Communications and Advocacy Consultant

Location :home-based with four missions to Bonn, GERMANY Application Deadline :08-Dec-19 (Midnight New York, USA) Time left :7d 15h 24m Type of Contract :Individual Contract Post Level :International Consultant Languages Required : English Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)16-Dec-2019 Duration of Initial Contract :130 days Expected Duration of Assignment :8 months REFER A FRIEND APPLY NOW Background The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. UNV works with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well-supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is active in around 130 countries every year. With field presences in over 80 countries, UNV is represented worldwide. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution titled “Volunteering for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (A/RES/73/140). The resolution defined the overall theme of the global technical meeting (GTM2020) as “Reimagining volunteering for the 2030 Agenda” and requested that the meeting be held as a special event on the margins of the 2020 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. This resolution built upon previous resolutions, including A/RES/70/129 in 2015 on “Integrating Volunteering into Peace and Development: the Plan of Action for the Next Decade and Beyond” (herein after the Plan of Action), which invites the collaboration of UNV and other organizations, such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to jointly organize the meeting in 2020 to effectively position volunteering in the global agenda through enhanced recognition of the engagement and contributions of citizens through volunteering to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The GTM2020 will take place at a critical juncture under the 2030 Agenda. Five years following the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), development actors are looking backwards to best practices and lessons learned and forwards to how the SDGs can be accelerated to achieve their targets over the next decade. Across the globe, Member States and other actors have taken steps to achieve the SDGs by 2030, including many that involve volunteering. However, progress has been mixed, and much work remains to be done. While, for example, extreme poverty has declined considerably, and countries are beginning to take seriously climate action based on the ratification of the Paris Agreement, there remain critical areas that require a “much deeper, faster and more ambitious response.” The GTM2020 will also take place at a time of rapidly evolving social, environmental, economic and political mega trends that bring new risks, create new opportunities, while also changing the development landscape. SDG Progress is increasingly threatened by a climate emergency. Development gains are being distorted by growing inequality. Migration is shifting populations and altering and disrupting social fabric, whilst exponential growth in technology is bringing changes to the way that people live and work. With the focus in 2020 on accelerating sustainable development against a backdrop of unprecedented change, volunteering can be a powerful means to engage people to ensure that global sustainable development efforts are owned by people, implemented by people and for people. However, volunteering – and how to engage volunteering - needs to be “reimagined” so that it keeps agile, responsive and impactful. While much work has been done to support volunteers, there are significant areas that require further attention. For example, the historical and geo-political legacy of volunteering discourse has largely focused on either international volunteering, mainly from the global North to the global South, or local “charity” work. The value of volunteer actions led by the global South needs to be much better recognized, understood and promoted, with most research to date done by and in the global North. Despite significant changes in the forms and functions of volunteer activities, such as online and micro-volunteering and collection of citizen-generated data, over the last decade, they have not been adequately mirrored in policy debates and official processes. Furthermore, how governments safeguard the rights of volunteers against the potential risks of exploitation and ensure safety, security and well-being of volunteers needs to reflect these realities, particularly given that volunteers are often the first responders at times of crises and shocks. Against this dynamic, complex and challenging backdrop, there is a need to reimagine volunteering and the way that development actors engage with volunteering, backed by a broad and diverse evidence base, to support volunteers to become an integral part of the decade-long push to deliver the SDGs by 2030. The strategic objectives of the Plan of Action to Integrate Volunteering into the 2030 Agenda, endorsed by UN Member States, are to:

Strengthen people’s ownership of the development agenda through enhanced civic engagement and enabling environments for citizen action;
Integrate volunteerism into national and global implementation strategies for the post-2015 development agenda; and
Measure volunteerism to contribute to a holistic understanding of the engagement of people and their well-being and be part of the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In line with these objectives, the GTM2020 is to strengthen recognition and support of volunteering through the generation and analysis of existing and new evidence, while providing a platform for the exchange of good practices, knowledge products and lessons learned. The GTM2020 will be the culmination of three years of evidence generation and validation in coordination and partnerships with multiple stakeholders at national and regional levels, in particular those from the global South. The GTM2020 is jointly organized by UNV and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Against this backdrop, four building block ‘workstreams’ will support the overarching theme “Reimagining Volunteering for the 2030 Agenda”.

