UNDP Jobs - 48964- Senior Public Outreach / Voters Education Advisor

Senior Public Outreach / Voters Education Advisor

Location :

Cairo, EGYPT

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

28-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

60 working days within 5 months and half

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

5 months and half- Until end of February 2014

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

Elections give people a voice in the democratic process. In Egypt, the electoral process is an essential step in the transition period to consolidate the path to democracy. Within this context, the UNDP is cooperating with the Government of Egypt in the area of elections with a focus on a) strengthening public outreach and voters information; b) strengthening technical and operational capacity of national electoral authorities; c) incorporating lessons learned and best practices of the 2011-2012 elections in the subsequent elections processes; and d) increasing access of women and rural dwellers to their citizenship rights.

Observers have reported voters education/information for the parliamentary and presidential elections was weak, and that civic education on electoral issues was deficient. The authorities need to make increased efforts in these areas to help ensure voters are better informed on the issues.

Within this context, and under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), the Senior Public Outreach/Voters Education Advisor’s main activity is to supervise the day to day operations for the Voters Education Initiative in addition to ensure the success delivery for its outputs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main responsibilities of the Senior Public Outreach/Voters Education Advisor are:

Under the guidance of the CTA, assist the UNDP elections project team in Cairo in its continuous efforts to support the Egyptian electoral authorities and other counterparts on public voters education efforts;
Contribute with inputs and team guidance for the implementation of the on-going Voters Education Initiative (VEI);
Develop concepts (strategies, methodology, action plans, etc.) for the continuation of the VEI;
Supervise launching and initial implementation of the initiative.

Expected outputs/deliverables of the Consultant assignment

The Senior Public Outreach/Voters Education Advisor should submit a periodic and final report covering the following topics / activities:

Progressively review and oversee the completion of some of the VEI products (audio, TV and other interactive media);
Launch the voters education campaign;
Oversight of the beginning of the implementation of the dissemination strategies;
Develop a concept note on "Innovative Approaches for Voter Education" workshop;
Facilitate the mentioned above workshop giving input around international experiences;
Develop the concept note of the Voter Educational Comic book;
Participate in selecting the designers of the comic book;
Develop the concept note of the design and content of the website;
Participate in the selection of the website developers/companies.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to the Electoral Project’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race and age sensitivity;
Strong organizational and reporting skills;
Results oriented, strong team player with outstanding interpersonal and coordination skills;
Ability to work independently;
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with a positive attitude;
Time management and work prioritization skills;
Understanding of UNDP procedures, rules and regulations are an asset; and
Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact and courtesy in relation to the Egyptian Electoral sensitivity, development principles and projects, implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge of legal and technical terms;
Knowledge of processes and working culture of international organizations, government ministries and community based organizations; and
Organizational and prioritization skills;
Abilities to communicate, negotiate, analyze, elaborate and present reports and statements;
Proven ability to work under pressure and produce output that are accurate, timely and of high quality.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced University degree in social sciences, communications, public administration, public policy, or related field;
A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

At least 15 years of diversified and progressively responsible professional experience in civic/voters education/media/ public information activities;
Experience in developing and conducting training programs;
Previous experience in Egypt or other courtiers in the MENA region is an asset;
Knowledge of the media landscape in Egypt is an asset; and
Sound knowledge of gender issues and commitment to improving the participation of women in electoral processes.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English;
Arab is an asset.