UNDP Jobs - 55417- Electoral Graphics Designer

Electoral Graphics Designer - ELECT II Project

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

21-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

180 working days over 12 month period

Languages Required :

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

UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens.

Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and sub national levels.

UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.

Years of conflict have damaged Afghanistan’s economic, political, physical, social and institutional structures. Reconstruction demands a secure environment in which there is credible leadership and enforced rule of law. Strong, legitimate and effective public administration structures, responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens - including the poor – are a precursor to any sustainable development. To this end, UNDP supports Afghan electoral institutions so that they can become more effective vehicles for development.

The UNDP Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow (ELECT) project- phase I (2006 – 2011) provided technical and operational assistance to Afghan electoral bodies throughout the 2009 Presidential and provincial council elections and 2010 parliamentary elections.

ELECT II, which commenced January 2012, was conceived as a targeted and focused project providing a support and advisory role, with a particular focus on institutional strengthening and capacity development during the inter-election period. In line with the process of transition or Afghanisation, as articulated in the Kabul Conference in July 2010, the number of international staff was significantly reduced from previous years.

As the result of a project Mid-term Review and a UN Needs Assessment Mission, the ELECT II project has been extended beyond its original end date of December 2013 until December 2015, and the project objectives have been revised to now include direct electoral assistance for the conduct of the 2014 Presidential and Provincial Council Elections and the 2015 Parliamentary elections.

The overall objective of ELECT II is to support the national electoral institutions to plan and conduct credible elections, most immediately the 2015 Parliamentary and district elections, and to better ensure the integrity of the process. Continuing long-term assistance through support to capacity building of national electoral authorities beyond 2010 is in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2096 (2013).This assistance is closely coordinated with UNAMA, UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and UN Electoral Assistance Division (EAD).

The three key outputs for ELECT II are:

Output 1

Instituti onal, operational and technical capacity of the IEC is developed to ensure well organized, future Afghan-led electoral processes.

Output 2:

The quality of the voter registry is improved to support future electoral operations.

Output 3:

Capacity of the IEC is strengthened to encourage broader democratic Participation

With regard to the conducted Presidential and Provincial Elections on 5 April 2014 it is expected that the scope of work of the project will be amended in order to provide support to the upcoming parliamentary elections planned for 2015.

Specifically, and as a means to contribute to its goal (Output 3) long-term capacity development, post-ELECT programming should:

Build on the achievements made, to date, in establishing an efficient, Afghan-led Independent Electoral Authority;
Support the IEC in the transition from internationally-supported institution to self-sustaining institution; and
Provide technical and operational capacity-building assistance, with a view to sustain and transfer knowledge to Afghans.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work, Expected Outputs and Deliverables:

Scope of Work:

The International Electoral Graphics Designer will report to UNDP ELECT II, support the International Public Outreach Advisor, and closely coordinate with the Head of the Public Outreach Department in order to assist the Graphics Unit (GU) at the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) in the following key functions to achieve the desired results.

Key Functions:

Support the IEC in production of non-sensitive printed materials:

Advise and assist the IEC in production of voter education/information and training materials;
Support the Public Outreach Department of the IEC through recommending innovative and effective methods of production of voter education and training materials;
Deliver creative and innovative ideas for print and visual materials, and advise on template design for voter information and education materials;
Support the IEC through guidance on creative graphic and technical solutions and production of special materials for effective targeting of traditionally marginalized groups such as those in rural areas, minority groups, youth, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly;
Support the IEC with the design and development of artwork, creative graphics images/ illustrations, photos, charts, and technical solutions for voter education/information and promotional materials;
Assist the Public Awareness Section in determining and designing illustrative material, images, typesetting, layout, font style, size, format of materials and timescales;
Improve and edit existing art-works, photos, charts and other graphic elements.

Capacity Development: Office Best Practices – Supported Office Set-up and Training Programs:

Model good planning and monitoring processes for all work outputs;
Support the Public Outreach Advisor in the establishment of an institutional memory and materials archive and the transference of archive;
Develop and consolidate the capacity of counterparts through knowledge and experience transfer in a sustainable manner and provision of advice, support and feedback when appropriate;
Develop the capacity and knowledge of the IEC's staff responsible for design, production and quality control of voter education materials;
Assist in installation new graphic design equipment, hardware and software;
Design, prepare, and conduct a comprehensive training program to enhance the graphics design skills of the IEC GU on the correct use of the software and hardware available in order to autonomously design professional standard material needed by the IEC activities;
Design, prepare, and conduct;
2 software training sessions (Basic and Advanced) at Certified Adobe training centre for Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud designing package (Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design);
Design and prepare 2 software trainings (Basic and Advance) at Certified Adobe training centre for video animations and cartoons (Adobe After Effects, Adobe Flash);
Print technologies training;
Technical processes training;
Design processes training;
Organization of field trips to international printing companies as part of Print technologies training (design, prepress, printing and production) in basic graphic design skills and in developing capacity building activities for designated staff members.