Mapping trends and evidence on volunteering for the SDGs: This workstream will help to position volunteer efforts as we scale up efforts for 2030 and beyond.
Volunteering as SDG accelerator: This workstream will move from what we have learned and success-to-date to understanding how volunteerism might contribute to accelerating progress in tackling critical SDG challenges.
Next generation volunteering support: This workstream asks whether and how the package of ‘enabling environment’ solutions that governments and their development partners invest in needs to be updated.
Measuring volunteering for the SDGs: This workstream explores how volunteer measurement efforts might strengthen a people-centered approach to SDGs planning, monitoring and integration.

All substantive and organizational aspects related to organizing the GTM2020 are designed, reviewed and endorsed by the group of representative stakeholders through the following structure:

Reference group, composed of IFRC and UNV at the head of agency level, providing high level strategic guidance on the organization, progress and processes towards the GTM2020, ensuring balanced representation, adequate resources and qualitative outcomes.
Technical working group, comprising 18 entities across the globe and outlining and implementing the roadmap to 2020 with the provision of technical direction and oversight to the relevant processes.
Expert group, providing expert feedback on a set of key evidence and knowledge products that will shape the content of the GTM2020.
Four task teams ensuring the delivery of the agreed outputs under each of the four above mentioned thematic workstreams to generate additional evidence and produce knowledge products relevant to the GTM2020.

These governance groups are supported by the Plan of Action Secretariat established in early 2018 and hosted at UNV. Duties and Responsibilities The objective is to create and implement an overarching strategic communications and advocacy plan for the GTM2020. The consultant will report to Chief of the Volunteer Advisory Services Section (VASS) and work in close cooperation with the Programme Specialist, Plan of Action Secretariat and the Volunteerism and SDGs Policy Specialist on technical content, and the Communications Specialist and the international UN Volunteer Communications Specialist – Plan of Action in the External Relations and Communications Section, with regards to the implementation of the communications and advocacy plan. The consultant’s tasks will include the following: Communications Strategy and Advocacy and Outreach Plan

Write an overall communication strategy and advocacy and outreach plan for the Plan of Action and the GTM2020 (pre/during/post communications) for agreement by UNV and partners which includes vision, objectives and use of different communications tools and channels;
Based on the communication strategy and advocacy and outreach plan, outline the products needed (written, video and photos) for the Plan of Action and GTM2020 marketing based on content provided by members of the VASS team, including for the UNV website, Knowledge Portal, and DESA website, and devise implementation plans to put together those products agreed;
Provide support and advice to UNV colleagues on branding and usage of the Knowledge Portal as part of the GTM2020 package;
Brand check of all materials produced under the GTM2020 initiative.

Content

Write a public-facing overall narrative for the GTM2020 based on the concept of ‘reimagining volunteering’ and accompanying high-level messaging;
In close consultation with the task teams, provide a public-facing and compelling narrative on each workstream and support each task team to come up with key insights from a non-technical perspective that are most useful to support the overall narrative of reimagining volunteering;
Develop technical messaging for the Plan of Action, GTM2020 as an event and dialogue, and the four workstreams to be integrated into content for all communication channels used for the Plan of Action and GTM2020, including pre-testing of appropriate messages, tools and materials;
Coordinate and develop a communications pack on each workstream including: public-facing headline messages, short and long descriptions, visual assets to be prioritized;
Draft/develop high-quality assets for each workstream for the GTM2020, including presentations, support to commissioning videos and inputs to infographics design to support workstreams;
Develop bespoke briefing/content packs based on broader GTM2020 content for 3 run-up events (ECOSOC Youth Forum, Beijing+25 and one other);
Provide support to UNV colleagues and others to shape content for videos and infographics about the Plan of Action and workstreams.

Advocacy and Outreach

Develop an implementation plan for the advocacy campaign/outreach strategy both pre/during and post GTM2020 that provides a coherent approach across the following:

Promotion and visibility of the GTM2020 event itself and any surrounding events such as the knowledge portal;
Outreach to engage content as needed for the workstreams, for example, the MyWorld2030 survey, call for best practices, call for publications, and call for speakers;
Support to disseminate content and engaging headlines/teasers in the run up to the event, including via partners;
Any other campaigns as decided by UNV e.g. a volunteer champions campaign or photo competitions.

Provide advice and support to UNV and other colleagues implementing the strategy.

Media and social media

Support UNV colleagues by developing a media engagement plan working both directly with diverse media and via relevant partners (e.g. UN Secretariat Comms, HLPF Media Zone, UNV and UNDP regional and national bureau, DESA, IFRC etc);
In line with other objectives and with the support of the ERCS Communications Team, develop all products required for print/online/social media, including but not limited to:

Press releases and materials
Social media cards and videos (Infographics and videos commissioned separately)
Blogs/online articles on behalf of Plan of Action or UN senior management

Provide advisory support and guidance to UNV colleagues implementing the media;
Develop and ensure maintenance of collaboration platforms by applying innovative communication approaches to engage external partners in profile-raising and media activities in the run up to the GTM2020;
Participate in the GTM2020 (15 July 2020) in New York to manage press, carry out live social media management, and support the livestreaming of the event;
Regularly track the media and social media statistics and prepare regular reports on GTM2020 related communications in the lead up to and during the GTM2020;
Coordinate with communications focal points from other Plan of Action stakeholder organizations to be identified to collaborate on the GTM2020 event itself, ensuring consistent messaging and outreach synergies.

Panel participation at the GTM2020

Develop an accessible concept note/explanatory note that can be attached to all speaker invites/briefings for the GTM2020 event;
Draft speeches for up to 5 high-level participants from different UN entities
Provide high quality briefing documents/packs for all other speakers, based on content provided by members of the VASS team.

Advice and input to the direction of the GTM2020

Participate in relevant GTM2020 planning and working meetings as needed;
Keep up to date with communications and campaigns around HLPF and other relevant processes, headlines and messages to ensure that the GTM2020 is in line with wider narratives and discussions related to sustainable development and sustaining peace;
Identify opportunities to join up with other comms and visibility activities surrounding the HLPF;
Provide advice and inputs on communications strategy as part of the GTM2020 preparation team as needed.

Deliverables and Timelines 1- Communications Strategy and Advocacy Plan and Plan of products, including the knowledge portal needed - 1 January 2020 2- Public-facing overall narrative for the GTM2020 based on the concept of ‘reimagining volunteering’ and accompanying high-level messaging are written - 15 January 2020 3- A media engagement plan is created in cooperation with relevant partners - 28 February 2020 4- A public-facing and compelling narrative on each workstream is created and key insights of the task teams that support the overall narrative of reimagining volunteering are identified from a non-technical perspective - 15 March 2020 5- Coordinate and develop a communications pack on each workstream including: public-facing headline messages, short and long descriptions, visual assets to be prioritized - 30 April 2020 6- Draft/develop high-quality assets for each workstream for the GTM2020, including presentations, support to commissioning videos (design and proposed content) and inputs to infographics design to support workstreams- 30 May 2020 7- Briefing/content packs based on broader GTM2020 content for 3 run-up events (ECOSOC Youth Forum, Beijing+25 and one other) are developed - as needed 8- Briefing and concept notes for speakers and speeches for 5 high-level participants are finalized - 15 June 2020 9- Media attendance for the GTM2020 is secured and coordinated with DESA - 30 June 2020 10- All materials produced under the GTM2020 initiative are brand-checked (ongoing until 15 July 2020) - 15 July 2020 11- Relevant events in the lead-up to the GTM2020 are identified and used to raise visibility (1 January-15 July 2020) - 15 July 2020 12- Social media management, live-streaming and media engagement are implemented during the GTM2020 and knowledge portal launch - 15 July 2020 13- Photography and video footage are coordinated and carried out during the GTM2020 and knowledge portal launch - 15 July 2020 14- An integrated campaign/outreach strategy and plan both pre/during and post GTM that provides a coherent approach is developed and implemented, including:

