The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. Since 1966 UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life of everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

UNDP focuses on supporting countries to build and share solutions in four main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Inclusive and Effective Democratic Governance
• Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
• Citizens Security, Conflict Prevention and Disaster and Climate Risk Management

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation (ABS), an agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity, was adopted on 29 October 2014, it provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of the 3rd objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Protocol applies to genetic resources that are covered by the CBD and the benefits arising from their utilization, it also covers traditional knowledge (TK) associated with genetic resources held by indigenous and local communities. Contracting parties to the Nagoya Protocol need to fulfill core obligations to take measures in relation to access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing and compliance.

The UNDP-GEF Project “Strengthening human resources, legal frameworks, and institutional capacities to implement the Nagoya Protocol” (Global ABS Project) is a 3-year project that specifically aims at assisting 24 countries (Albania, Belarus, Botswana, Colombia, Comoros, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mongolia, Myanmar, Panama, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan, Tajikistan and Uruguay) in the development and strengthening of their national ABS frameworks, human resources, and administrative capabilities to implement the Nagoya Protocol. The project seeks to achieve this through its 4 components namely:

• Component 1: Strengthening the legal, policy and institutional capacity to develop national ABS frameworks;
• Component 2: Building trust between users and providers of genetic resources to facilitate the identification of bio-discovery efforts;
• Component 3: Strengthening the capacity of indigenous and local communities to contribute to the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol;
• Component 4: Implementing a Community of Practice and South-South Cooperation Framework on ABS.

Objective of the assignment

The UNDP-GEF Global ABS Project is seeking a Communications Expert to develop and support the implementation of communications strategies for the project at a global, regional and national levels, such as through the development of various communication products and the preparation of, and participation in, national and international events.

The Consultant will be home-based working under the supervision of the UNDP-GEF Global ABS Project Manager with limited missions to the regional/global meetings and UN offices. The Consultant will work with the Global ABS Project team, as well as national Global ABS Project teams as applicable and contractors on the following: 

Project communications strategy:

• Develop the global communications strategy for the UNDP-GEF Global ABS Project, in line with visibility guidelines of UNDP and GEF, including key messages of the project;
•  Conduct research and promote synergies with other communication strategies or information campaigns promoted by other GEF and non-GEF projects on ABS at the national, regional and global levels;
• Advise the Project Team and Country Offices on promoting stakeholder engagement, especially the private sector.

Communications toolkit:

• Develop a practical communications and advocacy toolkit to be used by national level Global ABS Project teams in developing and implementing communication strategies at their level (templates, standardized messages, branding guidelines, “Dos-and-Don’ts”, policy advocacy guidelines etc.). The central element of the national communication strategies is a framework to advocate for policy recommendations developed under the national Global ABS Project process.

Project Website and online content:

• Provide inputs to the Project website and Project social media channels;
• Produce new items, such as success stories, for the Global ABS Project website at least twice a month;
• Coordinate with other UNDP/UNV communications teams to promote Global ABS Project;
• Coordinate communication related activities to Global ABS Project stakeholders through a Global ABS Project mailing list. 

Project visibility: 

• Develop Project identity and branding in products (e.g. Project presentations, publications and reports); 
• Develop UNDP-GEF Global ABS Project press kits and coordinate media at international events;
• Provide technical input in regional and global initiatives that promote the relevance of ABS issues in the broader context of Agenda 2030 for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through practical experiences;
• Provide inputs and advise Project Team on all communications and media related activities and aspects.

Communication products:

• Develop communication products (e.g.  banners, factsheets, new articles, case studies, press releases, infographics, website pages and articles, videos and other media products) and coordinate with graphic designers, web designers and website moderators.

Support to Project COs:

• Provide technical advisory services to Project Country Offices in designing and editing Project communication content; 
• Advise 24 core Global ABS Project countries on the development of communication strategies at their national levels, and support this process in regional and national meetings as well as other UNDP national ABS Projects, as appropriate;
• Provide inputs and advise Project Country Offices on all communications and media related activities and aspects;
• Coordinate the engagement of countries, the generation of knowledge products and the dissemination of experiences under the Project community of practice from a communications approach in coordination with the knowledge management and project specialist.

Project reports:

• Participate in the development of an easy-to-read, visually engaging version of the Project reports (progress, annual etc.) for the general audience; 
• Participate in development of a landmark publication on the contribution of ABS to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with emphasis on the social, economic and environmental benefits of products derived from genetic resources.

COP14:

• Prepare communication products for the COP14 event;
• Consult Project Team in the preparation and organization for COP14 and side events in terms of communication activities;
• Develop a communications campaign for COP14.

Expected outputs and deliverables timelines
Estimated duration to complete and payment percentage (working days; %) 

1st deliverable by 15 November 2017 (work input: app. 10 working days; payment 5% of total amount contract)

• First conceptualization of the outline for the Global ABS Project’s global communications strategy

2nd deliverables by 15 December 2017 (work input: app. 12 working days; payment 5% of total amount contract)

• First draft for the Global ABS Project’s global communications strategy
• First conceptualization of the outline for communications toolkit 
• Develop templates/layout with a common identity for Global ABS Project presentations, publications and reports

3rd deliverables by 15 February 2018 (work input: app. 23 working days; payment 10% of total amount contract)

• Final draft for the Global ABS Project’s global communications strategy
• Final draft for the communications toolkit
• Provide technical advisory support to the project website development
• Writing, updating and editing communication content and promoting project visibility (at least 3 information pieces designed);

4th deliverables by 15 April 2018 (work input: app. 34 working days; payment 15% of total amount contract)

