Background
UNDP’s Communications Group is the lead for communications. It provides policy guidance and develops and implements global communications strategies to reach the media and other key constituencies with UNDP’s core messages.
The Media and Advocacy Team is responsible for expanding and enhancing UNDP’s global multi-lingual presence through engagement with international media.
Reporting to the Chief Media and Advocacy, the Communications Consultant will be responsible for supporting communications products and activities, including media outreach and events, donor communications, reputational issues and other key events involving the Media and Advocacy Team.
Duties and Responsibilities
The consultant will specifically be called upon to support UNDP’s communications efforts in the following areas:
- Operational and communications support to UNDP-led special events;
- Identify and develop creative opportunities to increase awareness of UNDP and its priority areas;
- Draft press releases, Q&As, messaging and other communications products;
- Position UNDP and its experts on leading media platforms;
- Initiate, maintain and enhance the UNDP newsroom page on the corporate website;
- Monitor trends in using international media including social media for outreach purposes and appropriately apply that knowledge to increase UNDP’s visibility and impact;
- Work collaboratively with UNDP’s partners to leverage international media and social networks to enhance UNDP’s mission;
- Undertake other related duties at the request of the team leader.
Expected Deliverables:
- 31 December – Develop and maintain close working relations with media outlets and identify at least 10 opportunities for UNDP experts for media placement;
- 31 December - Organize, provide support and arrange broadcast and print media interviews for 10 UNDP experts;
- 31 December - Support in drafting and editing communications materials, including press kits, fact sheets, infographics and multimedia products for COP21;
- 31 December – Support in organizing press events and position UNDP senior staff in press launches;
- 31 December - Identify opportunities for, pitch and facilitate at least 10 interviews by Regional and Country Office around climate change ahead of COP21;
- 31 March – Help to shape messages and stories around UNDP’s 50th anniversary and pitch them to media;
- 31 March - Propose, edit, draft and pitch at least 5 op-eds, letters to the editor, and other written, digital, and broadcast commentary on UNDP’s 50th anniversary;
- 31 March – Help to coordinate international media work when emergencies happen and support affected country offices on communications and media work;
- Provide communication support to Regions and Country Offices as needed.
Competencies
- Demonstrated understanding of effective outreach and monitoring;
- Excellent knowledge of international media, social media tools and applications;
- Excellent English writing and editing skills;
- Proven networking skills and ability to interact with staff at all levels, including senior management;
- Graphic design capabilities are a strong asset;
- Familiarity with UNDP and UN system is an asset;
- Familiarity with and strong interest in development issues is desirable.
- Very effective at multi-tasking;
- Strong initiative-taker;
- Focuses on impact and results for the client;
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree in Design, Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Communications Marketing or related field.
Experience:
- Minimum five years of relevant experience at the national or international level in digital media, journalism, communications or related field;
- Demonstrated experience in speedy quality writing and creating compelling online content;
- Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining online communities;
- Experience in using web content management systems.
Language:
- Fluency in spoken and written English;
- Working knowledge of Spanish or French desirable.
Application Requirements:
- All interested applicants should submit the following documents. Incomplete submission can be a ground for disqualification.
Updated P11 or Resume/CV;
- Statement of Interest (cover letter) with a brief narrative as to why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable candidate for the assignment;
- Candidates short-listed for this position will be requested to submit a “Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability” form (attached).
Evaluation
Shortlisted candidates will be rated according to the following criteria:
- Previous experience based on cv/resume and examples of successful campaigns and outreach - 35%
- Demonstrated understanding of effective international media outreach, strategies and monitoring - 35%;
- Demonstrated professional experience in events management - 15%;
- Demonstrated professional experience in designing and implementing global communication campaigns - 15%;
- Total - 100%.
Financial Criteria weight: 30%* Technical Criteria weight: 70%Cumulative Analysis will be used in determining the best candidate for this assignment. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract is made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as responsive/compliant/acceptable, and having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria:NB: Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% in the Technical Evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Others
No travel is envisaged for this assignment.
Annex 1- General terms and conditions_ individual consultant (IC)