Support the IEC in their cooperation with publishing agencies, art production companies, and printing houses:

Advice the IEC on project management techniques for work performed by outside agencies, art services, printers, etc.;
Ensure that voter information and education materials design and production processes are done according to agreed production timelines, standard operating procedures, and if not, advise on appropriate remedies;
To support the IEC in liaising with external printers on a regular basis to ensure deadlines are met and materials are produced to the highest quality;
Provide guidance and advice on developing procedures for quality assurance for the printing of voter information, education and promotional materials (e.g., technical specifications);
Advise the IEC on quality control mechanisms that can ensure that voter information and education materials are produced according to graphic standards and technical specifications;
Participate in evaluation process for printing of election related materials;
In coordination with the Graphics Unit, supervise printing and advise the IEC on quality control mechanisms which will ensure materials are printed to an appropriate standard as per specifications, and packaged, labeled, and delivered according to requirements;
The advisor will be responsible for contract management of printed materials and liaise with printing companies.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables:

Deliverable 1:

Supports the IEC in the production of non-sensitive printed materials;
Provide assistance to the IEC Graphic Design Unit in the designing and layout of all advertising, training, and printed materials for IEC POD;
Encourage the implementation of new and/or improved designs for all public outreach materials for the upcoming elections, by the means of (1) re-development and design of artwork, (2) implementing a creative approach to graphics, images and/or illustrations, photos, and charts, (3) provide guidance and technical solutions for voter education and/or information and promotional materials using the latest creative graphic and technical approach.

Deliverable 2:

Capacity Development: Office Best Practices – Supported Office Set-up and Training Programs:

Give assistance to the IEC Graphic Design Unit in the identification and installation of new graphic design equipment including laptops, screens, camera’s and cutters, relevant hardware and supporting software packages for the working environment;
Provide expertise to the IEC Graphic Design unit in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and a best work practices program to be implemented within the unit for daily operations;
Develop and conduct comprehensive trainings of IEC Graphic Design personnel on the new equipment and software programs, to enhance the design skills and understanding on the correct use of software and hardware to ensure a quality professional standard;
With the support of ELECT and IEC Capacity Development Unit, and in consultation with ELECT Public Outreach Advisor, identify international printing companies that specific field trips to as part of Print technologies training (design, prepress, printing and production). Once identified, organize field trip/s to selected international companies for identified IEC Graphic Design unit staff, to ensure that they have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge on international standards and large scale print technologies.

Deliverable 3:

Support the IEC in their cooperation with publishing agencies, art production companies, and printing houses:

Oversee the development of technical specifications for all printing requirements of IEC, including posters, banners, flipcharts, brochures, leaflets etc. (all non-sensitive printed materials) as well as packing and delivery instructions of;
Develop and establish post-print production quality assurance mechanisms and tools to be implemented by IEC Graphic Design Unit;
To raise the awareness of IEC Graphic Design unit in contract management issues when contracting external print companies, to ensure quality materials and products are received, print timelines are met, all technical requirements are at a high quality, delivery has been made as per instructions.

Impact of Results:

The key results will impact on the overall ELECT efficiency in providing advisory services and success in strategy development and planning for IEC staff capacity development and institutional consolidation;
Optimization of the public outreach and training materials particularly for district elections and its production as well establishing proper quality assurance mechanism for print production so materials are produced according to specification will result in more efficient use of resources, thus ensure client satisfaction and enhance UNDP credibility in the area of public outreach.

Working Arrangements:

Institutional Arrangements

The consultant will report directly to the ELECT II Public Outreach Advisor

The consultant will provide updates to both ELECT II Pillar Three Head, and the Public Outreach Advisor on a weekly basis, as well as daily needs basis;
The consultant will liaise with the IEC and ELECT Project Sections on all matters related to his/her assignment;
UNDP ELECT project will provide office space within the ELECT Project Offices;
The consultant will be provided with I.C.T. equipment (laptop, mobile phone, mobile radio) and security devices (personal body armor and helmet) and will be fully included in the UNDP Security regime;
Subject to availability of space, UNDP will secure accommodation at one of the following MOSS Compliant locations (costs covered by consultant): UNOCA Compound or the Green Village Compound. The consultant must take accommodation at one of these two locations due to security directives;
UNDP will provide transport from the accommodation to the office and return.

