UNDP Jobs - 15871- North America Campaigns Consultant

North America Campaigns Consultant

Location :

Washington DC, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

03-May-2010

Application Deadline :

26-Apr-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

5 Months

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

2010 is a critical year Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). With only five years left until the 2015 deadline to achieve the MDGs, world leaders will convene this September at the United Nations to discuss progress, challenges and work to accelerate achievement to combat poverty, hunger and disease. Important dates include the G8/G20 summits from 25-27 June in Canada, the Stand Up and Take Action mobilization from 17-19 September occurring globally, and the United Nations MDGs Review Summit from September 20th – 23rd in New York. We are recruiting a North America Campaigns Senior Advisor from early May for a period of five months to supplement our capacity.

The Campaign Advisor will energize and help mobilize diverse constituencies by supporting advocacy efforts of national organisations in the U.S. and Canada with their respective publics and governments to adopt more supportive policies that will help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. S/he will report to the Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign and be supported by the Campaign teams in Washington D.C. and New York. The Campaigns Advisor will also work in close collaboration with the U.N. Foundation and other key partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant would be carrying out various tasks including:

Support North American campaigning on the MDGs, with a particular focus on the G8/G20 summits and UN MDG Summit.
Support the implementation of the 2010 North American UN Millennium Campaign operational plan through September.
Work in close collaboration with key national partners in the NGO, faith-based, youth, membership organizations, and media and local government organizations to develop collective policy positions and promote collective advocacy and engagement on the MDGs in 2010.
Support the North America Stand Up campaign, include helping to organize key events in the US and Canada.
Oversee development and procurement of campaign related materials, guides, toolkits and other audio-video material useful for campaigning.
Engage with key Administrations officials, parliamentarians, members of Congress, and civil servants in the US and Canada to influence the MDG agenda.
Organize member meetings and events on the MDGs as appropriate.
Support the UN Millennium Campaign at speaking events, and contribute to key policy and advocacy discussions on the MDGs within the North American and international alliances including working groups such as: the G8/G20 and MDG2010 working groups, InterAction task force, Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network, Micah Challenge USA steering group, and UN Foundation internal coordination meetings.
Work in close collaboration with the global communications team to develop messages and outreach to media.
Support partner grants, and implementation of the North American budget, and assist with development and fundraising of 2010-2015 strategic plan.

However, the expected deliverables from this consultancy are:

To Support North American campaigning on the MDGs, with a particular focus on the G8/G20 summits and UN MDG Summit by:

a) Participating in bi-monthly organized calls and working groups leading up to the Summits, providing summaries to Millennium Campaign Team leaders and assisting the Deputy Director for Policy and Deputy Director for Communications in drafting policy papers, statements and other communications.

b) Engaging with at least 20 key Administrations officials, parliamentarians, members of Congress, and civil servants in the US and Canada to influence the MDG agenda and providing monthly updates to UN Millennium Campaign Director.

c) Working in close collaboration with key national partners to produce two collective policy positions papers and joint advocacy campaign for UN MDG summit.

d) Supporting the North America Stand Up campaign, include organizing at least 5 key events in the US and Canada and organizing four meetings (two in the US and two in Canada) leading up to the UN MDG Summit.

e) Tracking up to 10 partner grants and overseeing implementation of North American operational plan and budget by submitting quarterly reports to UN Millennium Campaign finance analyst and UN Millennium Campaign director.

f) Overseeing development and procurement of campaign related materials, including: weekly newsletter, UN Millennium Campaign North American brochure and Stand Up materials.

Competencies

Excellent writing skills in English. Strong communication skills.
Excellent project management skills.
Excellent networking capacity with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
Cross-cultural management experience and sensitivity.
Excellent level planning, organizational and time management skills, including flexibility, attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure to meet changing deadlines.
Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and in a team.
Knowledge of the MDGs.
An entrepreneurial spirit with a sound knowledge of and passion for development issues strongly encouraged.
Proven record of public campaigning and civil society coalition building on international development issues, particularly in the U.S.
Good professional relationships with the NGO community, United Nations, youth groups, faith groups, Congress, and the private sector.
Good grasp of the U.S. and Canadian policy contexts and decision-making processes as they relate to the MDGs.
Understanding of dynamics, policies and politics around the MDGs including Goal 8 priorities of aid, trade and debt, and cross cutting themes such as the economic, energy and food crises and climate change.
Experience with online communications and off-line organizing.
Excellent public speaking and written communications skills in English.
Familiarity and experience with print, broadcast and online media.
Self-motivated, proactive and team player with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Passion and energy for the mission and work of the UN Millennium Campaign.

Required Skills and Experience

Master’s degree required in international development or a related discipline.
A minimum of 7 years related experience in campaigning, advocacy, and work with civil society organizations on international development issues.
Fluency in English is essential.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required