Antecedentes

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide support in the implementation of the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2356 in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South East Europe.

Objective

SEESAC is seeking to recruit a Communications Consultant to elaborate and implement the SEESAC communications strategy that will lead to increasing awareness on the dangers posed by the possession of illicit firearms, ammunition and explosives; and better visibility of EU support to SEESAC through the CD (CFSP) 2016/2356. 

Background Information

The South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC)  is a joint initiative of the UNDP and the Regional Cooperation Council. 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. SEESAC also has a distinguished record working closely with national Ministries to mainstream gender equality and this aspect will remain central to the programme.

On 19 December 2016 the Council of the European Union passed the Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2356 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 for the period of three years. South East Europe remains an area of particular concern as well as an important challenge in the European Union Strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition. While significant progress has been made in recent years, the sheer scale of accumulation of SALW and ammunition, the inadequate storage conditions, large illicit possession, as well as policy making and implementation capacity gaps continue to limit the effectiveness of SALW control efforts. Therefore, in order to ensure the continuous progress, secure the gains and pave the way for a long- term solution, the continuation of support to combat the threat posed by the spread and illicit trafficking in SALW in and from SEE forms an essential part in its efforts to achieve the EU SALW Strategy goals. 

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 will enhance regional stability by working within the framework of the RCC and in partnership with other relevant initiatives. Specifically, the project is 1) increasing regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and information sharing and lead to enhanced
capacity for evidence-based policy making; 2) improving capacities for physical security and stockpile management through infrastructure security upgrades, surplus reduction, and training; 3) enhancing capacity for marking, tracing and record-keeping; and 4) reducing the illicit possession and misuse of firearms through awareness-raising and collection campaigns. 

The implementation of the project is grounded in the Regional Implementation Plan on Combatting the Proliferation of SALW addressing the spread and illicit trafficking of SALW and their ammunition. 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. The project results also directly contribute 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). In addition, the project is contributing to the implementation of the European Commission Action Plan to target the illicit trafficking of firearms and explosives in the EU.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Scope of Work

Under the overall direction of the SEESAC Coordinator, the Communications Consultant will be expected to perform the following tasks, as per the deliverables:

• Update and provide content for the SEESAC Knowledge management platform, including maintaining close cooperation with technical support contractors and other relevant team members, 
• Provide expertise to boost SEESAC presence on social media channels, including providing content updates promoting SEESAC’s core areas of expertise and latest results, as well as open new social media channels if needed and curate them accordingly, 
• Monitor social media trends for outreach purposes and appropriately apply that knowledge to increase the use of social media at SEESAC,
• Prepare basic graphic design to promote SEESAC’s work on both the SEESAC Knowledge Management Platform and social media platforms,
• Draft, summarize and edit succinct communications pieces of varying length for different internal and external audiences in close cooperation with SEESAC team members,
• Under the guidance of the SEESAC coordinator and authors/specialists draft and/or edit publications to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience,
• Provide feedback on the production of all printed communications related materials (brochures, leaflets, report, etc.) including preparing materials for printing in line with UNDP and donors’ editorial and visual guidelines, advising on print solutions, etc., 
• Oversee and assist if needed the production of multimedia content (videos, graphic design, GIFs, other visuals, etc.), including maintain close cooperation with technical support contractors and UNDP Country Offices when needed, 
• Support key events and communication opportunities, such as major regional conferences, meetings and discussions, including drafting media advisories and press releases if needed, 
• Lead technical and content production of a periodic newsletter on the latest SEESAC results,
• Assist in curating and posting stories, blogs, photos and videos on both SEESAC Knowledge management platform and social media channels. 

