Background

South-South and triangular cooperation continue to play an important role in the global development cooperation discourse and architecture for sustainable development. As a complement to North-South cooperation, its catalytic role has been recognized by major multilateral agreements such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Small Islands Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014–2024, the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011–2020, as well as other relevant agreements and UN outcomes.

The scale, scope, volume and number of stakeholders of South-South and triangular cooperation continue to record an exponential growth at all levels. Within this ever-growing space, many efforts are already under way within the UN system to leverage South-South and triangular cooperation in their efforts to supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and other internationally agreed development goals.

The Second UN High-level Conference on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40, 2019) resulted in a very ambitious Outcome Document that aims at further strengthening and revitalizing SSC and TrC, within the framework of a Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. In addition, the Outcome Document acknowledged the importance of sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices, particularly homegrown development approaches, on South-South and triangular cooperation in the attainment of sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It also reaffirms the key role of UN system entities in this endeavour, including UN country teams (UNCTs).

Within the UN system, the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is responsible for mainstreaming South-South and Triangular Cooperation across the UN system and assisting developing countries in strengthening their capacities to manage, design and implement South-South Cooperation (SSC) policies and initiatives through the identification, sharing, and transfer of successful Southern-generated development knowledge and solutions. At the intergovernmental level, the UNOSSC serves as the Secretariat to the UN High-level Committee (HLC) on South-South Co-operation, a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, which provides policy directives and guidance and reviews progress on South-South Co-operation globally. The UNOSSC is also responsible for the preparation of reports for various intergovernmental bodies, including the annual report of the Secretary-General, and support relevant intergovernmental negotiations. 

Since the adoption of the BAPA + 40 Outcome Document, Member States and UN entities have reported activities in the State of South-South Cooperation report of the UN Secretary-General. The next session of the UN High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation is also expected to provide further impetus to the follow-up to the BAPA + 40 outcome document.

In 2020, the first-ever UN System-wide Strategy on South-South and Triangular cooperation was also approved by the Executive Committee of the UN Secretary-General. The ultimate objective of this Strategy is to provide a system-wide policy orientation to UN entities to galvanize a coordinated and coherent approach to policy, programmatic and partnership support on South-South and triangular cooperation and increase impact across UN activities at all levels: national, regional and global.

To better leverage South-South cooperation as one of the means to implement the 2030 Agenda, the UNOSSC Strategic Framework (2018-21) highlights the need for strengthening its regional offices to respond to the multifaceted needs of developing countries. The BAPA + 40 outcome document also calls on the UN system entities to continue supporting regional and sub-regional organizations, in accordance with their respective mandates, and bearing in mind the ongoing UN Development System reform.

Within the above context and landscape, and building on past performance and achievements, the Division for Arabs States, Europe and the CIS of UNOSSC, based in Istanbul, Turkey, will, through its 2021 workplan for both regions, systematically provide further policy, technical and capacity development support to and collaborate with Member States in the regions (and beyond, subject to a demand for cross-regional support), relevant regional institutions, UN entities, international financial institutions, and other stakeholders in advancing South-South, triangular and east-east cooperation (as applicable).

In close collaboration and partnership with the UN entities, the Division will also support the roll-out of the UN System-wide Strategy on South-South and Triangular cooperation and the forthcoming Action Pan both at the regional and country level (in line with priorities identified in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks (UNSDCFs) and Country Programme Documents of UN entities) so as to increase impact across UN operational activities for development at the country level. Moreover, implementation of the 2021 workplan will also be pursued from the point of view of contributing to the development of the new UNOSSC Strategic Framework 2022-2025. 

In this context, the Division is seeking to recruit an international consultant to provide information technology and strategic communication support across the five broader areas of work of the Division as articulated in the workplan: Policy Coordination and Coherence; Programmatic Support; Institutionalization; Knowledge Management and Capacity Development; and Partnerships. The Consultant’s work and deliverables will be guided by the following relevant policy documents and reports, including:

• Nairobi Outcome Document
• BAPA+40 Outcome Document, Report of the Second High-Level United Nations Conference on South-South Cooperation
• Current (and future) Strategic Framework of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation
• Decisions of the UN General Assembly’s High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation
• Relevant decisions of the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board
• UN System-wide Strategy on South-South and Triangular Cooperation
• Reports of the UN Secretary-General on the State of South-South Cooperation
• Secretary-General’s reports on the UN Development System Reform

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Regional Chief, Division for Arab States, Europe and the CIS of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, the incumbent is responsible for provision of technical & organizational consultancy services in area of information technologies, online and strategic communications, crowdsourcing, and mapping of South-South Cooperation mechanisms & solutions in the Arab States, Europe and the CIS.

