Background

The UN’s journey towards their own operational climate neutrality began officially on 5th June 2007 when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon publicly called on all UN agencies, funds and programmes to ‘go green’ and become climate neutral. Driven initially by the UN initiative “Greening the Blue” (http://www.greeningtheblue.org/), with an interest to promote climate neutrality within the UN, the focus was largely on addressing associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Sustainable UN facility in collaboration with sustainability focal points in about 60 UN entities and the HLCM procurement network has extended the focus area onto other critically important purchasing categories as well including the focus on resource depletion and eco- and human-toxicity in the procurement in the context of procurements for the health sector.

UN informal Interagency Task Team on Sustainable Procurement in the Health Sector (SPHS) was established in May 2012 with an aim to leverage the normative mandate and joint procurement volume of participating UN agencies to influence the global health aid market towards reducing its environmental footprint, particularly through the introduction of green procurement criteria. In 2014 global health financing institutions have been approached to join forces in introducing environmental safeguarding policies and green procurement criteria, thereby further strengthening the purchasing power within the global health aid market and SPHS members now include UNDP, UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNHCR, UNEP, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNITAID and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. The cumulative purchasing power of SPHS members in the global health aid market is about USD 5 billion annually.

The ability of the SPHS to effectively address the challenge of sustainable procurement hinges on its ability to galvanize collective engagement among public, private and non-profit stakeholders. With an increased engagement with key stakeholders, a number of communication and information related gaps have been identified within the SPHS which need to be addressed, including the necessity of an online space for SPHS members to share documents, reports and other content and the necessity of an informal communication channel on the topic of green procurement between SPHS members and key stakeholders from the global market for health aid. Arising from these needs and circumstances, with this call, the HHD Team at the IRH is seeking the services of a national or international consultant, with a focus on communications, data base management, as well as relationship management to support the next organizational development phase of the SPHS Secretariat.

This assignment is geared to broaden and deepen awareness of the SPHS initiative on introducing sustainable procurement in the health sector, engage with key audiences (donors, suppliers and manufacturers, media, as well as internal SPHS stakeholders), create brand recognition and lift the related SPHS supported initiative's media profile. The communication work will raise awareness of target groups (to be defined in consultation with the SPHS Secretariat and members) in SPHS's work, particularly on engagement with suppliers and manufacturers on introducing green procurement in the global market for health aid. The consultancy will aim to develop and implement tailored communications strategy, highlight individual projects to different audiences and mobilize partners, stakeholders, and the general public to advocate on results achieved through the portfolio (e.g. via the online SPHS platform).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the SPHS Associate Coordinator and under the overall supervision of the SPHS Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub HIV, Health and Development team and the SPHS members, the Communications consultant will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the communications strategy, SOP and work plan for the 2015-2016 period;
• Produce knowledge products related to the SPHS engagement process with suppliers and manufacturers, including drafting, editing and bringing in line with the SPHS publications standards. The communications specialist is expected to draft material in coordination with the SPHS member agencies, bring content developed by the SPHS Secretariat and members to reader friendly stage, and review and edit final products to bring up-to UNDP publication standards;
• Raise awareness for the SPHS initiative's brand;
• Build on the SPHS's new online platform-website, integrate old contents into new website, with the support of web developer, develop key content and team management methods to organize the website publishing guidelines;
• Build on and advance the program's digital presence through social media, especially through twitter accounts, or other planned and/or existing social media platforms such as the UNDP regional and corporate twitter accounts and Facebook pages;
• Build on, revamp and create content for the SPHS's monthly and ad-hoc newsletters (SPHS News Flash);
• Undertake activities to promote the SPHS's media coverage; liaison with both internal and external media. Build up content distributions channels through the SPHS Secretariat and members channels, external donor channels and international media outlets;
• Draft media advisories and press releases;
• Liaise with key internal and external SPHS stakeholders (i.e. SPHS member agencies, UNDP staff at the regional and HQ level, as well as the UNDP Country office staff and project / government counterparts as appropriate) and lead the coordination of communication efforts to ensure seamless collaboration and successful delivery of high quality communications operations and products;
• Liaise with media for press releases and events, establish media connections and aim to get maximum media attention for press releases, special events, press interview either through broadcast or print media;
• Produce and oversee production of media friendly communications products for UNDP projects. Specifically, generate and/or facilitate the production of donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, in order to support fundraising activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages;
• Provide assistance in the drafting of contents for all planned communication efforts;
• Provide technical support for the quality control of communication efforts and products;
• Oversee interns for communications work;
• Perform other related duties as required.

