Background

UNCDF makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’s financing models work through two channels: financial inclusion that expands the opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments — through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance — can drive public and private funding that underpins local economic expansion and sustainable development. By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. By identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile and address exclusion and inequalities of access, UNCDF contributes to number of different SDGs.

Since 2008, UNCDF has been supporting digital finance with significant success which has led UNCDF to make digital finance the largest part of its inclusive finance portfolio. UNCDF is also host to the Secretariat of the Better than Cash Alliance. For several years UNCDF’s work in digital finance has led it to support new digital solutions linked to finance, to further drive financial inclusion and to achieve the SDGs. This includes projects linked to on an off-grid energy, agriculture, employment, health and transport.  With 60 professionals with strong digital finance experience across the globe and with close to several hundred projects in digital completed or on-going, UNCDF is one of the leading development agencies in digital finance with a mission and expertise to reach very low-income customers in some of the world’s most difficult markets. UNCDF’s digital team and resources are currently spread across several programmes and UNCDF is in the process of consolidating its financial and technical resources to create a unified “digital@UNCDF” platform which better shares teams, funds and knowledge.  At the same time, UNCDF wishes to engage more in the global arena, using its in-depth knowledge of making digital work to position itself within United Nations and the development community at large as a thought leader and technical leader in digital.

Other UN agencies are also leveraging a range of digital finance technologies to support development outcomes. UNEP is working with private digital finance companies to advance green digital finance solutions.  A number of UN agencies are experimenting with blockchain technology.  For example, WFP has developed an innovation lab and is using blockchain as a secure accounting basis for moving food at scale. UNICEF is testing blockchain-based smart contracts as new ways to transact in a decentralized, more efficient and transparent manner. UNDP has established a Crowd-funding Academy and an Alternative Finance Lab.

However, as noted by EOSG’s office, the UN’s embrace of digital finance to date has been ad hoc and fragmented, resulting in neither scale in deployment nor impact in advancing financing for the 2030 Agenda. Going to scale is not just a matter of doing more of the same and needs to move beyond pilots, projects and even programmes into the mainstream of the UN’s strategy and thinking on how to achieve the SDGs.

With an aim to address this, the UN Secretary-General has mandated the establishment of a Digital Finance Task Force to identify how best to harness the potential of digital in achieving and financing the 2030 Agenda.
    
The Task Force will focus on three core themes and potential areas for action:

1.    Identify the big opportunities for digital finance to support all SDGs;
2.    Determine the actions that need to be taken by public and private players to make this happen;
3.    Suggest the role of the UN in aligning a digital financial system with the 2030 Agenda.  

Based on its expertise in digital finance and management of high level secretariats, UNCDF has been invited to be the Secretariat for this initiative and through this role, establish itself as a Center of Excellence in the United Nations to help drive the use of digital finance and innovations to achieve the SDGs. This will be done in close partnership with UNDP’s Project Catalyst, which has been designated by the SG to take on this task and will be a key advisor in the formation and funding of the Task Force.

The Task Force will have members consisting of CEOs, Heads of Organizations and senior government officials, will advise the United Nations on how to use digital finance to achieve the SDGs on a global scale and provide a series of recommendations and priorities by July 2019. It will be co-led by the Administrator of UNDP who has invited UNCDF to be the Secretariat. The Secretariat will then be engaged on implementing the recommendations of the Task Force, not only for UNCDF, but working with other UN agencies and the development community.

Objectives

To work with the Secretariat Director to develop a strategy and implement an effective communications plan, including communicating with high level Task Force members and their senior advisors, as well as communicating with key stakeholders group, including the United Nations, governments, public and private sector entities engaged in digital finance and the public at large.  

To play a leading role in the digital presence of the Task Force, through a dedicated website, social media and other appropriate means, that promotes appropriate visibility of the Task Force activities through effective channels.  

