Background

The World Humanitarian Summit was organized in May 2016 to address the scale of human suffering greater than at any time since the Second World War. The Summit generated more than 3,000 commitments to action and launched more than a dozen new partnerships and initiatives to turn the Agenda for Humanity into meaningful change for the world's most vulnerable people.

Leading up to the Summit, consultations with more than 900 companies called for more strategic private sector engagement across disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery. They also called for networks and a mechanism to be created to facilitate coordinated private sector engagement. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a number of partners launched the Connecting Business initiative (CBi) as a response to this demand. CBi is a multi-stakeholder initiative that provides a mechanism for the private sector to engage with the United Nations system, national governments and civil society in a coordinated manner across all stages of disaster management.

CBi is supported by OCHA’s System-wide Approaches and Practices Section (SWAPS) in Geneva and UNDP Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (IICPSD). These units collaborate with multiple other global units, as well as regional and country offices of OCHA and UNDP, as well as with many other private sector organizations, UN Agencies, NGOs and governments.

The Connecting Business Initiative Communications Specialist Consultant will be based in Geneva, Switzerland. The Consultant will report to the CBi Program Manager in Geneva and UNDP Global Program Advisor Private Sector in Istanbul. The Consultant will support the CBi Secretariat in developing and implementing a communications strategy and supporting other critical work areas of the initiative. The activities will be carried out in collaboration with CBi Member Networks, Executive Committee Members, OCHA and UNDP colleagues and other partners.

Read more about CBi at www.connectingbusiness.org, follow CBi Twitter @Connecting_biz and learn more through CBi YouTube videos.

Duties and Responsibilities

Many of the activities in this consultancy are ongoing as part of CBi’s annual work plan. To this end, the consultant shall prepare a monthly progress report that will detail all milestones reached, including but not limited to the areas listed below. The CBi Program Manager and UNDP Global Program Advisor Private Sector shall review and accept these reports,  and the UNDP Program Advisor Private Sector will certify them for payment.

The following areas are considered to be within the scope of this consultancy:

  • Developing a communications strategy and an action plan for CBi (time allocated for this estimated 10% of total consultancy time)
    • Review communications needs for CBi;
    • Identify effective communications channels, techniques and tools that are the most effective in reaching key audiences;
    • Map available/existing communications resources, identify gaps and plans for development of new tools and resources;
    • Develop and update a CBi communications strategy and action plan with clear timelines and milestones, including Key Performance Indicators and a monitoring plan, in consultation with the Project Manager, CBi Secretariat, CBi Member Networks and partners;
  • Lead the implementation of the communications strategy (time allocated for this estimated 60% of the consultancy time)
    • Coordinate communications activities of CBi;
    • Liaise closely with UNDP and OCHA colleagues and CBi Member Networks to collect inputs and ensure a diversity of voices in CBi communications efforts and to feed field results into global communications initiatives;
    • Reach out actively to CBi Member Networks and provide guidance and support to them to communicate results and impact of their activities.
    • Write news articles, press releases, blog posts, knowledge pieces, and other communications products such as the CBi Newsletter and Annual Report;
    • Manage CBi social media presence by developing content for the initiative’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts, and other social media platforms as appropriate;
    • Organize media campaigns on relevant topics to CBi;
    • Develop communications products, e.g. digital and print materials, including simple graphic design work in line with CBi visual identity and working with external graphic designers to develop flagship products;
    • Support the organization of events and lead the development of communications materials around them (e.g., UNGA, COP, WEF, country events, webinars, online consultations);
    • Support the development of and edit CBi knowledge content and training materials (online and for print), including Network Foundation Guide and new tool on Complex Emergencies, short fact sheets, country case studies, etc.;
    • Liaise with news and media outlets to ensure a wide coverage of CBi internationally and in CBi Member Network countries;
    • Lead CBi media monitoring.
  • Lead the CBi global online portal content development and community engagement (time allocated for this estimated 25% of the consultancy time)
    • Review and update content on the CBi global online portal;
    • Manage the online community and online discussions;
    • Continuously monitor the portal usage analytics, compile insights for the CBi Secretariat and implement further improvements;
    • Identify and implement new functionalities for the portal and develop the Terms of Reference for technical developers.
  • Internal communications (time allocated for this estimated 5% of the consultancy time)
    • Write internal reports, briefings and talking points for OCHA and UNDP;
    • Provide updates about CBi in internal communications channels, e.g. Yammer.

 

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Under the direct supervision of the CBi Program Manager: 

  • Develop a communications strategy for CBi, including Key Performance Indicators and monitoring plan and update them as needed. The communications strategy should connect also to CBi partners’ communications channels and opportunities.
  • Develop an action plan for implementation of the communications strategy with timeline and milestones and update them as needed.
  • Lead the implementation of the communications strategy and action plan, including media monitoring and following other indicators.
  • Update CBi social media accounts regularly (approx. twice a week minimum).
  • Conduct a site audit of all CBi global portal content and update it regularly (images, videos, text and other content).
  • Support the organization of CBi global webinars.
  • Manage online consultations/discussions.
  • Develop CBi marketing materials (e.g. brochure with examples from CBi Member Networks, brochures for new CBi work streams on impact measurement and innovation).
  • Draft news articles, blog posts, case studies or knowledge pieces (including co-authoring with CBi team members, Member Networks and partners).
  • Lead the development of CBi newsletter.
  • Edit CBi knowledge products (Network Foundation Guide and Tool on Complex Emergencies).
  • Lead the preparation of the CBi mid-year achievements report and CBi Annual report 2018 (including infographs of achievements and impact).
  • Lead the communications efforts for major CBi events (e.g. CBi UN General Assembly side event, Climate Conference participation, World Economic Forum) including drafting the press releases, communications products, social media campaigns
  • Any other duties, as required.

Many of the activities in this consultancy are ongoing as part of CBi’s annual work plan. To this end, the consultant shall prepare a monthly progress report that will detail all milestones reached, including but not limited to the areas listed above. The CBi Program Manager and UNDP Global Program Advisor Private Sector shall review and accept these reports, and certify them for payment.

Description of deliverables - Target delivery dates - Payment schedule

  • Monthly Progress Report 1 - 1 month after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 2 - 2 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 3 - 3 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 4 - 4 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 5 - 5 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 6 - 6 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 7 - 7 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Monthly Progress Report 8 - 8 months after contract signature - 10%
  • Final Report - 9 months after contract signature - 20%

 

Reporting Requirements

  • The Consultant shall report to the CBi Program Manager in Geneva and the UNDP Global Program Advisor Private Sector in Istanbul.
  • The Consultant shall be ready to undertake international travel on behalf of the CBi Secretariat during the assignment period if required and the travel expenses will be covered following UNDP rules and procedures. 
  • The assignment requires full presence in Geneva, Switzerland for the duration of the contract.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

  • Commitment to UNDP and OCHA mission, vision and values;
  • Sensitivity to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age differences.

Functional Competencies

  • Strong communication skills, including writing (both grammar-perfect and purposeful writing), speaking, non-verbal and visual communications;
  • Leadership skills to catalyze communication within the broader team rather than producing alone;
  • Strong analytical skills, including ability to produce high quality reports and knowledge products with a focus on in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery;
  • Good project management skills to lead on strategy development and implementation;
  • Strategic sense for understanding multiple audiences;
  • Experience in strategic communications and global development issues;
  • Sensitivity to different perspectives and variety of cultures (applied both to written and visual communication);
  • Experience in private sector programs and partnerships in development and humanitarian situations;
  • Familiarity and experience of UN Agencies;
  • Ability to function in a diverse, multicultural team environment;
  • Flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver outputs under sometimes tight deadlines.

Behavioural Competencies

  • Productive and efficient worker, highly motivated;
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks;
  • Ability to seize the moment and capture emerging opportunities;
  • Strong initiative and confidence to pro-actively reach out to new and existing internal and external partners;
  • Performance-oriented and focused on results;
  • Persistence and willingness to follow through;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility;
  • Ability to take instructions and to learn on the job;
  • Curiosity and desire to work a complex, international environment.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications/Education:

  • Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Media or other suitable field related to strategic communications.

Experience:

  • Minimum 7 years of experience in strategic communications, media or related field.
  • Experience in covering issues in developing countries;
  • Experience in private sector engagement for development and humanitarian fields is an added advantage;
  • Experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery is an added advantage;
  • Experience in working with international organizations is an asset.

Language skills:

  • Excellent skills in English (native level).
  • Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.

 

Evaluation of Applicants

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicants’ qualifications and financial proposal.

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical (P11 desk reviews and interviews) and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only candidates who will get min. 70% of points in desk review will be invited for interviews. Only candidates who get min. 70% of points in technical evaluation (includes desk review and interview) will be scored in financial evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation (includes desk review and interview) – max. 70 points:

  • Criteria A – Experience in strategic communications, media or related field. (Max points 30)
  • Criteria B – Experience in covering issues in developing countries. (Max points 10)
  • Criteria C – Experience in private sector engagement for development and humanitarian fields. (Max points 5)
  • Criteria D – Experience in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, response and recovery. (Max points 5)
  • Criteria E – Experience in working with international organizations is an asset. (Max points 2)
  • Criteria F – Fluency in French or Spanish. (Max points 3)
  • Criteria G – Creative thinking in strategic communications. (Max points 5) (interview)
  • Criteria H – Leadership skills to catalyse communication. (Max points 5) (interview)
  • Criteria I – Flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit to deliver outputs under sometimes tight deadlines. (max points 5). (interview)

Please ensure that your experience related to criteria A-F and above mentioned competencies is very well documented in your P11 and cover letter.

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation (max points 30).

 

Application procedures

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain (all in one document):

  • Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application.
  • Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees
    (blank form can be downloaded fromhttp://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/dam/rbec/docs/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc); please upload the P11 instead of your CV.
  • Links to previous work samples.
  • Financial Proposal* - Specifying a) total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement (Please provide a daily fee and a total amount for 180 work days within 9 months. The daily fee should cover all expenses for your consultancy services.); b) travel to and from the duty station.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

 

*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, health insurance, vaccination, personal security needs and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel. Other missions which could not be foreseen at the time of the recruitment will be covered separately as per UNDP rules. Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP on delivering on the contract obligations in a satisfactory manner.

Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under dss.un.org

General Terms and conditions as well as other related documents can be found under: http://on.undp.org/t7fJs.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we are able to inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

Existing literature and further information to get a better understanding of the work can be found from www.connectingbusiness.org .