• Finalised and tested communications toolkit to be used by national level Global ABS Project teams;
• Draft outline and conceptualization of publication on the contribution of ABS to the SDGs
• Draft outline and conceptualization of communication campaign in preparation for COP14
• Draft outline and conceptualization of communication campaign for private sector and other stakeholder involvement
• Writing, updating and editing communication content and promoting project visibility (at least 2 information pieces designed);

5th deliverables by 01 June 2018 (work input: app. 46 working days; payment 20% of total amount contract)

• Communication campaign for private sector and other stakeholder involvement implemented
• First draft of publication on the contribution of ABS to the SDGs
• Communication materials and activities for COP14 designed
• Writing, updating and editing communication content and promoting project visibility (at least 2 information pieces designed)

6th deliverables by 15 September 2018 (work input: app. 35 working days; payment 15% of total amount contract)

• Final draft of publication on the contribution of ABS to the SDGs
• Communication materials and activities for COP14 designed
• Writing, updating and editing communication content and promoting project visibility (at least 2 information pieces designed)

7th deliverable 30 November 2018 (work input: app. 35 working days; payment 15% of total amount contract)

• Draft outline and conceptualization of the Global ABS Project annual report for the general audience
• Communication materials and activities for COP14 developed and implemented
• Writing, updating and editing communication content and promoting project visibility (at least 2 information pieces designed)

8th deliverable by 15 December 2018 (work input: app. 35 working days; payment 15% of total amount contract)

• Final draft of the Global ABS Project annual report for the general audience
• Writing, updating and editing communication content and promoting project visibility (at least 2 information pieces designed)

Management and organizational arrangements 

• The consultant will work under guidance and technical supervision of the Global Project Manager; 
• The consultant will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment;
• The consultant will work from home with mission travel; 
• The consultant will be responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, etc.) and must have access to reliable internet connection;
• Given the global consultations to be undertaken during this assignment, the consultant is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability for such consultations taking into consideration different time zones;
• Payments will be made upon submission of the deliverables and according to the payment schedule defined in the Terms of Reference and approval by the Global Project Manager. 

Travel arrangements:

• The consultant’s travel will be arranged separately according UNDP travel policies;
• Any necessary mission must be approved in advance and in writing by the Global Project Manager or the UNDP-GEF Global Adviser on ABS;
• The Advanced and Basic Security in the Field II courses must be successfully completed prior to commencement of travel; 
• Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director;
• Consultants are responsible for obtaining any visas and security clearances needed in connection with travel with the necessary support from UNDP; 
• Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://dss.un.org/dssweb/;   
• All related travel expenses will be supported by the project travel fund and will be arranged as per UNDP rules and regulations for consultants. Costs for travel should not be included in financial proposal.

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
• Creativity and innovative thinking in responding to challenges and formulating solutions.

Functional competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills, ability to work in a team;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Strong research analytical, reporting and writing abilities.

Academic Qualifications/Education: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or other closely related field. 

Experience: 

• 5 years of proven experience in communications and outreach in international development;
• Experience with environmental and/or biodiversity issues is an advantage;
• Proven experience with developing and implementing communications strategies at the local, national, regional or international level, including experience in journalism, public relations or media relations;
• Proven experience with developing, editing and layout of publications, reports and content management for websites and social media;
• Experience and good network with the international media is an advantage; 
• Previous work experience with UNDP or a related organization and familiarity with their branding and visibility identity requirements is also an advantage. 

Language skills: 

• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, Russian and/or French will be an advantage.

Computer skills:

• Fully competent management of the MS Office package (particularly MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Outlook);
• Experience in graphic design and publishing programmes (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign or equivalent – please indicate in your resume) is an advantage.

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:

• responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
• 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 those candidates who will obtain min. 70% of points will be invited for the next stage of the technical evaluation and financial proposal evaluation.  

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

• Criteria A - (relevant education background) – max points: 5
• Criteria B – (5 years of proven experience in communications and outreach in international development; experience with environmental and/or biodiversity issues is an advantage) - max points: 10
• Criteria C – (Proven experience with developing and implementing communications strategies at the local, national, regional or international level, including experience in journalism, public relations or media relations)- max points: 10
• Criteria D – (Proven experience with developing, editing and layout of publications, reports and content management for websites and social media) – max. points: 5
• Criteria E – (Experience and good network with the international media) – max. points: 5
• Criteria F - (Previous work experience with UNDP or a related organization and familiarity with their branding and visibility identity requirements is also an advantage) – max. points: 5
• Criteria G – Past work sample – (excellent writing and editing skills, experience in communications strategies, communication toolkits, advocacy campaigns, communication campaigns, infographics, videos, articles, or reports) max. points: 10
• Criteria H – Past work sample – (experience with graphic design and publishing programmes) max. points: 5 
• Criteria I - Interviews – max. points: 15 (experience in communications strategies, communication toolkits, advocacy campaigns, communication campaigns, infographics, videos, articles, or reports, excellent oral communications skills in English)

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

Application procedures

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via this website. The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and previous work sample (can be proven work of communications strategies, communication toolkits, advocacy campaigns, communication campaigns, infographics, videos, articles, or reports which you have produced). Please also paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. 
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees (blank form can be downloaded from http://europeandcis.undp.org/files/hrforms/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc); please upload the P11 instead of your CV. 
• Financial Proposal in USD* - specifying a total lump sum amount in USD for the tasks specified in this announcement. The financial proposal shall include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (number of anticipated working days and any other possible costs).
• Applicants must reply to the mandatory questions asked by the system when submitting the application.
• 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...). 

Payments will be made only upon confirmation of UNDP 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: http://on.undp.org/t7fJs.

Qualified women and members of minorities are encouraged to apply.
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.