of ICTs for development among practitioners as well as the general public. The Unit has adjusted its own communication means to advance UNDP approaches among practicioners in the field, responding to shifts in development in the ICT field. To effectively share and advocate innovative approaches, the Unit aims to enhance its means to identify, produce and disseminate information material on the potential of ICTs. In order to manage its communication and information channels, the Unit is seeking a Consultant to support the core team in identifying and gathering relevant information, developing and disseminating communication material while considering the potential audience and the appropriate channels to deliver the information (multi media, website).
Duties and Responsibilities
Overall Objective Under the supervision of the Policy Advisor of e-Governance and Access to Information, the Consultant will provide support for state of the art ICT for Development (ICTD) research, including the use of multi-media means and channels. The Consultant is also expected to produce advocacy material using digital film and photography. The Consultant is expected to contribute to dissemination of the communication materials through various media and platforms and manage the information on the e-governance website. Specific Tasks The consultant is expected to undertake the following tasks: Help build a collection of relevant materials on ICT for Development Research best practices for social networks and development programmes Support the development of reports and information products Reach out to potential partners or experts that are relevant to the work of the Unit& (academics, youth, NGOs, media, etc.) Support the Unit with requests from Country Offices for experts in specific fields Help identify, list, and monitor events (conferences, meetings, etc.) relevant to e-governance and flag key messages, statements, commitments, etc. (to keep the Unit in step with developments and help the Unit shape engagement in the field) Assist in various communications efforts as may become necessary Also assist in various programme needs as requested by the Policy Advisor. Location The consultant is expected to combine home-based work with frequent visits to the UNDP HQ offices in New York
Competencies
Knowledge on mass Communication and Media Research and Political Science Knowledge of Website Management Multimedia expertise: film production, Youtube, etc. Extensive experience in conducting applied policy-oriented research Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to take initiative and be innovative Ability to work collaboratively in a team structure in a multicultural environment
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Graduate degree in social sciences or directly related areas (with a focus on development, international affairs, conflict prevention, etc.) Experience: At least three years of directly relevant post-graduate professional experience Experience working on the ground in a developing country (field research experience a must) Excellent knowledge of ICTD, governance, and conflict prevention Excellent knowledge of policies and programmes utilizing new ICTs (particularly mobile phones) for development and conflict prevention in developing countries Good research skills with knowledge of data analysis tools Language: Perfect command of English (knowledge of or fluency in another UN language desirable)
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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.