The Nairobi-based Global Policy Centre for Resilient Ecosystems and Desertification (GC-RED) is one of UNDP Global Policy Centres. It was established in October 2014 building on the achievements of the former Drylands Development Center, and seeks to:

• Advance global thinking and knowledge sharing on inclusive and sustainable development in drylands and other fragile ecosystems;and;
• Develop capacities to address science-policy issues related to biodiversity and ecosystem services management and utilization.

Drawing on decades of experiences and expertise, GC-RED is committed to build social and ecological resilience and support the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in drylands and other fragile ecosystems.  The Centre supports programme countries in scaling up their sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration efforts and achieving Land Degradation Neutrality in line with the Sustainable Development Goal Target 15.3.

The Centre hosts the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Network (BES-Net). BES-Net is a capacity sharing “network of networks” that promotes dialogue between science, policy and practice for more effective management of biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to long-term human well-being and sustainable development. It complements and contributes to the capacity building work of the Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) by aligning its activities with the IPBES global assessment themes and applying the related IPBES guidance documents.

GC-RED is looking for an experienced Graphic Designer to help improve the branding of the Centre and visibility of the Centre activities by conceptualizing, developing and updating the key communication products for external audiences.

Application Procedures

The application should contain:

• CV using Personal History Form (P11), indicating all relevant past experiences and the contact details of at least three (3) professional referees (Blank P11 form can be downloaded from http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/corporate/Careers/P11_Personal_history_form.doc); 
• Financial Proposal that indicates the daily rate/fee of the candidate in US dollars
• Sample graphic design work, relevant to the assignment, which were produced by the applicant within the last two years.

The objective of this assignment is to develop and update the communication and advocacy materials, such as reports, brochures, posters, briefs, newsletters, etc., for GC-RED and its respective projects by conveying key messages with creative and catchy graphic designs. He/she will be contracted on a two-year long-term agreement basis and work under the supervision of the GC-RED Director and the Centre’s respective project focal persons. He/she will reference and be guided by the UNDP Brand Manual.

More, specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:-

• Conceptualize and develop new communication products, including the design of message-targeted inforgraphics/factgraphics, as required, in a print ready and/or digital formats to showcase GC-RED works;
• Update the existing communication products around specific topics, ensuring user-friendly formats, modern layout and convincing  designs;
• Provide advice and direction on innovative designing, communication and outreach activities that enhance visibility for the Centre and its projects through online and other platforms.

Expected Deliverables and Payment Schedule

A wide range of high-quality designed communication products, which may include, complying with agreed formats and objectives. For any design job, a number of rounds of revisions should be expected. In the case of the print products, the candidate may also be expected to support with the overall printing process.

Payment will be made upon the completion of specific task(s) on a time-bound manner and satisfactory submission of respective deliverable(s) in a print ready and/or digital formats.

Duration and Implementation Modalities of the Assignment

Up to 100 days of assignment over the period of two years starting between 1 April 2019 on Long term agreement basis.  GC-RED does not warrant the maximum days.  This consultancy is a home-based contract and will not require travel.

Envisaged tasks will be commissioned on a needs basis. Upon commissioning specific task, the Centre and the contractor will mutually agree on the detailed scope and schedule of the task, including the type of deliverable(s) to be submitted and the number of days to be allocated.

The assignment will be bound by the terms and conditions of UNDP Procurement rules and guidelines.

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN values and ethical standards;
• Respect the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills;
• Results oriented, flexible and problem solving skills;
• Ability to cope with a difficult environment where formal institutions of government are at a nascent stage;
• Deal diplomatically with challenging bureaucratic processes and pressure to meet strict deadlines;
• Build strong relationships focusing on impact and results and responds positively to feedback; and
• Demonstrates openness to changes and ability to manage complexities; remains calm, in control and good humoured, even under pressure.

Evaluation

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis taking into consideration the combination of the applicant's qualifications and financial proposal. The 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 a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

Only those candidates who obtained at least 70% of points, or a minimum of 49 points, in the technical evaluation would be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Evaluation (70% of total evaluation; maximum 70 points):

• Minimum educational requirement (Max. 10);
• Demonstrated practical work experience in relevant fields (Max. 15);
• Demonstrated computer literacy and advanced command over graphic design software (Max 15);
• Knowledge of/familiarity with resilience/sustainable development issues (Max. 10);
• Sample graphic design work (Max. 15);
• Previous UN experience/familiarity with UNDP’s programmatic work (Max. 5);

Financial Evaluation (30% of total evaluation; maximum 30 points).

The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal:

•  p = y (µ/z), where;
•  p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated;
•  y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal;
•  µ = price of the lowest priced proposal;
• z = price of the proposal being evaluated.

Contract Award:

Candidate obtaining the highest combined scores in the combined score of Technical and Financial evaluation will be considered qualified and will be offered the contract with UNDP.Firms are not eligible for this consultancy assignment (open only for international individual consultants).

Education:

• An advanced degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Visual Arts, communications, or other relevant field.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant practical graphic designing, visual arts, branding, communication and outreach;
• High level of computer literacy and advanced command over a full range of graphic design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign or equivalent software);
• Proven knowledge and/or familiarity with social and ecological resilience and sustainable development issues in a development context; and
• Previous work experience with the UN System and familiarity with UNDP’s general programming work are desirable.

Language skills:

• fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Working knowledge of French is an asset.