Background

RESEAL project has been developed as a comprehensive response to the needs for strengthening the Disaster Risk Management systems at all levels in the country. As such, in its entirety, the project contains a multi-level set of priorities around three components: 1) strengthening the DRR framework and capacities at the central level, 2) building DRR local level knowledge, planning and organizational capacities for prevention and response to disasters, and 3) supporting critical needs for DRR infrastructure. The project mirrors several recommendations provided in the recent PDNA following the November 209 earthquake, attempts to support the implementation of the new legislation on Civil Protection sanctioned in the recent Law 45/2019 as well as takes into consideration the present momentum where the main government institution responsible for DRR policy and coordination is under a full redesign and overhaul, being at present in a phase of staffing and internal organization. 

The project also takes into consideration the changing landscape of DRR assistance, where several international actors are coming into play, triggered by the last disasters or speeding up their plans in view of the fragility of the DRR system in Albania. The process of capacity building, to cope with and mitigate disasters, is first a multi-stakeholder issue and solution, and second, it runs in a potentially risk-contained environment, where other disasters may occur along. Following the November 2019 earthquake, Albania is currently under the full impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, while it had to cope with numerous fire disasters during the last summer. This incessant flow of unfortunate events has shown once again the necessity and importance of specific role plays of all governance levels, the important coordination and leading role of the central state and the indispensable role of local governments in the micro coordination, response and care for the communities as well as the existing deficiencies, gaps and shortages that exist in this continuum.

In view of the above, RESEAL project has identified, in agreement with the government counterparts, a well-defined niche that encompasses the soft assistance for enabling cross institutional dialogue for DRR, integration of the DRR perspective into development, and the establishment of the DRR strategic, institutional and operational governance framework at both central and local levels, along with the necessity for capacity building for using these instruments. This is, however, still a wide area of action, and the project remains dynamically adaptable to the opportunities and limitations.

RESEAL project was preceded by two UNDP pilot interventions, contributing to the buildup of the above niche. The first ongoing pilot aims at carrying out a full institutional capacity assessment in terms of the DRR knowledge, roles and complementarities at the central level and the establishment of a National DRR Platform. Both above elements feed into the formulation and finalization of the National DRR Strategy as well as additional central level policy and normative documents that shape the national DRR framework. The second pilot is being implemented in the municipality of Lezha and aims to, in line with the requirements of law 45/2019, develop a replicable methodology and approach for municipalities to have in place local DRR Strategies and Civil Protection Plans as well as capacities to consider DRR in development planning as well as mitigate and cope with disasters when they occur. RESEAL project officially started in July 2020, following the bilateral signing of the project document by the Ministry of Defense and UNDP. From July 2020, both UNDP pilots are considered an integral part of RESEAL, and the pilot results will be the basis for building up the next implementation steps.

In this context, UNDP RESEAL project invites applications from highly qualified and experienced professionals for the post of a Communication Expert.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and with the agreement of the Project Manager and matrix reporting lines to UNDP Albania Communications Specialist, the Consultant will carry out and perform the following tasks/activities for the Resilience Strengthening in Albania- RESEAL project:

• Raise visibility project activities and results;
• In cooperation with UNDP Communications Office pitch stories and news related to the project to the national and local media in Albania;
• Preparing and conducting 2 awareness/information/communication activities related to Disaster Risk Reduction and Civil Protection in Albania;
• Providing a training sessions to National Civil Protection Agency`s communication staff to increase institutional capacities on communication skill based on target audiences of Civil protection system
• Produce articles, blog posts and/or project related success stories.
• Develop suggested social media posts to be shared with UNDP Communication Office on a weekly basis related to project activities and DRR;
• Monitor and maintain and archive of media releases/ news in relation to the project;
• Coordinate with UNDP Communication office to ensure that all public information materials are in line with UNDP communications guidelines, branding and style guide;
• Prepare content for project related publications and make sure they ensure visibility for involved donors/partners;
• Design, layout and format publications, and other printed and web-based communications materials respecting UNDP branding guidelines;
• Assist with other tasks that ensure visibility including visibility for the partners;
• Draft the press/media releases, papers and other media outreach materials (inc. main printed and electronic newspapers, portals other media) ahead of project events and ensure wide distribution on the relevant national and local networks;
• Proofreading and fine-tuning of texts and materials for public to make them understandable and interesting for the targeted audiences related to DRR and Civil protection
• Coordinate translation of documents and information material;
• Responsible for Albanian and English language editing of all communication material / reports as requested by the project team;
• Contribute with project-related content for UNDP bimonthly publication: Development Impact;
• Implement other communications and visibility materials as requested;
• Provide inputs to monthly progress reports and other project-related deliverables;
• Liaise and ensure constant communication/coordination with UNDP project team regarding all aspects of the assignment;

Tentative schedule and payment conditions for the above-mentioned deliverable are given as follows:

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling 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

Core Competencies

• Communication - Facilitate and encourage open communication and strive for effective communication.
• Planning & Organizing – Develops clear goals in line with agreed strategies, identifies priorities, foresees risks and makes allowances accordingly.
• Organizational Awareness - Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment.
• Teamwork - Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and delivers outputs in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards.

Functional Competencies

• Excellent inter-personal and teamwork skills, networking attitude;
• Capacity to deliver as per deadlines;
• Ability to communicate effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
• Knowledge of local country media landscape
• Communication, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to be strategic and analytical
• Excellent written communications and editorial skills in both English and Albanian, with proven ability to produce communications products and content for online platforms and social media
• Strong expertise in communication issues.
• Knowledge of civil protection and Disaster Risk Reduction issues desirable

Required Skills and Experience

Education

University Degree on communications, marketing, journalism or related fields.   

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in similar assignments.
• Experience of producing videos, stories and documentaries of social nature.
• Ability to work in a pressured environment with strict deadlines.
• Previous experience/familiarity with UNDP and / or other UN agencies particularly civil protection, DRR and environment is an asse
• At least 5 years of experience on communication and media involvement with Disaster Risk Reduction, Civil Protection, Environment, Governance  and related field
• Demonstrated experience with publications and features/stories in printed and / or electronic media on civil protection, DRR and environment
• Excellent knowledge on communication and media involved and approaching techniques Ability to work in a team and to motivate other team members and counterparts

Excellent report writing and presentation skills, including excellent Albanian and English knowledge.

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.

IMPORTANT: Applicants that possess a NIPT Please Clearly State if your Financial Offer is VAT INCLUDED or VAT EXCLUDED

• 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.