Background

In September 2020, UNDP Albania Launched a new phase of multi-donor initiative in support to the advancement of decentralization and local government reform, STAR3 – Sustaining and Advancing Local Governance Reform.

The overall aim of the STAR3 is to strengthen local government effectiveness and efficiency through enhancing the supporting framework, consolidating systems, standards and organizational capacities in place, expanding and sustaining service delivery innovation and best practices, and institutionalizing local government accountability to women and men for enhanced participatory governance. 

Being a multi-donor project and a direct support to Ministry of Interior as the central institution responsible for advancement of local governance reforms the project was considered as the most appropriate modality to support the drafting process of the new cross-cutting Strategy for Decentralization and Local Governance given also the experience accumulated from the project during the 3 phases of assistance implemented in support to LGs.

A formal request of the Ministry of Interior approved from the project partners enabled the initiation of the assistance for the drafting process of the new National Cross-cutting Strategy. The assistance encompass support with expertise and know how during a well-designed process which aims at ensuring adequately informed decision-making engaging a wide range of stakeholders at local and national level.

The communication expert will support the implementation of visibility and communication activities, ensuring effective and successful communication and promotion of activities related to the drafting process of the new strategy including networking and knowledge sharing. Also, the expert will play a key role to provide

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communication expert will work under the supervision of the STAR3 Project Manager and in support to the Director of ASLG as the chair of technical group for the drafting process of the strategy. The main duties and expected results will include the following:

• Develop and implement a communication and visibility plan by ensuring awareness about the drafting process of the new decentralization and local governance strategy and its activities (brainstorming, validation and consultation meetings).
• Write, develop, design, produce and disseminate diverse publications and news releases through a variety of media, including print, broadcast and social, focusing on the achievement and activities of the strategy drafting process.
• Works proactively with the Core Team of ASLG and Project Manager in a concise and results focused manner.
• Support the organization of working groups meetings at regional and national level in order to achieve better project understanding, recognition and visibility.
• Ensuring that all communication Products are well presented, result focus, informative, clear and concise.

3 - Deliverables

The Communication Expert is expected to provide the following deliverables:

Competencies

The Communication Expert must possess or satisfy the following criteria:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding UN core values on accountability, integrity, transparency, mutual respect, professionalism, and results orientation
• Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
• Displays cultural, gender, nationality, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience in project and team work
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal capabilities
• A positive attitude and enthusiasm about project goals
• Accountability for achievement towards fulfilling programme and component aims and objectives
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies
• Accountability for management of time and task completion
• Proficient with standard computer applications
• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences
• Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

Required Skills and Experience

The preferred educational background and minimum required qualifications for the interested candidates, include the following.

Education:

• Advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences, international relations, or related field

Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in communications at the national or international level, including experience in media relations
• Developing and implementing communication/promotion strategy at institution/national level would be considered as additional asset
• Experience of producing videos, stories and documentaries of social nature.
• Experience in graphic design of visibility materials.

Language requirements:

•     Good communication and report-writing skills in English and Albanian.

UNDP shall make payments to the Consultant after acceptance by UNDP/STAR3 of the deliverables, and in accordance with the following schedule of payments:

Application Procedure 

Interested applicants are advised to carefully study all sections of this ToRs and ensure that they meet the general requirements as well as specific qualifications described. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials. 

The application should contain: 

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. 
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability & Detailed Financial Proposal - please fill in the attached form. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)
• Example: (kindly refer to the example below when filling out the Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability

[INCORRECT] An all-inclusive daily fee of [state amount in words and in numbers indicating currency]

[CORRECT] (Select Here and elaborate) [X] A total lump sum of [state amount in words and in numbers, indicating exact currency], payable in the manner described in the Terms of Reference.

• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees, please upload the P11 instead of your CV. Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser)

• Financial Proposal in ALL(Albanian Lek)*- Specify a Total Lump Sum in Albanian Lek for the tasks specified in this announcement. The attached template may be used - Download Here (kindly use Firefox browser) Please note that the financial proposal is all-inclusive and shall consider various expenses incurred by the consultant during the contract period (e.g. fee and any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services). 

• Copy of Diplomas and copy of Passport. 

• Beneficiary contact details (next of kin)
  • Beneficiary's Contact Person's Name:
  • Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms):
  • Address:
  • Telephone:
  • Email:

*Kindly note that Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal are two separate documents and should be both part of your application. 

How to Submit the Application: 

To submit your application online, please follow the steps below: 

• Download and complete the UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs). 
• In the P11 Form make sure to include Email Addresses of the Persons who are willing to provide References on your experience in working with them.
• Merge your UN Personal History Form (P11) for Service Contracts (SCs) and Individual Contracts (ICs), Financial Proposal Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability and cover letter into a single file. The system does not allow for more than one attachment to be uploaded. 
• Click on the Job Title (job vacancy announcement). 
• Click “Apply Now” button, fill in necessary information on the first page, and then click “Submit Application;” 
• Upload your application/single file as indicated above with the merged documents (underlined above). 

• You will receive an automatic response to your email confirming receipt of your application by the system. 

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

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.