Antecedentes

UN Women, grounded on the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women's rights at the centre of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors. 

UN Women in Albania works closely with government institutions, civil society and international partners to support the design and implement of laws, policies, programmes and services to improve the status of women and achieve global standards for gender equality. UN Women is a key member of the UN Albania country team, leading and coordinating UN action on gender equality issues. 

Albania has made important steps in the area of gender equality and end of violence against women (EVAW). The country is party to key human rights treaties, including the Convention for the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). Comprehensive legislation has been adopted and institutional measures have been taken to ensure coordinated response from all relevant government agencies to gender-based violence. However, despite progress, violence against women continues to be a significant challenge in Albania.  According to the 2018 National Survey on Violence against Women and Girls in Albania, the prevalence of violence against women remains high: one out of three women, had experienced violence over the 12 months prior to the survey (1). The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in a noticeable rise in specific indicators associated with VAW and exacerbated existing tensions and safety issues for many women. Based on research conducted by UN Women Albania, about 51% of women in Albania think that the experience of verbal or physical abuse at the hands of a partner is common for women in their community, and 79% of women thought that this had gotten worse during the COVID 19 pandemic. 

UN Women Albania is implementing its Strategic Note (SN) 2022-2026, which aims to ensure that “All Women and girls enjoy and exercise their human rights in a gender equal society and meaningfully contribute to Albania’s sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development and EU integration”. To achieve such result, UN Women will focus on three outcomes, which mirror verbatim the areas of focus of the United Nations Albania: 1. Increased and more equitable investment in people to remove barriers and create opportunities for those at risk of exclusion; 2. Innovative and integrated policy solutions that accelerate sustainable, productive and inclusive development; 3. Gender-responsive governance that strengthens equality and non-discrimination

In Albania, UN Women provides technical assistance to national partners (governmental and non-governmental institutions) on the implementation of existing international and national commitments to women’s rights and gender equality. Currently, UN Women Albania is leading the implementation of the UN Joint Programme on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, Phase II (UNJP EVAW Phase II), which funded by Government of Sweden is being implemented by UN Women, UNDP, and UNFPA in partnership with the Albanian Government. This Programme follows Phase I of the UNJP on EVAW, implemented from 2019 to 2022 and it is in line with Outcome 4: Gender Responsive Governance of the Albania-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF). It aims to target all women and girls survivors of violence and improve prevention, service provision and the overall policy framework on violence against women. The project also builds on an analysis of gaps and root causes of violence against women along the four key pillars of the Istanbul Convention, which is an essential basis developing an adequate and comprehensive response to gender-based violence. 

Drawing from the lessons learned and good practices that emerged during the first phase of the project, the UN Agencies have started implementation of a second phase of the UN Joint Programme which will aim to achieve the following results:

• Women and girls enjoy more effective preventive measures against violence in Albania
• Women survivors and those at risk are better protected from all forms of violence and have equitable access to services in Albania
• Responsible institutions and actors implement national policies and legislation on VAW in a more comprehensive, inclusive and coordinated way in Albania

Compared to the first phase of the UN Joint Programme, the second phase has a stronger focus on engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women. Gender-based violence is deeply rooted in harmful social norms and stereotypes as well as power-based relationships between women and men. Patriarchal and stereotypical understandings of masculinities often fuel violence against women: using violence remains a common, and socially accepted, way for men to assert and defend their gender identity as ‘real men’.

These efforts are in line with UN Joint Programme EVAWIA II with Outcome 1: Women and girls enjoy more effective preventive measures against violence in Albania and more specifically with Output 1.3: State and non-state actors (CSOs, UN system, private sector, donors) are systematically engaged in prevention and protection of survivors of VAW and in raising overall awareness on EVAW. 

These results aim at bringing institutional and behavioral change in preventing and responding to gender-based violence, thereby contributing to freeing women and girls from all forms of violence and from the threat of such violence. In this context, prevention measures are particularly strategic in a long-term vision of ending violence against women, as they aim to ensure far-reaching changes in attitudes and beliefs towards women, their role and status in society and their sexuality. Within prevention, advocacy and awareness raising activities to break taboos, address masculinity and male privilege in the private, economic, social, and political spheres are needed. 

In line with the above-mentioned efforts, UN Women is planning to recruit a National Communications Consultant who will support the implementation and coordination of specific activities and initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism and leading to International Women’s Day (IWD), in collaboration with government agencies and civil society organizations.

(1)National Population Survey: Violence Against Women and Girls in Albania, INSTAT, Albania, 2019 http://www.instat.gov.al/media/6123/publication-violence-against-women.pdf

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the overall supervision of the UN Women Albania EVAW Project Manager and guidance of the UN Women Communication Officer the consultant will be responsible for the following activities:  

• Conceptualize and implement an online campaign for the 16 days of activism and International Women’s Day;
• Design and develop digital content (social media, for both campaigns and support with other communication related activities that ensure and drive outreach and visibility;
• Lead outreach of key influencers across social and mainstream media, by identifying them and securing their support;
• Mobilize influencers, journalist, and other public figures to join forces in addressing the shadow pandemic of violence against women and harmful social norms and stereotypes as well as power-based relationships between women and men
• Organize meetings and briefings with partners/influencers/ journalist, and other public figures and encourage their engagement in raising awareness on violence against women and girls and in breaking taboos, address masculinity and male privilege in the private, economic, social, and political spheres are needed.
• Support influencers in the production of short videos and social media content to raise awareness and gender norms and violence against women and to initiate a public discussion on improvements made in the prevention of and combatting gender-based violence. 
• Produce videos utilizing work from the Responsible Parties to increase UN Women programmes visibility highlighting main results, beneficiaries' testimonials, and success stories. Report of work conducted to support the implementation of the campaign including media monitoring for the UN Women events. 
• Desk review of relevant materials provided by UN Women as well as exploration of innovative approaches.
• Draft press/media releases, papers and other media outreach materials and ensure wide distribution in the relevant national networks;
• Prepare media monitoring reports on communication related activities as per template provided by UN Women;
• Prepare news stories on the campaign activities completed;
• Contribute to other communications and visibility materials as requested;

