UNDP Jobs - 51901- Communications Consultant (Long Term Agreement)

Communications Consultant (Long Term Agreement)

Location :

Manama, BAHRAIN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

02-Dec-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Up to 3 years (maximum of 261 working days)

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Under the general guidance of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the direct supervision by the UN Coordination Analyst and the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, the Communications Consultant implements both the UN System and the UNDP Bahrain communication strategies, with the main objective of increasing the visibility and understanding of the UN’s and UNDP’s work in Bahrain among national counterparts, the media and the general public.

The Communications Consultant works in close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator’s Office, the United Nations Communications Group, UNDP and other resident UN Agencies, Government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, and civil society, ensuring successful UN/UNDP communication strategy implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Formulate and implement strategies for UN and UNDP external communications and outreach;
Manage the design and maintenance of the UN and UNDP websites and social media platforms and provide editorial support;
Support the Resident Coordinator in his capacity as the key Representative for the UN in Bahrain;
Contribute to identifying new and creative ways to enhance visibility of the UN and UNDP’s profile in Bahrain.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensures formulation and implementation of strategies for external communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

Design:

Preparation and conduct of a communications needs assessment for the UN/UNDP (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.);
Draft/edit/update UN/UNDP communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy;
Development of plans/proposals to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UN/UNDP’s development programmes during programme formulations.

Implementation:

Provide advisory support to the work of the UN Communication Group (UNCG);
Provide advisory support to the UNDP Programme Section;
Develop communications materials and mobilize media around UN Days ensuring that the UN is promoting a common message around selected themes/issues;
Document achievements of UN and UNDP supported projects and initiatives for external media, websites and social media;
Develop and manage communication campaigns - including events, press conferences, briefing sessions and interviews - highlighting specific issues relevant to the chosen themes;
Develop partnerships with individuals, groups and organizations, in and external to the UN, whose support is essential to the achievement of UN and UNDP communication objectives;
Prepare end of year report on UN-wide and UNDP communication work plan.

Manage the design and maintenance of the UN and UNDP web site and social media platforms, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Supervision of the design and maintenance of UN and UNDP websites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with ICT and communications staff;
Provide editorial support for both English and Arabic website content;
Contribute to enhancing UN and UNDP’s social media presence and information dissemination by upgrading the quality and use of existing media/information systems ( Facebook, twitter, Instagram, etc.).

Support the UN Resident Coordinator in his capacity as the Representative of the UN in Bahrain, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Prepare and/or support the formulation of background notes, speeches and talking points for public appearances, including interviews;
Provide strategic advice on outreach activities with press and other communication target groups, including strategic messaging of selected issues;
Provide strategic advice on outreach activities with Government, Civil Society and Private Sector for the positioning of the UN in Bahrain.

Contribute to identifying new and creative ways to enhance visibility of the UN and UNDP’s profile in Bahrain, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching UN/UNDP flagship initiatives and publications;
Assist in developing appropriate UN/UNDP communication support tools, including bilingual reports or brochures that provide an overview of what UN agencies are doing in the Bahrain;
Maintenance of increased coverage and understanding of the UN/UNDP’s work in the country or practice area through regular media contacts and provision of newsworthy information to national public;
Develop a user-friendly template for quarterly UN-wide external newsletters and prepare Arabic content;
Identify opportunities for press conferences, facilitate interviews with UN/UNDP officials and prepare clear, consistent and timely responses to media inquiries and issues statements and corporate positions to media in Arabic and English.

Expected outputs:

A minimum of one story on a project or initiative drafted for the website per month;
A minimum of one press release drafted per month to promote UN initiatives and programmes;
A minimum of one op-ed drafted every two months;
A minimum of one press event organized to promote UN initiatives/events per month;
A minimum of one speech drafted per month;
One newsletter produced every quarter;
Communication strategies for UN and UNDP updated;
Website design and content reviewed and updated;
Strategic advisory notes on UN positioning provided;
One UNCT bilingual brochure is developed that provides an overview of what UN agencies are doing in the country;
One training session to UN RC staff on website maintenance and content update conducted during the year;
End of year report on UN-wide and UNDP communication work plan is prepared.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Ability to work in a team;
Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities;
Strong social media skills and background with a good creativity and ability to take initiative;
Professional copywriting and editing skills, including articles, reports, social media content, press releases, etc.;
Good understanding of web metrics and experience producing analytics reports;
Good understanding of usability, optimizing content for the web and search;
Good IT skills, including confidence with web-based applications, and basic knowledge of HTML, as well as video and photo editing and design software.

Corporate Competencies:

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in communications, media relations, or equivalent.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in design and implementation of communication strategies, plans and activities;
Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is valuable but not mandatory;
Knowledge of Bahrain’s social, economic and political context;
Experience in the usage of publishing and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management system is desirable;
Experience in the usage of media technology, social media for public information/advocacy;
Strong partnerships with government, private sector and media.

Language:

Fluency in English and Arabic.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should follow UNDP standard online application procedure, mindful of the following instruction:

After submitting the online form, you will be prompted to upload your CV;
During the selection process, qualified applicants will be requested to submit Technical proposal, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment; b) Brief Description of Approach to Work; c) samples works done (up to a maximum of six) of work you consider to be the best and most relevant d) Personal History Form (P11), including references and e) Financial Proposal.

Selection Process:

Short-listed candidates will be requested to participate in an interview with the selection panel;
The technical selection will be based on a balanced assessment of candidate(s) Education-10%, Experience at the national or international level in design and implementation of communication strategies, plans and activities-20%, Knowledge of Bahrain’s social, economic and political context-15%, Experience in building partnerships with government, private sector and media-15%;
Experience in the usage of publishing and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems-5%, Experience in using technology and innovation for public outreach (social media, etc.) -5%;
Short-listed candidates will be requested to submit a Financial Proposal. The Financial Proposal with a Daily Fee shall be submitted;
The selection of the Individual Consultants will be evaluated based on the Cumulative Analysis methodology, based on proposals that are a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria and financial criteria as per above weightages (technical-financial): 70%-30% . Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

LTA Contracting modality

The LTAs to be signed for a fixed daily fee for three year; however UNDP does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of the LTA as this will depend on forthcoming needs.