Promotion and visibility of the GTM2020 event itself and any surrounding events
Outreach to engage content as needed for the workstreams
headlines/teasers in the run up to the event
Any other campaigns as decided by UNV

(1 January-31 July 2020) - 31 July 2020 15- Develop technical messaging for the Plan of Action, GTM2020 as an event and dialogue, and the four workstreams to be integrated into content for all communication channels used for the Plan of Action and GTM (1 March-31 July 2020) - 31 July 2020 16- A social media plan is created and implemented, including through UNV channels (1 February-31 July 2020) - 31 July 2020 17- All products required for print/online/social media are developed, including but not limited to

Press releases and materials
Social media cards and videos
Blogs/online articles on behalf of Plan of Action or UN senior management

(1 January-31 July 2020)- 31 July 2020 18- Collaboration platforms to engage external partners in profile-raising and media activities in the run up to the GTM2020 are developed and maintained (1 February-31 July 2020)- 31 July 2020 19- Produce media evaluation report including # of media articles, social media reach, etc. Total no. of days 130 days Competencies

Demonstrated ability and knowledge in the design and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies;
Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience based on excellent writing and editing skills at a journalistic level in English;
Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed
Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations;
Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives;
Keeps abreast of available technology;
Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate task

Required Skills and Experience Education: Master’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Media or relevant area. Experience:

Minimum 7 years of previous working experience as communications specialist
Proven experience of having worked on at least two high level campaigns and/or events focused on development issues, including delivery of substantive communications, content development and production
Previous experience working for the UN is an advantage.

Language requirements:

Excellent writing and oral communication skills in English is a must. Knowledge of another UN languages is an asset

Criteria for Selection of the best Offer The selection of the best offer will be based on the combined scoring method, where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted 70 percent, and then combined with the price offer, which will be weighted 30 percent. Key selection criteria are

Strong track record in developing and implementing communications strategies and media partnerships (40 %)
Strong track record in creatively and innovatively forging approaches, linkages and pitches to key stakeholders (15 %)
Familiarity with the 2030 agenda (15 %)

Application procedure Applicants have to provide a technical and financial proposal. The technical proposal shall consist of:

Motivation Letter describing their interest in the assignment and why they are the most suitable for the work;
Latest personal CV or P11, including past experience in similar projects and at least three references
A technical proposal: shall describe the methodology and the approach on how to fulfil the required deliverables as well as outline the major components of its implementation;
Work samples

The financial proposal shall consist of

Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability-please fill in the attached form https://popp.undp.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/UNDP_POPP_DOCUMENT_LIBRARY/Public/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx&action=default); The financial proposal shall consist of an all-inclusive lump sum for the whole duration of the contract period, which shall include the consultancy fee, costs of living, costs for insurance, and cost of travel to and from the duty station (based on initial planning of four missions to Bonn, Germany of up to 5 days each). The financial proposal shall also contain a breakdown of these costs. The lump sum/contract price is fixed regardless of subsequent changes in the cost components.

PLEASE NOTE THAT INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR FURTHER EVALUATION Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are only able to inform the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process. How to Submit the Application: To submit your application online, please follow the steps below:

Merge your Cover Letter, CV, Technical Proposal and Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability (including the financial proposal) 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.

Queries should be sent to: procurement@unv.org, to Julie Spiller clearly marking: 85825 - Communications and Advocacy Consultant Applications sent by email will not be considered. For your reference, kindly find the link to Individual Contract template and General Terms and Conditions. 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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Tags: UNDP