Deliverables:

1. Conceptualisation and implementation of an online campaign during the 16 days of activism. 
2. Conceptualisation and implementation of an online campaign during International Women’s Day. 
3. Desk review of relevant materials provided by UN Women as well as exploration of innovative approaches.
4. Media monitoring reports on communication related activities as per template provided by UN Women and news stories preparation. 
5. At least 3 short videos, max 2 minutes long, utilizing work from the Responsible Parties to increase UN Women programme visibility during and after the campaigns

All deliverables should be agreed with UN Women and be provided in English, in electronic copy. Reports and timesheets need to be duly signed and submitted to UN Women as per agreed deadlines.

Duration and remuneration:

The consultant will be contracted for a maximum for a period of 12 months starting from the signature of the contract with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. A workplan will be set at the beginning of the contract with clear scheduled milestones/deliverables. This workplan will be agreed between the Consultant, Programme Manager and Comunications Officer. Installments will be made based on the quality of submitted and cleared deliverables as required in their workplan. 

Competencias

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Please visit  this  link  for more information on UN  Women’s Core Values and Competencies:  https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN- Women-values-and-competencies-framework-en.pdf

Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills working across platforms and channels, online and offline. Communicates sensitively, effectively, and creatively across different audiences. 
• Excellent writing skills in preparing briefs, newsletters, reports, guidelines, articles or similar for various audiences. 
• Solid analytical, writing and communication skills in both Albanian and English.
• Ability to form and maintain meaningful working relationships with various members of the media.  
• Demonstrates very good understanding of and experience in communications and outreach/advocacy.
• High level skills in design for social media and digital distribution. 
• Excellent organizational skills, including meeting deadlines and adjusting priorities.   
• Able to lead, manage, work independently and in a team.  
• Adheres to a human rights approach in engaging with all persons.  

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, public relations, media communications, journalism/or relevant social sciences fields required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Additional training and certification in communication and related areas is a strong advantage.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in communications public and media relations at the national or international level with a focus on violence agaisnt women and gender equality;
• Experience in managing media campaigns, online outreach, and in the use of social media, multi-media and digital platforms;
• Experience in the production of video spots, campaigns, commercials, documentary/short films and/or production of other forms of video/or TV production;
• Experience required in writing articles, reports, newsletters, social media content, and press releases.  
• Previous experience with projects focused on gender issues with UN Women and UN system and/or familiarity with gender issues, is an asset.

Language Requirements: 

• Excellent written and oral English and Albanian communication skills are required.

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments:

• Financial Proposal specifying the lumpsum for each delivarable in ALL (Albanian Leke) specified above. Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall take into account various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g., fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services 
• Payment will be made as per the payment schedule in the contract upon (i) satisfactory completion of tasks; (ii) provision of deliverables specified in the ToRs; (iii) submission of and approval by UN Women of final draft; and (iv) submission of the certification of payment.

Presentation of Offer: Qualified and interested candidates are required to apply online:

•  A Letter of Confirmation of Interest including a brief description explaining why the individual considers her/himself as the most suitable for the assignment.
•  Completed and signed UN Women Personal History Form (P11) that can be downloaded at link: UN Women Personal History Form (P11) or http://www.unwomen.org/en/about- us/employment
• Financial Proposal specifying the lumpsum for each delivarable in ALL (Albanian Leke) specified in this assignment, following the instructions under the above section on Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments.

NOTE: APPLICATIONS WITHOUT THE FINANCIAL OFFER WILL BE TREATED AS INCOMPLETE AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT.

Evaluation of applicants:

Candidates will be evaluated using a cumulative analysis method taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal. Contract will be awarded to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of below defined technical and financial criteria.

Technical Evaluation – 70 points: Applications will be assessed according to the following Technical Criteria:                      

• Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, public relations, media communications, journalism/or relevant social sciences fields required (max 10 points)
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in communications public and media relations at the national or international level with a focus on violence agaisnt women and gender equality (max 25 points)
• Experience in managing media campaigns, online outreach, and in the use of social media, multi-media and digital platforms (max 10 points)
• Experience in the production of video spots, campaigns, commercials, documentary/short films and/or production of other forms of video/or TV production (max 10 points)
• Experience required in writing articles, reports, newsletters, social media content, and press releases (max 10 points) 
• Previous experience with projects focused on gender issues with UN Women and UN system and/or familiarity with gender issues, is an asset (max 5 points)

Financial Evaluation – 30 points

• Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70% (49 points) in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.
• The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal. All other price proposals receive points in inverse proportion. The calculation formula applied is as follow:

p = 30 (µ/z); where: p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated; µ = price of the lowest priced proposal; z = price of the proposal being evaluated.

How to Submit the Application: To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

• Download and complete the UN Women Personal History Form (P11)- P11 form.
• Merge your UN Women Personal History Form (P11), the Financial Proposal, and Cover Letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded.
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement).
• Click 'Apply Now' button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click 'Submit Application;'
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above).
• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system.

Notes:

• UN Women retains the right to contact references directly. Due to the large numbers of applications, we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.
• The consultancy post is open to local (Albanian) individuals or foreign individuals with valid temporary or permanent residence in Albania.
• Applications without the financial offer will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.
• The individual consultants should take the mandatory learning security course prior to commencement of assignment– details will follow before the issuance of contract.

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.  

 If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.   UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.  All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)