• Provide strategic communication and advocacy support to the implementation of the annual workplan(s) for the division, including support to relevant joint initiatives with UN system entities and partners.
• Provide support to the roll-out of the UN System-wide Strategy on South-South and Triangular cooperation at the regional level.
• Lead the preparation of the Division's communication materials aligned with the overall UNOSSC global communication, partnerships and advocacy strategies. As needed, work in consultation with the communication advisor at the HQ.
• Assist with the strategic positioning of the Division and the UNOSSC in both regions, and beyond. Advise on the Division’s outreach to wider public through social media tools. As needed, collaboration with the UNOSSC Offices in Africa and Asia and Pacific, and UNDP regional communication staff in Istanbul and Amman.
• Ensure online publication and dissemination of progress and achievements of planned activities, and relevant collaborative initiatives with governments, partner institutions, UN entities and other stakeholders. As required, advise on and lead on the design and finalization of the relevant publications and reports, including reports of regional and national stock-taking exercises.
• Provide relevant technical and communications support in the implementation of the ongoing joint UNOSSC-IFAD project on South-South Cooperation in Green Economy for Agricultural Development and Enhanced Food Security (SSGE-ADFS), including in documenting successful solutions in the field of small-scale agricultural production with focus on advancing green economy. Perform other tasked as assigned by the supervisor.
• Provide technical support to document and store solutions and mechanisms received from government institutions, UN entities, international organizations, civil society, private sector and globally recognized centers of excellence from the regions covered by the Division on the UNOSSC South-South Galaxy global platform.
• Advise on maintaining functionality of the southsouthworld.org online platform for storing and mapping information on national and regional efforts and achievements of partner countries, UN entities, and other partners in advancing South-South and triangular cooperation, including those supported by the Division.
• Provide regular IT support towards the effective and efficient functioning of the Division’s website as part of the UNOSSC global portal and perform regular updates.
• Lead on updating the database of key partners and institutions involved in South-South, Triangular and East-East cooperation and their areas of interest and priorities.
• Prepare (on months when services are requested under the LTA and delivered) concise one-page service delivery reports outlining concrete tangible deliverables.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and respond appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from the clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identified clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Technological awareness: Keeps abreast if available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; activity seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
• Organizational skills: Demonstrated ability to assess, plan, coordinate and monitor related activities.

Required Skills and Experience

• University degree (bachelor’s degree or above) in information technologies, media and communications, web design.
• A degree in development, international relations and/or environment in combination with above IT education is an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of responsible experience in media and communication, IT and web design in the development sector/programming.
• Prior experience of at least 2 years in the field of South-South and Triangular Cooperation, preferably with one of the United Nations institutions or another international organization, is a considerable asset.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, good command of other UN languages is an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in a multi-cultural setting.  
• Knowledge and experience in the use of standard office software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets).

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 top 4 candidates who will obtain min. 70% of points in desk review will be invited for written test and interviews. Only candidates who will obtain min. 70% of points in overall technical evaluation will be invited for financial proposal evaluation.

Technical Criteria - 70% of total evaluation – max. 70 points:

Criteria A: (desk review) education in the field of information technologies, media and communications, web design - max points: 10

Criteria B: (desk review) Minimum 3 years of working experience in the field of IT, media and communication, development including policy development and programme planning – max points: 10

Criteria C: (desk review) type and quality of working experience in the field of South-South & Triangular Cooperation – max points: 10

Criteria D: (written tests) results of the written test where analytical and written communication skills of candidates relevant to the assignment will be assessed – max points: 20

Criteria D: (interviews) type and quality of working experience in the field of South-South & Triangular Cooperation – max points: 5

Criteria E: (interviews): Past experiences and examples of providing similar and/or relevant support to various regional and national initiatives – max 15

Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation – max. 30 points

Application procedures

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this jobs.undp.org The application should contain:

• 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 experience in similar initiatives and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from instead of your CV)
• Financial Proposal* - The financial proposal shall indicate the hourly fee in the US Dollar equivalent.
• 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...) except for the costs related to the mission travel. Mission-related costs shall be calculated as per UNDP rules and regulations and paid for separately. 

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP/UNOSSC 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 the link

Qualified women are encouraged to apply. 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.

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.