Background

Purpose 

The consultant will support the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) in the formulation and implementation of its communications and advocacy strategy.

Objective

To contribute to reducing the threat posed by the widespread accumulation and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition in and from South-East Europe and advancement of gender equality in security sector reform processes in the Western Balkans by development and implementation of effective communications strategy for SEESAC.

Background Information

The South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC)[1] is a joint initiative of the UNDP and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). As such, it is an integral part of UNDP’s work in the Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (ECIS) region and has, since 2002, worked primarily to strengthen the capacities of national and regional stakeholders to control and reduce the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons, and thus contribute to enhanced stability, security and development in South East and Eastern Europe[2]. SEESAC also has a distinguished record working closely with national Ministries of Defence to mainstream gender equality and this aspect will remain central to the programme.

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to international peace and security by combatting the threat posed by the widespread accumulation and illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition in and from SEE. At the same time, it enhances regional stability by working within the framework of the RCC and in partnership with other relevant initiatives. The project is directly contributing to the implementation of the EU Security Strategy, the EU SALW Strategy, the EU Firearms Strategy, the Arms Trade Treaty, the UN Programme of Action, the International Tracing Instrument, UN Firearms Protocol, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and will specifically enhance regional cooperation in combating the threat posed by the spread of SALW and their ammunition. Specifically, the project is contributing to the implementation of the South East Europe Regional Implementation Plan Combatting the Proliferations and Impact of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024. The project results are also directly contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peaceful and just societies, in particular targets 16.1(Significantly reduce all forms of violence and death rate everywhere) and 16.4 (significantly reduce illicit arms flows). 

SEESAC is implementing the EU Council Decisions 2019/2111 in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe in the framework of the EU Strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition. In addition to this, SEESAC is also implementing the Council Decision 2018/1788 in support of the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans, and performing the secretariat functions of the UN Multi Partner Trust Fund for the implementation of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap. Furthermore, SEESAC’s portfolio includes also the second phase of the Strengthening of Regional Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans project. The project facilitates regional cooperation on gender equality in the military and further strengthens the capacities of the Ministries of Defense and the Armed Forces for implementation of gender responsive policies. These initiatives continue to strengthen safety and security through regional cooperation in South East Europe.

[1] SEESAC functions under the mandate given to it by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

[2] The countries and territories covered by SEESAC include:  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo (References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)), Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:

Under the overall direction of the UNDP SEESAC Project Manager, the consultant is expected to:

• Develop and implement  an effective communications and advocacy strategy for SEESAC based on an analysis of the current communications approach and tools, and identification of gaps, with a particular focus on traditional means of communication: website, print material and knowledge products (publications, leaflets, reports, surveys…), events, media;
• Provide advice to the SEESAC team on effective use of tools of communication and ways to communicate project activities and results, and follow on planning and implementation of such activities/results;  
• Plan and facilitate the design, content and production of outreach and communications material/outputs; 
• Create high quality and informative content to engage with the different target audiences through different channels of communication (SEESAC website, print material, knowledge products, events, media);
• Manage and update the SEESAC website, including its secure area;
• Translate project materials and data into communicable and relevant pieces of information in the form of briefs, summaries, factsheets, infographics, videos and ensure that project results are profiled and communicated; write clear and compelling documents;
• Assist in production of multimedia content (videos, graphic design, GIFs, other visuals, etc.), including in close cooperation with technical support contractors when needed;
• Facilitate the design, printing, and promotion of SEESAC print material and knowledge products in line with UNDP and donors’ visibility guidelines;
• Facilitate the communications and visibility aspects of SEESAC events;
• Ensure that UNDP and donor visibility guidelines are adhered to;
• Produce visibility progress reports of projects under implementation;
• Work closely and coordinate the communications approach with the Social Media Expert and other members in the team;
• Maintains close communication with communications staff of key stakeholders;
• Support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing and identification of relevant information on armed violence prevention, citizen security, arms control activities and gender equality;
• Monitors the communications and advocacy outreach and produces reports on the implementation of communications and advocacy strategy with identified gaps and recommendations for improved implementation of the strategy.

Deliverables and timeframe

The following deliverables will be required from the consultant:

The payments will be based on the successful completion of the above deliverables and following the approval of consultant’s progress reports on the deliverables by the UNDP SEESAC Project Manager.

Competencies

Corporate competencies:

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.

Functional competencies:

• Excellent communication skills;
• Excellent planning, presentation, and organisational skills;
• Impeccable attention to detail;
• Impeccable teamwork skills;
• Excellent research and analytical skills;
• Good knowledge of results-based management;
• Ability to express ideas clearly, to work independently and in teams;
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite, ability to use design and simple video production tools.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• BA in communication, journalism, public relations; or in a related social sciences field; 

Experience and knowledge:

• At least six years progressively responsible professional work experience in development and implementation of comprehensive and impactful communication and advocacy strategies;
• Experience in planning and development of design, content and production of communications and advocacy material/outputs is mandatory;
• Experience in producing high quality communications content to engage with the different target audiences is mandatory;
• Experience in website content management mandatory;
• Experience in translation of complex materials and data into communicable and relevant pieces of information in the form of briefs, summaries, factsheets, infographics, videos and ensure that project results are profiled and communicated is mandatory;
• Experience using basic design and video editing tools is mandatory;
• Knowledge or working experience in area of community security, disarmament and arms control and gender equality will be an asset;
• Experience working in a development context an asset;
• Knowledge of political, economic and cultural context of South East Europe is an asset;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure.

Language skills:

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
• Knowledge of another language used in South East Europe would be an asset.

DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS.

Application Procedure:

Qualified and interested candidates are asked to submit their applications via UNDP Web site: UNDP in Serbia under section “Jobs” no later than 4 February 2021.

Application should include: 

• CV in English language containing date of birth, contact information (home address, phone number, e-mail) and timeline of work experience (including description of duties).  
• Five examples of Offeror’s work that are relevant for the vacancy and description of their impact. Applications that do not include examples of Offeror’s work will not be considered.
• Offeror’s Letter (only PDF format will be accepted) confirming Interest and availability for the Individual Contractor (IC) Assignment. Can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/ic/Confirmation.docx. The Offeror’s Letter shall include financial proposal specifying a total lump sum amount for the tasks specified in this announcement with a breakdown of costs. 

In order to apply please merge above listed documents into a single PDF file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded.

Any request for clarification must be sent by standard electronic communication to the e-mail vacancy.rs@undp.org. The procuring UNDP entity will respond by standard electronic mail and will send response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants.

Financial Proposal:

• Lump sum contracts

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems, and number of anticipated working days).

Travel

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel.  In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

Evaluation

Additional Information:

• Individual Contract (IC) will be applicable for individual consultants applying in their own capacity.  
• Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) will be applicable for applicants employed by any legal entity. Template of RLA with General Terms and Conditions could be found on: http://www.undp.org.rs/download/RLA%20with%20General%20Terms%20and%20Conditions.doc. In the case of engagement of Civil servants under IC contract modality a no-objection letter should be provided by the Government entity. The ‘no-objection’ letter must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status (if applicable), and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any. If the previous is not applicable ‘leave-without-pay’ confirmation should be submitted.

Engagement of Government Officials and Employees:

• Government Officials or Employees are civil servants of UN Member States.  As such, if they will be engaged by UNDP under an IC which they will be signing in their individual capacity (i.e., engagement is not done through RLA signed by their Government employer), the following conditions must be met prior to the award of contract: 

(i)       A “No-objection” letter in respect of the individual is received from the Government employing him/her, and; 

(ii)     The individual must provide an official documentation from his/her employer formally certifying his or her status as being on “official leave without pay” for the duration of the IC. 

• The above requirements are also applicable to Government-owned and controlled enterprises and well as other semi/partially or fully owned Government entities, whether or not the Government ownership is of majority or minority status.   

UNDP recognizes the possibility that there are situations when the Government entity employing the individual that UNDP wishes to engage is one that allows its employees to receive external short-term consultancy assignments (including but not limited to research institutions, state-owned colleges/universities, etc.), whereby a status of “on-leave-without-pay” is not required.  Under such circumstance, the individual entering into an IC with UNDP must still provide a “No-objection” letter from the Government employing him/her.  The “no objection” letter required under (i) above must also state that the employer formally certifies that their employees are allowed to receive short-term consultancy assignment from another entity without being on “leave-without-pay” status, and include any conditions and restrictions on granting such permission, if any.  The said document may be obtained by, and put on record of, UNDP, in lieu of the document (ii) listed above.