Voľná pozícia: Communication Consultant for UNDP

In September 2009, the Bratislava Regional Centre of UNDP Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (UNDP BRC, as of July 2014 the Regional Service Centre Istanbul) and the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic (MF SR) launched the regional programme: Public Finance for Development: Strengthening Public Finance Capacities in the Western Balkans and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The goal of the programme is to strengthen and enhance national capacities in the area of public finance by raising awareness, developing analytical capacities and sharing good practice with regard to reforms implemented in Slovakia and elsewhere.  The selections of areas of cooperation are demand driven and activities are designed and planned in close cooperation with beneficiaries. The programme works in two beneficiary countries – Moldova and Montenegro.  Since 1 July 2014 the programme has been implemented in the framework of the new project ‘Slovak Republic – UNDP Partnership for Results in the International Development Cooperation’ and its implementation is planned until December 2016. 

One of the programme objectives is to ensure promotion and visibility of the development initiatives supported by the programme, their results and impact on the ground. Besides the programme dedicated website (currently at: http://publicfinance.undp.sk), a series of communication events, publications, articles and adequate media coverage are needed to deliver to a target audience information about the programme’s goals and activities as well as about the contribution of the Slovak Official Development Assistance to improved capacities in selected programme countries in the area of public finance.

Objectives of the assignment

The objective of the assignment is to increase knowledge and awareness of the target audience about sharing of the Slovak experience in public finance reforms with selected partner countries through defined communication channels and to increase overall visibility of these development initiatives in Slovakia and abroad.  

The Consultant shall fulfill the objectives of this assignment by conducting the following activities:

• Preparing the programme communication and visibility action plan that will specify visibility activities within the programme and their timeframes, roles and responsibilities of different actors, target audience and the main communication tools and products to be used during the programme implementation;
• Designing the new and/or re-designing  the current programme website (http://publicfinance.undp.sk);
• Regularly updating the programme website, creating and managing its content (writing articles, blogs, editing, uploading documents, creating graphics, audio, video content), developing the programme related content for the UNDP corporate website;
• Applying innovative communication approaches via social media platforms;
• Ensuring regular media coverage of programme’s activities (including  press releases, press conferences, photo coverage and interviews, etc.);
• Developing short stories/best practice stories and articles to be published in newspapers/magazines/online platforms;
• Developing and editing the content of information and promotional materials,  including press releases, press kits, promotional leaflets, brochures, information packages, including cooperation with a graphic designer on their layout and graphics 
• Conducting research and data collection for publications, articles, blogs, reports, etc.;
• Assisting with the development and editing of public materials on specific subjects;
• Researching and monitoring relevant websites and social media channels as needed;
• Regularly tracking the web and social media statistics and preparing regular reports;
• Preparing technical specification of services to be provided by other external contractors in support of promotional and visibility activities and with related procurement process;
• Liaising with media to communicate key messages to defined target audiences;
• Liaising with Programme partners, UNDP communication officers and focal points in respective UNDP country offices and in UNDP RC in Istanbul, including the New Partnerships and Emerging Donors team;
• Effectively monitoring and evaluating various communications tools and activities, to measure the impact on achieving the overall objective.

Expected results and deliverables

The following key results and deliverables are expected:

• The programme dedicated website developed, maintained and regularly updated;
• The programme related content for the UNDP corporate website developed;
• Social media platforms regularly updated;
• Promotional and visibility products designed, developed and disseminated to target audiences;
• The programme activities and results promoted and visibility increased via appropriated communication channels in Slovakia and abroad. 

A draft communication action plan will be delivered within 7 days after receiving supporting programme documents (programme document, programme final report for 2009-2014, final evaluation report). Specific  deliverables and timeframes will be agreed on a monthly basis in writing between the Consultant and the Programme manager based on the approved action plan. Promotional and visibility products will be prepared by the Consultant in English and Slovak. 

The promotional and visibility products prepared by the Consultant will adhere to branding standards for language and presentation provided to the Consultant by UNDP.

Duration and remuneration 

It is estimated that the above tasks would require up to 250 working days during the period of the assignment. The work will be primarily home based with occasional travel in the region as needed.  Payments will be made in installments upon submission of a satisfactory progress report against expected results and deliverables, a time-sheet providing details of time spent on respective tasks and deliverables, their timely execution, and acceptance by  the Programme Manager. Payments will be made on a minimum monthly basis. 

Any approved travel necessary for the completion of the assignment will be covered separately in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. A mission agenda must be submitted by the Consultant at least 7 days prior to the travel and approved by the Programme Manager. 

• Excellent organizational skills;
• Knowledge of website applications, basic knowledge of HTML, of photo editing and design software;
• Knowledge and experience in loca
• Solid analytical, writing and communication skills in English and Slovak;
• l and international media market;
• Strong interpersonal skills, organization and communication skills;
• Able to communicate and work with diverse people;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Education:

• Advanced degree in journalism, political science, social science, public affairs, public relations, development studies, communications or other relevant fields. 

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in media and online communications, active use of social media, publication and report writing, including research or data collection (proven by a portfolio of promotional and visibility materials/content prepared by the Consultant – please submit links in the Motivation section);
• At least 2 years of experience in website development and management, including creating and uploading its content. Managing website experience in international organizations, government or non-profit sector would be a strong asset (proven by specific websites developed and managed by the Consultant – please submit links in the Motivation section);
• Experience in writing publications and reports on development issues;
• Strong understanding of development cooperation in Europe and the CIS (particularly in Moldova and Montenegro) and of the role of Slovak Republic as a donor proved by work and/or consulting experience;
• Demonstrated regional experience in similar assignments will be an asset.

Language:

• Excellent English writing and communication skills are required;
• Knowledge of Slovak language is required.

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 and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. 

Technical Criteria – 70% of total evaluation – max 35 points

• Criteria A (Academic background specified in the announcement) – max 5 points;
• Criteria B (At least 3 years of experience in media and online communications, active use of social media, publication and report writing, including research and data collection) – max 10 points;
• Criteria C (At least 2 years of experience in website development and management, including creating and uploading its content. Managing website experience in international organizations, government or non-profit sector would be a strong asset ) – max 10 points;
• Criteria D (Strong understanding of development cooperation in Europe and the CIS and of the role of the Slovak Republic as a donor, proved by work and/or consulting experience) – max 10 points.

Only the highest ranked candidates who would be found qualified for the job will be considered for the Financial Evaluation.
Financial Criteria – 30% of total evaluation – max. 15 points.

Application procedure:

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. Please paste the letter into the "Resume and Motivation" section of the electronic application. 
• Portfolio of promotional materials developed by a candidate – please submit links in the “Resume and Motivation” section along with the cover letter.
• Filled and duly signed P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees; please upload the P11 instead of your CV. 
• Financial Proposal* – specifying an all-inclusive daily fee in USD for the tasks specified in this announcement. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.Please scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach since the system takes only one attachment.

*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 or any other relevant expenses related to the performance of services) with exception of travel costs for missions.. 

Travel costs to beneficiary countries, if required, will be covered separately in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.

Payment will be made in installments upon submission of time-sheets and certification by the Programme Manager 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.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=51238