Duration of the Work:

The consultant will provide the services for the duration of the contract;
The consultant will work 5 days a week, with possibility to work 6 days on supervisors request during the contract period;
The contract will be up to 180 working days.

Duty Station:

The Consultant will be based in Kabul, Afghanistan;
If there is a need to travel to the provinces approved allowances will be paid.

Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

Lump Sum Amount

The financial proposal shall specify a daily fee and payment terms around the deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the terms of reference (TOR). In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of the daily fee (including initial travel, insurance, living allowance, and number of anticipated working days).

Note:

Living Allowance – The contractor shall propose a living allowance at the Kabul applicable rate of USD 181 per day for his/her stay at the duty station. The contractor is NOT allowed to stay in a place of his/her choice other than the UNDSS approved places. UNDP will provide MORSS compliant accommodation to the contractor. The cost of accommodation to be directly paid by the contractor.

Rest & Recuperation (R&R) – The contractor shall be entitled for one paid (USD 2,606) R&R (7 calendar days) during the course of the assignment after 42 days of continuous stay in the duty station. During these 7 R&R days when the contractor is away from Kabul, the contractor shall be paid the DSA at half rate (USD 90.5 per day) should the contractor retain his/her room in GV for these 7 days.

Additional travel might be required and cost will be reimbursed upon provision of UNDP claim forms

The total contract price, inclusive of the above elements, shall be converted into a lump sum contract and payments under the contract shall be made on submission and acceptance of deliverables under the contract in accordance with the above mentioned schedule of payment.

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

The award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

Having received the highest combined score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation:

Technical Criteria Weight – 70%

Note:

Applicants must submit a short technical proposal describing his or her approach, methodology and timeline to achieve the deliverables.

Financial Criteria Weight – 30%

The offer will be evaluated by using the Best Value for money approach (combined scoring method – using the 70% - 30% distribution for technical and financial proposals respectively).

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 40 technical points out of the 70 obtainable points would be considered for the financial evaluation.

Criteria & Maximum Marks:

Technical : 70 marks:

Relevance of Education and or experience– Max 10 points;
Relevance of experience as per criteria – Max 40points;
Interview – Max 20 points.

Financial: 30 marks

The assignment is based on a lump sum contract amount and payment is based only upon certification and acceptance of the deliverables and/or monthly reports received as indicated above. In the event of non-performance and pre-termination where payments cannot be made in full or may have to suspended, the final payment will be pro-rated against received and accepted deliverables.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Demonstrated capacity to strongly promote knowledge sharing and knowledge products and systems;
Initiative and sound judgment; displays writing and organizational skills; and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse team setting;
Fluency in English written and spoken required, knowledge of Dari / Pashto is considered an asset;
Advanced computers skills;
Knowledge/experience in working with Arabic fonts is a must;
Knowledge/experience of UN system, preferable.

Functional Competencies:

Ability to manage complexities and openness to change;
Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team, especially with colleagues from varied cultures and ethnical backgrounds;
Ability to adapt to a difficult working environment, under pressure and with limited timeframes;
Ability to remain calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure.

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;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills including facilitation skills in training related activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

BA degree in Graphic Arts or Design.

Experience:

10 years of relevant, diversified, and professional experience in graphic arts, design, and printing technologies.
Advanced graphic computer skills;
Excellent knowledge of election related issues;
Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations;
Excellent graphic skills;
Previous experience in Afghanistan or other Islamic countries an asset;
Previous experience in assisting in the design of electoral public outreach and training materials;

Language:

Fluency in English required;
Fluency of Pashto and/or Dari Languages an asset;
Knowledge/experience in working with Arabic fonts is a must.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information:

Personal CV and P11, including at least three professional references; (Annex);
Technical proposal describing his or her approach, methodology and timeline to achieve the deliverables (to be included in the online submission);
Financial proposal that indicates thefixed total contact price for a six-month assignment, supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the template provided.

Note:

Only one document can be uploaded and hence it is suggested that the CV, P-11, financial proposal and sample writing/editing/publication are uploaded as one document;
Only 3-5 best candidates would be invited to the interview and be requested to submit financial proposals.

Annex (to be downloaded from UNDP Afghanistan Website, procurement notices section:

http://www.af.undp.org/content/afghanistan/en/home/operations/procurement.html