Deliverables

The following deliverables will be required by the Consultant:

• Deliverable 1 - Develop the communications strategy for 1 conference, including overseeing the production of communications materials and developing basic graphic design for social media usage; Deadline: 25th January 2018
• Deliverable 2 - Prepare 1 social media campaign to promote SEESAC’s work on gender equality around the celebration of International Women’s Day (8th March) including providing basic graphic design and content to be shared on social media platforms; Deadline: 19th February 2018
• Deliverable 3 - Develop 3 data visualizations graphics suitable for social media dissemination based on the results of an online perceptions survey conducted by SEESAC; Deadline: 1st March 2018
• Deliverable 4 - Provide content and feedback for 1 story (text and photo) highlighting the results of knowledge transfer facilitation through SEESAC’s Regional Security Sector Reform Platform including writing and editing content; Deadline: 16th April 2018
• Deliverable 5 - Develop 3 data visualizations graphics suitable for social media dissemination based on data extracted from SEESAC`s armed monitoring violence platform; Deadline: 18th May 2018
• Deliverable 6 - Develop 1 communications campaign for marketing SEESAC’s work on destroying illegal or confiscated small arms and light weapons and their ammunition around the celebration of the International Gun Destruction Day (9th July); Deadline: 25th June 2018
• Deliverable 7 - Prepare content and oversee the graphic design for a brochure highlighting SEESAC’s work with the European Union on disarmament in South East Europe since 2002.; Deadline: 31st July 2018
• Deliverable 8 - Provide content and feedback for 2 stories (text and photo) focusing on SEESAC’s work in advancing gender equality in the security sector and its achievements so far, including writing and editing content; Deadline: 3rd September 2018
• Deliverable 9 - Prepare 1 social media campaign to promote SEESAC’s work on disarmament around the celebration of Disarmament Week (24-30 October) including providing basic graphic design and content to be shared on social media platforms; Deadline: 15th October 2018
• Deliverable 10 - Provide content and feedback for technical support for 1 communications campaign on the dangers of celebratory shooting; Deadline: 30th November 2018
• Deliverable 11 - Develop 1 communications campaign with a specific focus on SEESAC`s work on improving infrastructure security for storage locations including overseeing the production of a video, develop basic graphic design and provide content for social media dissemination; Deadline: 10th December 2018
• Deliverable 12 - Develop content and oversee the technical development of the SEESAC Newsletter highlighting SEESAC`s top achievements in 2018; Deadline: 15th January 2019

The Communications Consultant will submit reports on achievement of deliverables, according to which payments will be released. Reports will be approved by the SEESAC Coordinator. 

Competencias

Corporate competencies:

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

Functional competencies:

• Ability to perform a variety of communications related activities including developing communications strategies, drafting required documents, curating social media channels, updating online platforms and websites, organizing events, developing basic graphic design;
• Good understanding of graphic design;
• Good understanding of current trends related to arms control; 
• Demonstrates interest and understanding of current events, globally, in Europe and in the region;
• Good research, editing and proofreading skills, 
• Strong oral and especially strong written communication skills;
• Ability to express ideas clearly, to work independently and in teams;
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite. 

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education: 

• MA in Social Sciences or other relevant filed;

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of working experience on communication and public awareness campaigns, in a development related field (democratic governance, human rights, poverty reduction, etc.)
• Minimum 2 years of working experience in international development organizations in South East Europe;
• Previous working experience in EU funded projects and knowledge of EU visibility guidelines will be an advantage;
• Working experience in communications in area of disarmament and arms control will be an advantage; 

Language skills:

• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written; knowledge of another South East European language will be 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 evaluation of methodology) and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. 

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

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

• Criteria A (relevance of the education) -  max points: 6
• Criteria B (relevance of w working experience on communication and public awareness campaigns, in a development related field) - max points: 13
• Criteria C (working experience in international development organizations in South East Europe) – max points: 9
• Criteria D (working experience in EU funded projects and knowledge of EU visibility guidelines) - max points: 9
• Criteria E (working experience in communications in the area of disarmament and arms control) - max points: 8
• Criteria F (knowledge of another South East European language) - max points: 5
• Criteria F (methodology of the approach) – max points: 20

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 a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work. Please 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://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/dam/rbec/docs/P11_modified_for_SCs_and_ICs.doc); please upload the P11 instead of your CV. 
• Financial Proposal* - specifying a total lump sum with a breakdown by deliverable specified in this announcement.
• 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...). In case of missions, travel expenses will be covered separately as per UNDP rules and regulations. 

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.