Antecedentes

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life, as envisaged by 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are on the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners that can bring about results.

The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP’s Strategic Plan and help countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  BPPS’s staff provides technical advice to Country Offices; advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, South-South and Triangular cooperation initiatives, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. The HIV, Health and Development Group is part of BPPS and supports UNDP’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan and countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda and making sure no one is left behind.

The UN’s journey towards their own operational climate neutrality began officially on 5th June 2007 when UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon publicly called on all UN agencies, funds and programmes to ‘go green’ and become climate neutral. Driven initially by the UN initiative “Greening the Blue”, with an interest to promote climate neutrality within the UN, the focus was largely on addressing associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, the Sustainable UN Facility in collaboration with sustainability focal points in about 60 UN entities and the High-Level Committee on Management procurement network has extended the focus area onto other critically important purchasing categories as well including the focus on resource depletion and eco- and human-toxicity in the context of procurements for the health sector.

Linkages between health sector procurement and the environment are still only partially understood despite the fact that the important role of procurement in influencing the environmental impact of health sector operations is well acknowledged. For example, studies show carbon emissions by national health systems and global health programmes are closely linked to procurement, especially with regards to pharmaceuticals and other health products throughout their life cycle including production, use and disposal.

The informal Interagency Task Team on Sustainable Procurement in the Health Sector (SPHS) was established in May 2012 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Ten SPHS members (UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, UHNCR, UNICEF, UNOPS, WHO, GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNITAID) conduct high volume procurement in the health sector, representing a sizable portion of some segments of the global pharmaceutical and other health products markets. The cumulative purchasing power of SPHS members in the global health aid market is about USD 5 billion annually. The aim for establishing the Task Team was to facilitate and coordinate the introduction of green procurement in the health sector among members and to leverage the standard-setting and joint procurement volumes of member agencies to influence the global health sector (governments and other international development partners) and beyond. Thereby the SPHS Task Team intends to act as a driver for transformational change towards greener health systems and inclusive green economies.

Since its start, the SPHS initiative has been supported and coordinated by a Secretariat administered by UNDP. Within UNDP, the Secretariat is linked with the Bureau of Management Services (BMS) (procurement team, New York), the Nordic Liaison Office (UN procurement hub, Copenhagen), the Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) (HIV, Health and Development team, New York) and the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS (RBEC, New York/Istanbul). The SPHS initiative has demonstrated how sustainable health procurement can play a significant role in reducing the environmental and social impact of the health sector. It also has great potential to contribute to inclusive green and ethical economies in the context of Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, starting in January 2018, UNDP HIV, Health and Development (HHD) Team at the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH), as a host to the SPHS Secretariat, will roll-out a 4-year project ‘Strengthening Sustainability in the Health Sector in Low and Middle-Income Countries (SHiPP).’ The project aims to reduce harm to people and the environment caused by the manufacture and disposal of medical products and by the implementation of health programmes in developing countries.

To facilitate communications support and inputs to the work of the SPHS Secretariat and strengthen sustainable health procurement in the UN system and in strategic countries, the UNDP HHD Team at the UNDP IRH is seeking the services of an international consultant with a track record of progressively responsible experience in communications, data base management, as well as relationship management, in the field of sustainable consumption and production, sustainable health public procurement or a related area.

This assignment is geared to broaden and deepen awareness of UNDP¢s work in strengthening sustainability in the global health, engage with key audiences (donors, suppliers and manufacturers, media, as well as internal SPHS stakeholders), create brand recognition and lift the related UNDP/SPHS supported initiative's media profile. The communication work will raise awareness of target groups (to be defined in consultation with the SPHS Secretariat and members) in SPHS's work, particularly on engagement with suppliers and manufacturers on introducing sustainable procurement in the global health sector. The consultancy will aim to strongly support communications efforts related to the 1st Saving Lives Sustainably: Asia Forum 2018, highlight individual projects to different audiences and mobilize partners, stakeholders, and the general public to advocate on results achieved through the portfolio (e.g. via the online SPHS platform).

Objective of the assignment: UNDP is seeking services of an experienced International Communications Consultant for UN informal Interagency Task Team for Sustainable Procurement in the Health Sector (SPHS).