Expected outputs and deliverables:

• Expected Deliverables (following UNDP guidelines on communications):
• A communication strategy, SOP and work plan, which includes a set of key messages to be promoted among target audiences. It will define the means necessary for implementation, recommending media and communication tools. The plan will point out the content and campaigns recommended for implementation for the period of 2015-2016;
• Production of knowledge products related to the SPHS ongoing projects - publications, project specific papers and case studies/best practice compilations across the SPHS projects;
• Content creation and maintenance of an active SPHS website, which can be closely monitored by data analyzing software, regularly updated and evaluated, fostering engagement of the SPHS members, as well as other key stakeholders from the global market for health aid (e.g. suppliers and manufacturers);
• An active social media network that can be measured by data analyzing software;
• Production of photo essays, blog entries, success stories to highlight lessons learnt from the SPHS activities and projects;
• One piece of animated video story that incorporates infographics and data visualization;
• Operationalize Communications Standard Operating Procedures with plans and implementation for all project key phases;
• Identification of partners platforms to highlight UNDP content, such as blogs, success stories and lessons learnt from adaptation initiatives in countries;
• Boosted media coverage, which will be measured by number of followers on social media channels, users involvement, newspaper clippings, etc.;
• A communications tool kit to help the SPHS Secretariat and members when carrying out communication actions, or requesting additional information on the communications activities;
• Reports/press releases/speeches/multimedia project pitches/campaign/events (online/offline) to raise brand awareness;
• A final report that will sum up the work done, the lessons learnt and recommendations to further the communication effort of the program.

Specific deliverables will be agreed upon with the Supervisor at the beginning of each month, in writing. Payments will be made once a month upon submitted satisfactory progress report against deliverables as approved by the Supervisor.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism:

• Demonstrated ability and knowledge in the design and management of websites and complex information management systems;
• Is conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results;
• 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.

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.

Technological awareness:

• Keeps abreast of available technology;
• Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;
• Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;
• Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or relevant area;
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent)  in combination with at least two additional years of qualifying experience from the minimum experience requirement stated below, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• At least 4 years of experience in generating communications, communication strategies, media operations and advocacy material via various media (i.e. print, video, websites);
• Experiences in development communication issues and demonstrated experience in communicating health and environment / sustainable procurement work tailored to different audiences is a distinct advantage;
• Sound technical understanding of communications concepts and principles with a broad knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes and specialized knowledge in a specific area;
• Experience in UN related communications an asset;
• Proficiency and experience with media software, applications and communication tools; And Computer proficiency; especially related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office, Photoshop).

Language:

• Fluency and ability to communicate and perform complex tasks in English;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of other regional languages would be an asset.

Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and a financial proposal of a lump sum amount in US$.

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

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable;
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation - max. 56 points:

• Education in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or relevant area - max. 6 points
• Experience in generating communications, communication strategies, media operations and advocacy material via various media (i.e. print, video, websites)  - max. 17 points;
• Experiences in development communication issues and demonstrated experience in communicating health and environment / sustainable procurement work tailored to different audiences  - max. 13 points;
• Sound technical understanding of communications concepts and principles with a broad knowledge of best practices, techniques and processes and specialized knowledge in a specific area - max. 7 points;
• Experience in UN related communications - max. 5 points;
• Proficiency and experience with media software, applications and communication tools and also computer proficiency; especially related to professional office software packages (Microsoft Office, Photoshop) - max. 6 points;
• Excellent in oral and written communication skills in English language, or other UN languages - max. 2 points.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation - max. 24 points

Application procedures    

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website.

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application;
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees;
• (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc ); please upload the P11 instead of your CV;
• Financial Proposal* - specifying total lump sum amount aincluding breakdown in USD, including all consultant’s costs for the consultancy;
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials

Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. fee, health insurance, travel to join the duty station, vaccination and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged costs must be included in the financial proposal. 

Payments will be made on a monthly basis upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner. 

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org

General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under:  http://on.undp.org/t7fJs. 

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply. Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.