UNDP Jobs - 70819- Consultant

Consultant - Communications

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2017

Application Deadline :

15-Mar-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

01 April 2017 - 30 October 2017

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

80 Days over 8 months (part time)

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

Background

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP’s Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Resilience (ESDR) cluster works with the Government agencies to carry out projects that deal with promoting environmental sustainability, renewable energy, climate resilience and managing risks posed by disasters. The ESDR programme focuses on the areas of eco-system based natural resource management, clean energy, clime change adaptation and mitigation, in addition to disaster risk reduction.

The programme supports the Government to meet their international obligations, such as abiding by three Rio conventions, and strengthening the policies and institutions that are in place to ensure environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. The ESDR also helps promote partnerships, improve networks with stakeholders, and share knowledge on how best to tackle issues pertaining to the environment and disasters, and support efforts made to achieve sustainable and environmentally sensitive development. The cluster is implementing projects and programmes in the above mentioned areas through close coordination and joint efforts with the government at national, regional, and local levels with civil societies as well as private sector partners.

The ESDR Cluster also works with National and Local Government along with the private sector, to increase the capacities of the civil society and the communities around the country, enabling them to jointly plan, implement, monitor, and sustain socio-economic development Sri Lanka.

Scope and Objectives

The consultant is expected to have a thorough knowledge of environment science with practical experience in understanding barriers for communication related messages , best practices etc. S/he is expected to be able to design innovative communication and knowledge management strategies.

The objective of the consultancy is to strengthening the strategig communication of the project/ cluster for improved knowledge management. The approach to knowledge management and communication should be practical, simple and creative to engage staff and other stake holders.

With this background, the national consultant will assist the cluster to develop an overall communication strategy and identify specific communication strategic plans for cluster/projects implemented under the ESDR and monitor the communication plans against deliverables and timelines.

Further, the consultant should support the projects to develop required communication material identified in the respective communication plan or support the cluster to hire relevant service providers for specific tasks identified in communication plans.

The project areas include, Sustainable Energy, Biodiversity and Disaster/Climate Change Resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Liase with ESDR cluster and relevant projects and identify visibility/communication requirements;
Develop a communication strategy for the cluster and support the projects to develop communication plans. Project list is given below;

Environmentally Sensitive Areas;
Biodiversity Finance Initiatives;
Biomass to Energy;
Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions for Energy;
Climate Change Adaptation Project.

Identify capacity gaps in the cluster in terms of communications and advise the cluster lead on capacity development aspects;
Develop a communication plan for each project and for the cluster. The plan will define what information is collected, who should be given specific information, when that information should be delivered and what communication channels will be used to deliver the information. It should also include the following steps (a.) Identify objectives, (b.) Choose target audiences, (c.) Design key messages, (d.) Select communication methods, (e.) Establish time frame, (f.) Draft a budget.
Implementation of the communication plan may include the following;

basic brochure/information pack;
case stories;
articles;
media releases;
socio media materials;
knowledge sharing events and discussion.

Monitor the results and identify ways to build on and improve.

Expected Outputs

Communication strategy for ESDR cluster;
Communication plans for identified projects;
Communication materials;
Knowledge Management events;
Capacity development plan for the cluster.

Timeframe

The envisaged time frame of the consultancy is 80 days of work from 01 April 2017 – 30 October 2017.

Competencies

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the related values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
Good knowledge of written and oral English. Sinhala and/or Tamil essential.

Required Skills and Experience

The Consultant Profile

Qualifications:

Post-graduate degree in Natural Resource Management, Environment, Communications or related area.

Experience:

Minimum of five (05) years’ experience in progressively responsible and substantive areas in environmental and natural resource governance programming and planning;
In depth understanding of Natural Resource Management, Clean Energy and Climate Change Adaptation/Disaster Risk Reduction concepts.

How to Apply

The application should contain;
Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Please paste the letter into the “Resume and Motivation” section of the electronic application;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based upon the offer which gives the best value for money based on the Lump Sum proposal submitted, selected by the UNDP Sri Lanka Country Office in consultation with UNDP Regional Centre Technical Advisor.

Financial Proposal

The application should contain;

Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work (if applicable). Please paste the letter into the “Resume and Motivation” section of the electronic application;
Individual consultants will be evaluated based upon the offer which gives the best value for money based on the Lump Sum proposal submitted, selected by the UNDP Sri Lanka Country Office in consultation with UNDP Regional Centre Technical Advisor.

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR

Amount in words:

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” financial proposal including his/her consultancy and professional fee, honorarium, communication cost such as telephone/internet usage, printing cost, ad-hoc costs, stationery costs, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. The UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily perdiums and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is of 62 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored in to the financial proposal above.

Payment for Services

Payments will be based on milestone detailed below. Financial proposal should include field travel costs, meeting costs and other contingencies involved.

Upon completion of the communication strategy for ESDR cluster – 20%;
Upon completion of the communication plans for identified projects – 30%;
Upon completion of the communication 01st set of identified communication materials (05 case studies and -1 broucher) – 30%;
Upon completion of 2nd set of communication materials (05 case studies and -1 brochure) – 20%;