References:

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the guidance of the SPHS Associate Coordinator and under the overall supervision of the SPHS Coordinator, and in close collaboration with the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub HIV, Health and Development (HHD) team and the SPHS members, the Communications consultant will:

  • Develop and implement the communications strategy related to the project ‘Strengthening Sustainability in the Health Sector in Low and Middle-Income Countries (SHiPP) and 1st Saving Lives Sustainably: Asia Forum 2018, with a focus on liaising with media for press releases and events, establishing media connections, with an aim to get maximum media attention for press releases, special events, press interview either through broadcast or print media;
  • Based on the proposed communications strategy, prepare and implement a communications plan outlining the concrete actions to be taken and the results to be achieved to enhance SHiPP and SPHS visibility, increase its impact with a view to continuously improving UNDP¢s online outreach;
  • Develop and pre-test appropriate messages, tools and materials. This will include development of: advocacy kits for policy- and decision-makers, senior program managers, various key influencers; materials for different media/target audience, infotainment scripts, TV/radio spots, illustrative leaflets, posters, and other materials. Subsequently, all messages, tools and materials will be pre-tested according to agreed protocol. The messages, tools and materials may need to be modified/ improved periodically based on review/ monitoring reports;
  • Undertake communications activities to promote the Inter-Agency Engagement Statement with Suppliers and Manufacturers on Sustainable Procurement, and the UNDP Regional HHD other technical documentation on climate-smart healthcare; liaise with both internal and external media, and key relevant partners;
  • Maintain the SPHS's online platform News & Stories page, strategically developing key content (with identification of key partners), and liaising with the SPHS Global Leaders (also known as the SPHS Voices) ensuring constant receipt of the Voices’ blog posts and further dissemination of those vlog pieces through the SPHS Secretariat communication channels;
  • Analyze and select on a daily basis the most relevant sustainable healthcare news by countries/regions and subjects for each SPHS focus areas, update the highlight section and events, summits, seminars and publications of interest;
  • Developing short stories/best practice stories and articles to be published in newspapers/ magazines/ online platforms;
  • Conduct research and data collection for publications, articles, blogs, reports, etc.;
  • Ensure regular content creation for the SPHS's newsletters, and prepare monthly alert message to announce the monthly updating of the web; edit and adapt file formats of photographs for web and social media use; adapt video and multimedia files to the required formats and upload to YouTube, when requested;
  • Apply innovative communication approaches via social media platforms and build on and advance the program's digital presence through social media channels, especially through the SPHS Twitter account (@UN_SPHS), or other planned and/or existing social media platforms such as the SPHS members regional and corporate social media channels;
  • Regularly track the web and social media statistics and prepare regular reports;
  • Liaise with Programme partners, UNDP and SPHS Member Agencies¢ communication officers and focal points in respective UNDP country offices;
  • Effectively monitor and evaluate various communications tools and activities, to measure the impact on achieving the overall objective;
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Expected Deliverables:

  1. Detailed work-plan (1-2 pages);
  2. Developed communications strategy and action plan for the rollout and implementation of UNDP¢s project ‘Strengthening Sustainability in the Health Sector in Low and Middle-Income countries (SHiPP)’ and the 1st Saving Lives Sustainably: Asia Forum 2018;
  3. Contributed to the finalization of 2017 SPHS Annual Report, by developing communications campaign, communications plan, external social media kit and press release for 2017 SPHS Annual Report;
  4. Participated in the 1st Saving Lives Sustainably: Asia Forum 2018 as a member of the Organizing Committee, overseeing the implementation of communication activities;
  5. Documented case studies and good practice examples in introducing sustainable health procurement and production practices in SHiPP project countries;
  6. Developed concept notes, invitation letters, presentations, press releases (overall 6-10) for the 1st Saving Lives Sustainably: Asia Forum 2018 and the UNDP Regional HHD other technical documentation on health and environment;
  7. Promoted the Inter-Agency Engagement Statement with Suppliers and Manufacturers on Sustainable Procurement through the SPHS communication channels;
  8. Supported the development of Asia Forum 2018 Catalogue of Good Practice Examples on Sustainable Production in the Health Sector;
  9. Conducted research and data collection for the SPHS Steering Committee meetings and relevant publications, articles, blogs, reports, GIFs, etc.
  10. Conducted research and obtained relevant high-resolution photos from UNDP and its partners that can be used by UNDP for raising awareness on its work on SHiPP project, and overall the SPHS initiative;
  11. Created content and maintained the online SPHS platform News & Stories page and Voices subpage (overall 16-20);
  12. Developed and disseminated newsletters relevant to the SPHS mandate (5-6), and tailored to its key partners, donors, and other key stakeholders’ interests;
  13. Developed short stories/best practice stories and articles to be published in newspapers/ magazines/ online platforms (2-3);
  14. Support the organization of the SPHS webinars (4-6);
  15. Contributed to the development of 2018 SPHS Annual Report, by collecting SPHS Member Agencies key achievements, developing communications campaign, communications plan, external social media kit and press release for 2018 SPHS Annual Report;
  16. Developed and implemented communications plan, stories and press releases for various conferences, forums and meetings (4-6);
  17. Strengthened internal communication with the key communications focal points within the SPHS Member Agencies, UNDP country offices and UNDP partner organizations;
  18. Identified innovative communication approaches via social media platforms to build on and advance the UNDP's digital presence;
  19. Tracked the web and social media statistics and prepared regular reports (4-6);
  20. Boosted media coverage, which will be measured by number of followers on social media channels, users’ involvement, newspaper clippings, etc.;
  21. Developed end-of-consultancy report highlighting lessons learned and key recommendations for further organizational development of UNDP¢s work in strengthening sustainability in the health sector.

