Background

Montenegrin society has been witnessing upsurge of divisive narratives, mostly based on political, ethnic, national, gender and religious identities. 

As stated in the latest EU Report , Incidents of ethnically and religiously motivated attacks, hate crimes and hate speech continued to rise. There has been an increase in reports of religiously and ethnically motivated attacks, hate crimes, and hate speech. Also, report recognises an increase in smear campaigns, hate speech and instrumentalization of gender-based violence against women in politics and public life. EU Report also notes that more efforts are required to limit the effects of disinformation and online harassment and hate speech, while ensuring that such measures do not limit disproportionately freedom of expression. 

Gender-based hate speech and misogyny have become a regular occurrence, targeting especially women politicians, most often through social media. Violence and hate speech is most commonly recognized to be present at social networks (34.9%), then during election campaigns (31.4%), media (17.4%), parliament (9.3%) and finally political parties (7%) . Social networks become the number one place for the most intense violence against women politicians, including psychological violence, in particular in the form of sexist and misogynistic remarks, degrading images, intimidation and threats. Age is additional discrimination layer, young women being especially victims of sexist outbursts. The public is overwhelmed by gender-based stereotypes that are placed through the media and social media network. Because of shame, fear and impunity for gender-based hate speech and violence, all forms of violence over women are rarely reported. If there were no visible physical acts during the violence violations, even those who are obliged to enforce the law are usually silent. Women themselves are often not willing to report such violence. Of those who have experienced or witnessed violence, 81.4% decided to remain silent. Hate speech and violence against women in politics can discourage women from becoming politically active, from running for office or win the race for a political office, and even influence their decision not to vote and thus completely destroy the core value of the process - and that is active and passive voting rights. These developments may lead to Montenegro regressing on the hard-won progress over the last decade with regards to women political engagement and participation in decision-making. 

The most recent research on youth and peacebuilding in WB , has revealed that hate speech is, after organised crime and corruption, most pressing concern of young people in the region, especially for young women.

UNDP is implementing project focused on preventing and addressing sexist hate speech, sexism and misogyny and therefore seeks to engage consultant to support communicating aims, activities and results of the project, advocacy of relevant recommendations as well as to capture learning and insights gained through project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives of the Assignment:

The objective of the assignment is to strengthen the communication of the project aim, results and activities, advocacy of project outputs, as well as to capture learning and insights gained through project activities.

Under direct supervision of the Programme manager, consultant will support communication of project aims, activities and results, as well as capture related learning and insights, through the following goals:

1. Develop communication, advocacy and learning plan related to UNDP initiatives in the area of hate speech against women, sexism and misogyny (5 days)
2. Develop and/or coordinate the design and dissemination of communication products such as: social media/web platforms/monthly newsletter content, success and human stories, articles, presentations, key communication messages, background information and briefing materials, photo and video materials (20 days)
3. Support UNDP interactions with media including the production of press releases, placements of stories and articles in media, and support to public appearances preparations (5 days)
4. Provide regular support to the project team related to the advocacy and awareness raising activities regarding hate speech against women, sexism and misogyny (10 days)
5. Support communication aspects of various UNDP public events, as well as capture learnings, recommendations, insights and other content produced during events (10 days)
6. Provide advice related to UNDP’s coordination and quality assurance of the work/products delivered by companies and individuals engaged in the implementation of communication, advocacy and learning plan (10 days) 

Deliverables and Reporting:

The Consultants will be engaged under Individual Contract (IC) for 60 days, from 31 October 2022 to 30 April 2023. The consultant will work in Podgorica and from home. 

Competencies

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; 
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Shares knowledge and experience; 
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; 
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills; 
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
• Demonstrates ability to manage complexities and work under pressure, as well as conflict resolution skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication or a closely related field or equivalent relevant work experience

Experience:

• At least 3 years of track record and experience in communication and visibility work 
• Knowledge and understanding of gender equality, sexist hate speech, sexism and misogyny 
• Proven ability to develop communication products for traditional and social media, specifically articles, web stories, human stories, social media posts and stories
• Proven ability to coordinate development of communication products such as written, photo and video materials
• Experience in organising public events and covering related communication aspects 
• Experience in working with and knowledge of national and international media outlets
• Knowledge of institutional, CSO and other stakeholders in the areas of gender equality and human rights would be an advantage

Language:

• Fluency in local language
• Fluency in English language, both oral and written

Other: 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer skills.

Criteria for selection:

Combined Scoring method will be used. When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: (i) responsive, compliant, acceptable, and (ii) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Technical criteria weight - 70% (Background and education 10%; Relevant previous experience 20%; Substantial knowledge/Required competencies 30%; Required language 10%);
Financial criteria weight - 30%.

Only offerors obtaining a minimum 490 points for technical criteria will be considered for the financial evaluation. For more information on procurement methodology for Individual Contractors, please refer to Procurement Notice.
Application procedure:

Interested applicants are requested to submit their applications by October 23, 2022 by using the Apply now button. The application should contain CV or P11 that can be downloaded at https://www.me.undp.org/content/montenegro/en/home/jobs.html. Please note that UNDP jobsite system allows only one uploading of application document, so please make sure that you merge all your documents into a single file.
Only the short-listed applicants will be contacted and requested to submit a letter of interest including a price quotation indicating the lump sum (in EUR) requested for the work envisaged in the section "Description of Responsibilities".