UNDP Jobs - 53347- Strategy for Capturing the Perspectives of Crisis-

Strategy for Capturing the Perspectives of Crisis-Affected People at the World Humanitarian Summit

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

23-Feb-2015

Application Deadline :

13-Feb-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

30 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 weeks

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

Project Description

The world is facing humanitarian needs on an unprecedented scale. The external environment is also changing rapidly through climate change, demographic shifts and advances in technology. The global community must continually seek better ways to meet the needs of millions of people affected by conflicts and disasters.The first World Humanitarian Summit, which will take place in Istanbul in May 2016, will bring together governments, humanitarian organizations, people affected by humanitarian crises and new partners including the private sector to propose solutions to our most pressing challenges and set an agenda to keep humanitarian action fit for the future. In the two years preceding the summit, regional and global consultations will be held to gather the perspectives of stakeholders from across the world, including the voices of people affected by conflicts and disasters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives and tasks:

This Terms of Reference outlines the work of a consultant who will collaborate with the WHS Secretariat team to support the inclusion of the perspectives of crisis-affected people in the work leading up to the WHS. This consultancy will have three main outputs:

Guidance package for community consultations

In consultation with the WHS Community Engagement Advisory Group, the consultant will finalize a guidance package on consulting affected communities in the lead-up to the World Humanitarian Summit regional and global consultations. The guidance package should include best practices on implementing listening-based consultations and using participatory methodologies for analyzing findings together with communities.

Mapping exercise of current or upcoming CWC initiatives

In consultation with groups of experts including the WHS Community Engagement Advisory Group, the IASC task team on AAP & PSEA and other relevant stakeholders, the consultant will undertake a mapping exercise of current and planned CWC activities and outline what opportunities they present for collecting data on the perspectives of affected people or presenting the voices of affected people themselves in the WHS consultations, events and in the Summit itself.

Strategy for participation of affected people in the World Humanitarian Summit process

In consultation with groups of experts including the WHS Community Engagement Advisory Group, the IASC task team on AAP & PSEA and other relevant stakeholders and including a review of existing good practices from other events, the consultant will produce a strategy and specific recommendations for how crisis-affected people can be included, and put at the heart, of key events leading up to the WHS and at the WHS itself.

Outputs and timelines:

The anticipated start date of the contract is 23 February 2015. The final outputs will be expected according to the following schedule. At the completion of the contract, the consultant will deliver the following: 1) Finalized guidance package for community consultations in the WH; 2) Mapping exercise with opportunities and recommendation; 3) Draft strategy document for engaging affected people in the WHS. The consultant will be expected to deliver the above within 30 working days of beginning the contract. The consultant will take direction from the WHS Secretariat Chief and work closely with the WHS Secretariat Communications and Advocacy Officer and the focal points of the WHS Community Engagement Group. The consultant will be expected to provide their own equipment and software, as well as meet any other working conditions required to fulfill these tasks. The consultancy will be home-based, although depending on the candidate’s location, options for the location of the consultancy can be discussed. Some travel may be required. Any days worked in addition to the timeframe agreed will be at the consultant’s own expense unless explicitly approved by the WHS Secretariat.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to communication with communities;
Shows creativity and initiative in meeting organizational goals;
Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships;
Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues;
Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style;
Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences;
Shows pride in work and in achievements;
Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
Remains calm in stressful situations;
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work;
Keeps abreast of available technology and actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others 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.

Planning & Organizing:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments;
Adjusts priorities as required;
Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
Flexibility and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.

Experience:

At least 7 years experience working in a participative way with crisis-affected people in humanitarian response;
Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Communications with Communities (CWC), participatory and listening-based methodologies, and accountability mechanisms in humanitarian response;
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant humanitarian best practices, standards, policies, networks and publications.

Language:

Fluency in English, written and oral, is required.

How to apply:

The application must contain duly completed and signed Personal History Form (P11), which can be downloaded from www.sas.undp.org/Documents/P11_Personal_history_form.doc. as well as and updated CV. Please group all your documents into one single PDF file because the system allows only one attachment.