Sierra Leone continues to demonstrate resilience by achieving significant progress in building state institutions and maintaining stability as part of its post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction agenda. Yet, at the same time, the peaceful environment maintained over the past 20 years is facing threats that the government and its development partners should address to avoid a major conflict, especially as the country moves closer to the elections in 2023. In line with the Government of Sierra Leone request to the UNSG for support to the 2023 electoral cycle and the subsequent Needs Assessment Mission recommendations, UNDP in consultation with the national and international partner organizations formed the Elections Project “Fostering Peaceful, Credible and Inclusive Elections in Sierra Leone 2022-2023” to support the election management bodies (EMBs) and national institutions in the preparation and conduct of the peaceful, credible and inclusive 2023 elections.

The UNDP Sierra Leone seeks the services of a multimedia specialist to provide high quality multimedia services for the Election Project and the election management bodies. The multimedia specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Election project communications specialist. This includes a full scope of visual storytelling such as scriptwriting, photography, videography, video editing and animation 

The objective of the consultancy

The tasks and responsibilities of the Multimedia specialist are as follows:

Transform text-based communications materials into visual graphic design materials such as infographic, brochures, backdrops etc.
Develop designs for communication materials based on assignment brief
Provide recommendations on the best and most relevant visual design style and materials suitable for the project’s and EMBs target audience
Layout and design information and communication materials (banners, posters, booklets, leaflets, books, calendars, bulletins, flyers, cards, factsheets)
 Develop, research, film, storyboard, produce, and edit video and animated multimedia products for various platforms, including long form and social media content
Ensure that all required videography/video-editing jobs are completed on deadline.
Support photo/video documentation of events and programmatic intervention
photograph the project activities in the field and compile a selection of compelling photographs and captions that can be used
Create animations for illustrative purposes such as presentations and more advanced solutions (graphic digitalization)
Design and layout of reports and other products.
Design reports and other communication materials for printing and electronic distribution

Work closely with the project team and communications officer during the production process

Application Process

Applicants are requested to apply online at http://jobs.undp.org by 30th  January 2023. The application document can be accessed on https://procurement-notices.undp.org. Candidates are invited to submit applications together with their technical, financial proposal and CV for this position. UNDP applies a fair and transparent selection process that will consider the competencies/skills of the applicants as well as their financial proposals. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants should send an email to:  Vendors.sle@undp.org  for any inquiries

Examples of deliverables are:

• Brochures, Infographics, Factsheets, Leaflets, Posters
• Visuals for social media campaigns
• Photos and videos
• Custom photo editing (restoration, noise reduction, tonal adjustment

Deliverables will be required to be produced in a variety of formats including for digital and print distribution, depending on the needs of the project. If and when any of the above services will be required, UNDP and the graphic designer will agree on work input, number of working days necessary and deadline prior to commencement of work. Detailed specifications for each individual assignment will be given to the designer as and when the designer’s services are requested.

For each agreed communication products assigned the contractor will:

• Design and layout the assigned communication product
• Submit the preliminary layouts for discussion with UNDP
• Revise the selected layout
• Submit a draft to UNDP for proof Reading
• Obtain a final sign off from UNDP before submitting electronic files to the printer
• Prepare the electronic files for the printer
• Send electronic files to printer and liaise with printer during printing process, receive and mark up final blueprint with final corrections from UNDP
• Make final corrections to electronic file
• Create PDF from the final electronic file for UNDP Web posting
• If the project is to be done in multiple languages, same proof Reading procedure described above applies.

Deliverables and Timelines

Under the supervision of the Election Project Communications Specialist, the Consultant will accomplish the following deliverables in accordance with the stipulated timelines covering a total period of Four (4) months.  

• Strong practical background in graphic design, including the knowledge of design software such as Adobe Design Premium, In-Design, CorelDraw, web design tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash; Demonstrated storytelling ability across a variety of platforms, Video editing experience
• Proven experience of graphic production from start to published/printed product with knowledge of printing processes (offset and digital) and color management;
• Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms;
• Knowledge of standard software packages, including MS Office– MS Access–MS Visio –Adobe Acrobat;
• Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills including the ability to convey complex information management concepts and recommendations to staff at all levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style that can be readily understood by non-information management practitioners.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and with limited supervision.

At least 3 examples of previous works should be demonstrated

A Bachelor degree in one of the following fields: Graphic Design; Media and Mass Communication; Liberal Arts or a related field with four years of progressively responsible experience in working with communication, and specific experience in Graphic Design Applications.

Or secondary education or high school diploma with a minimum of 7 years of experience may apply.