To help design and oversee the final product of contracted and curated research as well as the implementation of regular information series, using webinar or other means to highlight the key messages and learnings of the Task Force. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Detailed Activities and Deliverables

1.  Manage the development, formulation and implementation of an integrated communications strategy for the Secretariat:  

• With oversight from the Secretariat Director, manage the development, formulation and implementation of an integrated internal communications strategy, focused on communicating with the very high- level members of the Task Force and the most senior Advisors, that reflects the status of the Office of the Secretary General. 
• Help develop core messages for Task Force members and the precise means, look and tone of communications.  This should include an appropriate amount of electronic communication, personal messages, scheduled bi-lateral calls, ad hoc multi-person virtual meetings, and quarterly virtual meetings.
• Help develop the strategy, plan and manage the organization and planning for a 2-3 hours in-person meeting of the Task Force, to be held at the World Economic Forum at the end of January, in Davos. This will likely involve the contracted assistance, by UNCDF, of a qualified event planning agency.  
• With oversight from the Secretariat Director, manage the development, formulation and implementation of an integrated external communications strategy, focused on communicating with key stakeholder groups and the general public on the Task Forces’ key messages, objectives, and work.  As part of a team, develop key messages for various stakeholder segments including: technical thought leaders from Foundations, Universities and Thinktanks; governments, (ministries of finance, social welfare, central banks); donors and development partners; and global and local private sector firms; UN Agencies. Develop a regular communication plan and execute it.
• Work closely with the UNCDF Communications Team, based in New York and Brussels, Belgium, to maximize synergies with all UNCDF external communications.  
• Work closely with the communications teams of other UN agencies involved in the Task Force to maximize external outreach.  
• Develop and populate an effective communications data base for all internal and external communications.  Work with UNCDF administrative team to ensure databases in support of all Task Force internal and external communication activities are accurate, appropriately organized and frequently updated.  

2.  Oversee the content development, expansion and continual assessment of the quality and relevance of web-based information services. Ensure website content effectively reflects the Task Force stature and objectives, in its messages, branding, pictures, graphics and content.  Regularly updated information on the website.  Suggest effective and innovative ways of enhancing the Task Force’s information dissemination using the internet and social media.  

3.    Coordinate the development, design, production and dissemination of diverse publications, (for example, case studies, White Papers, research papers and research briefs) and news releases, through print, video and other media, utilizing the resources of Task Force and UNCDF partners, where possible. Help coordinate work of UNCDF-contracted copy editors and designers to ensure the timely delivery of communications outputs.  

4.    Promote visibility of the Task Force through effective media relations, placement and distribution of information material and creative partnerships including global or local events or conferences. Help to identify and work with UNCDF-contracted communications experts or firms(s) that can implement the global strategy as well as tailored communication strategies for different media, regions and stakeholder segments.  Work with Task Force Members, UNCDF headquarters’ and in-country staff and consultants, other stakeholders to prepare them to present at conferences, events, panels at the international or national level. This could include strategic partnerships with international and regional organizations’ and non-governmental organizations’ media centers, alternative press and information networks.  

5.  Manage the development and implementation of a regular information series (e.g. 1-2 events monthly, through virtual communication (webinar or other means), that can be recorded and made available. The series should feature the current work or research of Task Force Members, UNCDF, other UN agencies and other Technical Stakeholders. Through with UN and other UN system agencies and identified networks, promote visibility of this series.
 

Deliverables:

Competencies

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good-humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Interacts with others in a professional, respectful, and friendly manner;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Communicates clearly and convincingly.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business, Development, or a related discipline.

Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in field of communication or other relevant field is required at the national or international level is mandatory;
• At least 2 years of experience in branding, communications and experience in media relations, graphic design, overseeing documents, and report production, print and electronic publishing is mandatory;
• At least one year of experience in working with high level individuals, boards or groups, with responsibilities dealing with senior private sector (C-level) and/or Government counterparts, highly desirable;
• At least one year of experience in events management, marketing, PR, social media or writing is highly desirable;
• Prior experience in both private sector and multilateral environments is also valuable. Work within the contex of the United Nations a plus.

Skillset

• Subject matter knowledge in financial sector and/or technology highly desirable;
• Evidence of successful project management, team coordination and reporting highly desirable;
• Strong project management skills for communication projects such as capacity to oversee the production of videos and of documents and report (for print and electronic publishing);
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas;
• Capacity to organize content in such a way that it is accessible to a broad audience of experts and non-experts;
• Ability to manage events, oversee contributions of other actors;
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications; web design and/or maintenance;

Language

• Fluency  in both written and spoken English is required;
• Fluency or working knowledge of French or Spanish is highly desirable.

