UNDP Jobs - 48230- National Consultant - Short Term Assignment

National Consultant - Short Term Assignment - National Communication Strategy specialist

Location :

Amman, JORDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Aug-2014

Application Deadline :

31-Jul-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

130 working days spread over a period of six months

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

130 working days spread over a period of six months

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The IEC has achieved significant achievements in a short period of time, including through the conduct of parliamentary elections in January 2013. To maintain public confidence, the IEC aims to openly and consistently engage all its stakeholders, to actively develop its public image, and anticipate and respond to public opinion. For this purpose, the IEC is developing a comprehensive communication strategy. The communication strategy will be a working tool that will guide relevant IEC staff through the phases of the electoral cycle and at different events. It should be developed through a consultative and participatory process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNDP Senior Electoral Adviser, and in daily collaboration with the IEC Secretary-General and/or Director of Media and Outreach (as appropriate), the National Communication Strategy Specialist will provide technical expertise and support to the IEC in developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for the period 2014-2016, as part of the IEC’s overall strategic plan. More specifically, the National Communication Strategy Specialist will:

Provide technical input and advice on the design of a communication strategy, including through internal and external consultations;
Support the IEC in carrying out and documenting such consultations;
Review drafts and advise on all elements of a communication strategy, including a definition of objectives, concrete outcomes and activities, a definition of target audiences and specific messages (including specific groups like women and youth), as well as communication methods/materials and possible implementing partners;
Advise and support the IEC in implementing the strategy during the contracting period; in particular, support the IEC in regular communications with the public and keeping them informed about the IEC’s work, with a focus on youth and women;
Advise and support the IEC in creating public awareness materials, media statements, website content, social media messages and other products;
Support the IEC in the strengthening of its mechanisms to interact and work with civil society including youth (in particular through universities and schools) and women (in coordination with other advisers as relevant);
Perform any other functions or support as may be needed by the UNDP Senior Electoral Adviser with coordination with the Secretary-General and/or Director of Media and Public Outreach in ensuring a successful communication strategy of the IEC and providing advice to the Board of Commissioners.

Expected outputs and deliverables

20% - An initial report based on an in-depth review of the (draft) IEC communication strategy, including recommendations for developing, strengthening and implementing the strategy, and proposals to conduct consultations on the strategy as appropriate on 15 September 2014;
30% - A detailed report containing recommendations to actively engage youth in electoral processes, including through practical forms of collaboration with universities and schools on 15 November 2014.
30% - A report on public awareness materials, media statements, website content, social media messages and other products created by the specialist on 15 December 2014;
20% - A final report on all activities undertaken during the consultancy with relevant recommendations for future implementation on 15 January 2015.

Competencies

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Is able to communicate complex technical issues and ideas in a clear and concise manner;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.

Client Orientation:

Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
monitors developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep them informed, anticipate problems and identify opportunities.

Conceptual innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise:

Actively seeks to improve programmes or services;
offers new and different options to solve problems;
promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas;
Has proven analytical and evaluative skills, and the ability to assess problems and formulate solutions;
Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Teamwork:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve goals and promotes good team spirit;
Develops and maintains strong relationships with colleagues and counterparts;
Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests and concerns of others;
Able to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in journalism, media, communication science, political science or related field

Experience:

15 years of relevant experience, including significant experience in the field of strategic communication and media engagement on behalf of large organizations;
In-depth knowledge of the Jordanian media landscape;
Thorough understanding of electoral stakeholders in Jordan;
Experience in elections or democratic processes highly desirable;
Competent in usage of MS Office programmes (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Language:

Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken.

Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

Proposal:

Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work
Provide a brief methodology on how they will approach and conduct the work.

Financial proposal .

Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references .

Financial Proposal

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount including fees, local travel cost, DSA and transportations (local travel means inside Jordan). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR. In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount.