UNDP Jobs - 63575- International Voter Education and Communications S

International Voter Education and Communications Specialist

Location :

Honiara and Provinces, SOLOMON ISLANDS

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

07-Mar-2016

Application Deadline :

10-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

130 working days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

10 months intermitten - 7 March - 31 December (3 trips in 10 months)

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

Following a national request for assistance from the Solomon Islands Government, UNDP Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) started its implementation in 2013 to support O/SIEC for the preparation and celebration of the 2014 National General Elections and to continue its support throughout 2015.

Upon finalization of the project’s initial phase, a new request of the Solomon Islands authorities to continue providing electoral assistance beyond 2015 has been accepted. UNDP elections project is therefore entering a new phase focused on supporting O/SIEC’s institutional strengthening and capacity building and where particular focus is to be given to the areas of civic education, voter awareness and media communication.

In accordance with the Fundamental Reform Programme, the Government intends to conduct an analysis and review of the election system and relevant legislation. The prospective reforms will require the design and implementation of broad consultation activities together supported by civic and voter education campaigns.

The project also aims to develop synergies and partnerships with a range of national partners to broaden O/SIEC’s scope of activities and its capacity to reach a diverse and geographically dispersed population with a view to contribute to the development and consolidation of inclusive and participatory democratic processes in the Solomon Islands.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work/Expected Output

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), the International Voter Education and Communications Specialist will contribute to UNDP’s overall electoral support to the Office of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission.

The main focus of the Specialist’s work will be the provision of strategic advice for the design and implementation of actions aimed at the strengthening O/SIEC capacities in the areas of civic education, voter awareness, institutional communication and media. The duties will include liaising and establishing partnerships and/or ad hoc joint actions with organizations and entities, national and international, who are active in the areas of human rights, civil society and political affairs.

General duties and responsibilities:

Participation in meetings, workshops and other activities as requested by the CTA;
Research, gathering of data and provision of contributions to periodical and extraordinary reports on areas related to the Specialist’s scope of responsibilities;
Guidance on the implementation and further development of O/SIEC Voter Awareness Strategy. The Strategy together with the baseline study of voter and civic education needs and the findings of the Voter Awareness Survey will serve as the basis for new communication campaigns to address gaps and enhance effectiveness of O/SIEC messages;
Guidance and advice to O/SIEC on all media communication efforts and to those from entities with which O/SIEC carries out joint actions;
The Specialist may be required to travel to the provinces. Each trip shall be approved by the CTA. Travel expenses and DSA will be provided in accordance to UNDP rules.

Key deliverables:

Establishment of a Voter Education Coordination Committee as forum for dialogue on voter awareness issues. The incumbent will develop and coordinate all necessary steps leading to its establishment (for example ToRs and RoP) until the said committee becomes operational and is effectively enabled to deal with matters including the following:

Cooperation amongst CSOs and other relevant entities;
Appropriate distribution of resources in terms of addressing the target population, locations and messages;
Avoidance of duplication of campaigns and or messages;
Ensure the inclusiveness of disabled, minorities and vulnerable groups; - general monitoring and advice on voter education activities.

This deliverable is due by 30/5/2016.

Development of relationships between O/SIEC and CSOs and/or those entities with an active role in electoral related areas. This will include the design and support in the facilitation of trainings, workshops and other relevant activities. It will also entail the research, proposal and possible establishment of new mechanisms of cooperation (for example community fora) between O/SIEC, the relevant national authorities and the civil society aimed at addressing civic and electoral awareness.

This deliverable is due by 15/7/2016.

Development of a framework of cooperation between O/SIEC, the Political Parties Commission (PPC) and the political parties to establish mechanisms and actions concerning electoral ethics, leadership and

participation, civic and voter education and other electoral related matters. This will include the drafting of documents such as MoUs, ToR and Codes of Conduct and the preparation and the organization and participation in meetings and workshops as required.

This deliverable is due by 15/8/2016.

In consultation with MEHRD, provide support in the design and implementation of a pilot project for secondary schools focused on raising civic and electoral awareness. This will also include guidance and advice on the design and production of supporting materials. This deliverable is due by 15/9/2016.

Design of a new communications campaign addressing fundamental election aspects such as freedom of choice and secrecy of the vote. Research and proposal of innovative strategies targeting disadvantaged sectors of the population or those more difficult to be engaged is also to be provided.

This deliverable is due by 31/10/2016.

Design and implementation of a training plan for the improvement of election coverage addressed to media outlets with the inclusion of the necessary supporting training materials.

This deliverable is due by 30/11/2016.

Elaboration of a proposal of Voter Education Center including its terms of reference and the analysis of human resources, material and logistics aspects. This deliverable is due by 22/12/2016.

Competencies

Organizational Competencies and Attitudes:

Excellent organization skills to prioritize and deliver tasks on time, to meet goals in a highly pressured environment and to support other colleagues in achieving similar goals;
Flexibility to adapt to a changing and demanding environment and to generate innovative and practical solutions;
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
Resourcefulness, initiative and maturity of judgment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Journalism, Law, Communications.

Experience:

Minimum 9 years of experience in journalism, public relations, reporting, working with NGO and media;
Knowledge of the Solomon Islands CSO and Media scene a strong asset.

Language:

Excellent English and demonstrable knowledge of Solomon Islands Pidgin.