Progress Control and Monitoring

The primary contact for reporting for this TOR shall be the Secretariat Director and the Senior Communications Specialist, based in Brussels, Belgium; Payment will be made at the end of each payment phase against satisfactorily achieved deliverables. All payments are subject to the clearance and approval of the Secretariat Director. Final payment shall require a signed performance evaluation of the consultant. The maximum number of days shall be 180.

Monitoring of progress shall be measured both according to the activities of the contractor as well as the performance of the UNCDF partners

1.    The consultant will organize twice weekly debriefing calls on progress made.
2.    The contractor must secure approval from Secretariat Director prior to deployment of staff and trips.  The contractor will provide in advance the names of the contractors’ employees conducting the mission.
3.    The contractor will conduct briefings to the Secretariat prior to departure of on-site missions upon request of UNCDF.  
4.    The contractor will organize regular progress calls with the UNCDF to provide updates on activities and progress.

Proposal and Application Requirements

Total Number of Working Days for Assignment: up to 180 working days spread over a period of 11 months.  
 
Location (Duty station):  The consultant may be home-based but will be expected to meet with the Secretariat up to once per month in one of the following locations:  New York, NY; Washington, DC; Brussels, Belgium.  S/he may be called by UNCDF to attend meetings and/or conduct missions.  

Travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses shall be agreed upon as per UNCDF policy, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel. For unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed. UNCDF would cover the cost of stay for the selected person.

Please note that UNCDF cannot guarantee residence permits or visas for consultants. Consultants are responsible for securing their work documentation. In the case of national consultants, applicants that are not nationals of the duty station requested will have to prove their residence status. Please note that consultants residing in the duty station of travel will not be compensated for living expenses.

Application process

Interested individuals must submit the documents mentioned below as proposals in order to demonstrate their qualifications (Note: the system does not allow multiple uploads of documents. Applicants must make sure to upload all documents in one PDF file).
All applications must contain the following information:

• Cover letter with a summary statement of competencies in relation to the Terms of Reference (TOR);
• Earliest availability and proposed schedule for consultancy;
• The technical proposal cannot be more than 10 pages (font size 11). Response email cannot exceed 10MB.
• Completed and signed P11, Personal History Form with names and current contacts of 3 referees (available from http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc)
• Financial proposal form is available at http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_file.cfm?doc_id=29916)

Selection Process

Step I: Screening: Applications will be screened and only those meeting the minimum criteria will progress to the pool for shortlisting.

Step II: Technical Evaluation: Shortlisting through desk review (20%): UNCDF will produce a shortlist of candidates and technically evaluate candidates as per experience requirements in the Terms of Reference.

Interview (80 %): An interview shall be conducted for the top 3 shortlisted candidates as per desk review

Step III: Financial Evaluation: Only candidates with scores above 70% of the technical evaluation (70 Points or above) will be considered.

Evaluation criteria

1.    Sub matter knowledge in financial sector and or/technology – 25 points;
2.    At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in field of communication – 30 points;
3.    At least 2 years of experience in branding, communications and experience in media relations, graphic design, overseeing documents, and report production, print and electronic publishing – 30 points;
4.    At least one year of experience in working with high level individuals, boards or groups, with responsibilities dealing with senior private sector (C-level) and/or Government counterparts – 15 points.

Award Criteria

The contact shall be awarded to the applicant whose offer have been evaluated and determined as:
Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and Having received the highest combined weight (technical scores) 70% + financial 30%= 100%.

Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for IC must do so in their individual capacity (providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly).  Any individual employed by a company or institution who would like to submit an offer in response to a Procurement Notice for IC must do so in their individual capacity (providing a CV so that their qualifications may be judged accordingly). Please not that in such case the company institution will be asked to issue an RLA: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/vietnam/docs/Legalframework/Reimbursable%20Loan%20Agreement.doc.  

Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

UNCDF 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.

Please include all documents into one file while submitting your application.

References

UNDP’s Individual Consultant’s General Terms and Conditions are provided here:
http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/documents/procurement/documents/IC%20-%20General%20Conditions.pdf