Payments shall be done monthly based on actual days worked, upon verification of successful outputs delivery and approval by the IC’s supervisor of a Time Sheet indicating the days worked in the period. Candidates are advised not to include any travel related costs in their financial proposal.

Reporting: the consultant will regularly evaluate progress in meeting the set targets and deliverables with the Eastern Europe and Central Asia HIV, Health and Development Team Leader.

Travel: No travel is anticipated under this consultancy. In the case of unforeseeable travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Timeframe: The consultant’s assignment is expected to last 220 working days, completed over the period from 23 April 2018 – 31 December 2019.

Evaluation:

Applicants will be screened against qualifications and competencies specified above through a desk review. Applicants will be evaluated based on: Cumulative analysis method that combines the results of technical and financial evaluation results.

The award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

  1. Responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
  2. Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical 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: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or relevant area – 5 points;
  • Criteria B: At least 2 years of relevant experience in generating communications, communication strategies, media operations and advocacy material via various media (i.e. print, video, websites) – 25 points;
  • Criteria C: Demonstrated experience in communications work in the context of international relations tailored to different audiences – 15 points;
  • Criteria D: Previous affiliation/experience working in the UN or UNDP - 10 points;
  • Criteria E: Strong IT skills (experience with in-depth research and handling large databases is an asset) – 5 points; and
  • Criteria F: Fluency and ability to communicate and perform tasks in English (knowledge of other UN language is consideration an asset) – 10 points.

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

Competencias

Professionalism:

  • Demonstrated ability and knowledge in the design and management of websites and complex information management systems;
  • Is conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
  • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
  • Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; and
  • Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

  • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
  • Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
  • Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; and
  • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Technological Awareness:

  • Keeps abreast of available technology;
  • Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;
  • Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; and
  • Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Teamwork:

  • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
  • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
  • Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda;
  • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; and
  • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic Qualifications/Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or relevant area. Additional course/diploma in relevant field is an asset.

Experience: 

  • At least 2 years of relevant experience in generating communications, communication strategies, media operations and advocacy material via various media (i.e. print, video, websites);
  • Demonstrated experience in communications work in the context of international relations tailored to different audiences is a distinct advantage;
  • Previous affiliation/experience working in the UN or UNDP is an advantage; and
  • Strong IT skills (experience with in-depth research and handling large databases is an asset).

Language skills:

  • Fluency and ability to communicate and perform complex tasks in English; and
  • Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. Knowledge of other regional languages would be an asset.

Guidelines for Applications:

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

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

Please note that our system only takes one attachment. Therefore, kindly scan all your documents into ONE single PDF file to upload.

*Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant/contractor during the contract period (e.g. rent of dwelling, fee, health insurance, vaccination, visa costs and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services...). All envisaged costs (except of the unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any) must be included in the financial proposal. Unforeseen travel costs for missions, if any, will be paid separately according to UNDP rules and regulations. All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. Per diems cannot exceed UN DSA rates (http://icsc.un.org/rootindex.asp).

Security: 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 https://trip.dss.un.org

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

Due to large number of applications we receive, we can inform only the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

ANNEX 1- Link to INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS