Background
Guinea-Bissau (GNB) has a history of political and institutional fragility. The economy of Guinea-Bissau is poorly diversified and is highly dependent on agriculture, fisheries and forestry, providing up to 47 percent of the GDP, with cashew nut as the primary crop. The macroeconomic context of Guinea-Bissau is characterized by low levels of economic growth in recent years, with the country experiencing negative GDP growth of minus 1.7% in 2012, to a GDP growth of 4.6% in 2019 amounting to around 1.35 billion US dollars. The participation of youth and women in formal economic activities is very low considering that youth, mainly young women, represent 72% of the unemployed population in the country. In addition to the lack of economic opportunities, social and cultural norms continue to limit their participation to the informal sector, thus perpetuating and increasing inequality and depriving the country of the potential productivity of a large portion of its human resources.
The spread of COVID-19 has exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities of Guinea-Bissau’s economy as well as its institutional weakness and public service provision. The economic shock induced is likely to reverse the economic growth rate as the pandemic has affected exports (especially cashew nuts) and imports, having serious implications on poverty and food security in the country.
The pandemic has affected the main economic actors, like informal workers and MSMEs. Sectors like agriculture, transport and tourism suffered the most. The poor and vulnerable segments of the population, mostly relying on small scale agriculture and natural resources, were the most affected. The adverse impact of COVID-19 on Micro, small and medium enterprises is quite severe. According to a recent study commissioned by UNDP to assess the impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs, the approximate average duration of firm closure was 143.1 days and most firms had difficulties getting supplies due to the closure of borders. Exporting firms experienced a sharp decline in exports. Lack of data and policy-oriented studies to inform public choice and guide government policies hinders the formulation of coherent recovery plans. Significant capacity building is required for national actors, including MSMEs, to make rational and sustainable choices regarding the utilization of natural resources in a transparent and accountable manner. Blue economy can be the key to recover from COVID-19 impacts and to embark on a greener and more sustainable and inclusive development pathway in Guinea Bissau. A coherent and applicable national SIDS strategy requires the engagement of all, particularly MSMEs, women and youth.
The Blue Economy project is set out to achieve the main outcomes of developing an inclusive well-informed evidence-based national strategy for blue economy that leaves no one behind, create enabling environment for participation of all stakeholders, particularly private sector and enhance the institutional capacity of implementation. This will contribute to the establishment of a resilient economy driven by inclusive green growth, blue economy, and sustainable human development. It will serve as a catalyst to help Guinea-Bissau reap the opportunities to redirect its economic development strategy acknowledging its SIDS character and the possibilities that lie in pursuing its green and blue economy potential.
The project includes two programmatic outputs: first, to (i) strengthen national and community-based institutions’ capacities to integrate blue economy opportunities into post-COVID -19 green recovery and second, to (ii) provide direct support to private sector green recovery as part of the country Covid-19 forward building. The methodology planned under this term of reference falls under the second programmatic output.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives of the assignment
The main objective of this assignment is to support stakeholder outreach through the production of promotional videos and photos illustrating current Blue Economy sectors and activities in Guinea-Bissau. The assignment will further contribute to promote and raise awareness of the current situation and opportunities in its SIDS character.
Tasks of consultant
The main task of the consultant is to produce promotional video and pictures highlighting Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau. It is essential that the candidate is able and willing to travel to diverse coastal locations that includes examples from all coastal regions in the country, including islands, to showcase the variety of the blue economy sectors.
Specifically, the consultant is expected to:
Produce a promotional music/video highlighting the Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau of 3-5 minutes.
Produce a short version of promotional music/video highlighting the Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau of 30-60 seconds.
Provide 30 high-quality pictures showcasing Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau.
Create design for logo the Blue Economy project.
Deliverables
The following deliverables are expected to complete the work:
- Submission of a promotional music video highlighting the Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau of 3-5 minutes/ approved by UNDP.
- Submission a short version of a promotional music video highlighting the Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau of 30-60 seconds/ approved by UNDP.
- Delivery of minimum 30 high-quality pictures and accompanying logo showcasing Blue Economy activities in Guinea-Bissau.
- Delivery of proposal for logo for the Blue Economy project.
- Submission of a report on the activities and work undertaken.
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Demonstrated proficiency in shooting and editing video (incl. with music) and photos in a developing country context.
Excellent communication skills.
Results-driven, ability to work under pressure and to meet required deadlines.
Ability to demonstrate understanding of and flexibility to adapt to clients’ needs.
Cultural sensitivity.
Diplomatic skills.
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Ability to work with a multi-cultural and diverse team.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Degree in mass media, graphic design, visual arts, photography, film, or related fields.
Work experience
Demonstrated work experience in communications using film, music, and photography, ideally in a development context.
First-hand experience from Guinea-Bissau would be strongly preferred.
Previous working experience for the UN /or international organization is preferred.
Language requirement
Excellent written and spoken English and Portuguese.
Basic understanding of crioulo is an advantage.
Presence and willingness to travel around Guinea-Bissau is necessary.
The expected duration of the assignment is up to 10 working days over a period of 25 days.
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by the UNDP;
2. Personal CV and P11 form, duly signed and contact details (email and telephone number) of the candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
3. Brief description of why the candidate considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment;
4. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price. The term “all-inclusive” means that it has to include international travels, fees, insurance, living allowance, in-town transportation, and other related costs. The Financial Proposal has to be supported by a breakdown of costs, as per the template provided. Preferred Currency of Offer: United States Dollars (US$). If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under the Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate such point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.
Incomplete applications will be excluded from further consideration.