Location: Kyiv, UKRAINE
Application Deadline: 31-Aug-20 (Midnight New York, USA)
Type of Contract: Individual Contract
Post Level: National Consultant
Languages Required: English and Ukrainian/Russian
Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 10-Sep-2020
Duration of Initial Contract: until 31 December 2020

1. BACKGROUND

Ukraine has a long list of environmental reform priorities. However, the speed of the reforms in the area of sustainable energy and environment (SEE) is slowed down by the difficulties in adopting the needed legislation related to the capacity of the parliament and a large number of low-quality legal initiatives. To speed up the SEE related reforms, UNDP seeks to improve the capacity of the parliament of Ukraine and enhance environmental advocacy among politicians, mass media and the public.

The Project “Support to the Parliament of Ukraine in Sustainable Energy and Environment Area”  aims to support the Members of Parliament and the relevant parliamentary committees (specifically, VRU Committee on Environmental Policy and Environmental Management and VRU Committee on Energy, Housing and Utilities Services) with quality analytical, communications and advocacy support. The analytical support that is provided by the Project covers a wide range of issues in the SEE area, including climate change mitigation and adaption; energy efficiency and security; waste management; GHG monitoring reporting and verification; green auctions; sustainable transportation; green finance and more. The overall work of the Secretariat is based on the sustainable development principles, and where possible and necessary, links with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Besides, the Project aims at increasing visibility of SEE issues through communications and advocacy activities.

The UNDP-Slovakia Partnership: Effective Development Cooperation Solutions for the SDGs / Ukraine Energy Security Hub aims at strengthening the capacity of the Government of Ukraine to develop and implement energy policies to bolster national energy security. The project also targets to increase visibility of energy efficiency and energy security issues and facilitate international and national cooperation and dialogue.

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

Duties and Responsibilities

2. MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of the assignment is to ensure quality communications and event coordination support on the issues of sustainable energy and environment.

The Communications Expert will be responsible for creating and crafting compelling communications content which engages audiences in a dynamic, interactive and meaningful way and sparks conversations around SEE issues. She/he will play a leading role in managing presence on a wide range of social media platforms and guiding wider digital editorial processes. The Consultant will also support the creation and coordination of social media strategies and campaigns, digital marketing, monitoring and analysis. She/he will help plan and implement the editorial calendar for the projects and social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Instagram and Telegram). This work will involve curating content on specific topics, editing this content for various platforms, planning and implementing social media campaigns. She/he will be responsible for ongoing monitoring of key performance indicators (KPI) and web/social media analytics tools.

3. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES / SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in coordination with the SEE Secretariat Team Lead, Project Team and UNDP CO, the Consultant will perform the following activities.

1. Review the background documents provided by UNDP to obtain better understanding of the project goals and context in order to tailor the communication and visibility products to project priorities.

2. Ensure provision of communication support to the project, focusing on achievement of the following results:

2.1. Develop monthly and quarterly communications action plans, coordinate their approval with UNDP and ensure implementation. Communications action plan shall be prepared in a format agreed with UNDP, and include, but not limited to, the following components: communications objectives and target audiences; key messages; hashtags and key stakeholders to be tagged; planned distribution channels, including social media; communications and publications work plan; key success indicators. Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the results achieved.

2.2. Maintain media visibility on the SEE issues. Prepare relevant articles, blog posts and/or project related success stories, convey project news for publication at the UNDP website and social media, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Issuu, Medium and others. The frequency of publications will be agreed upon at the commencement of the consultancy and reflected in project communications action plan. At minimum, the Consultant will need to prepare at least 1 article or success story per 2 weeks in English and Ukrainian.

2.3. Conduct media analysis, monitor social media and related publications, prepare press-clipping reports.

2.4. Contribute to the development and dissemination of policy papers, policy briefs, articles, statements and other informational notes on various SEE issues.

2.5. Contribute to the development of the project promotion and information materials such as leaflets, brochures, newsletters, and ensure their quality and timely production.

2.6. Coordinate with UNDP to endure that all prepared materials adhere to UN communications guidelines and requirements.

2.7. Ensure wide and target distribution of information materials produced. Keep track of the number of developed and disseminated analytical documents and other materials on sustainable energy and environment issues, prepare regular reports as requested by UNDP.

2.8. Prepare infographic materials to illustrate the current results of the Project. The consultant is expected to provide the ideas for design and content in electronic format. Professional design and publication of the infographic to be covered by UNDP.

2.9. Maintain updated database of project counterparts, event participants and other relevant stakeholders.

2.10. Assist with other tasks that ensure outreach and visibility.

2.11. Provide inputs to monitoring and evaluation activities of UNDP.

3. Ensure provision of support to organization and facilitation of project on/offline events, focusing on achievement of the following results:

3.1. Support with organization of meetings of the MPs working on SEE issues, seminars at the relevant Parliament Committees, tailored capacity development activities (e.g. trainings, seminars on policy analysis etc.), roundtables and workshops in the regions of Ukraine, professional on/offline events involving Members of Parliament, Government representatives, think-tanks, CSOs, private sector representatives (e.g. discussions, roundtables, meetings, public hearings), as well as other internal and public on/offline events of the project. Assistance may include, but not limited to development of event materials (e.g. media advisory, press releases, invitations, logistic notes, talking points, evaluation forms and similar), coordination with relevant stakeholders, follow-up invitations, responding participants’ queries, facilitating discussions, as well as monitoring media coverage (if any) and preparing respective reports.

3.2. Support live tweeting, YouTube/Facebook broadcasting from relevant events.

3.3. Ensure that women and men are equally represented in all activities, including the public consultations and opinion surveys, both among speakers and participants.

3.4. Keep track of the Parliament members, governmental representatives, local authorities, who improved knowledge on sustainable energy and environment issues through Project on/offline events (discussions, round tables, hearings), prepare regular reports as requested by UNDP.

3.5. Assist the Project Team with other tasks related to on/offline events organizing and/or facilitation.

To ensure the delivery of the above tasks, the Consultant will:

• Liaise and ensure constant communication/coordination with UNDP project team regarding all aspects of the assignment.
• Submit all the deliverables for review, comments and approval to UNDP project team as requested.
• Hold consultations with UNDP project team as requested.
• Strictly observe UNDP standards and practices related to communications and visibility efforts.

4. DELIVERABLES

The expected duration of the assignment is until 31 December 2020 and envisaged workload is up to 80 working days. The target date for the start of work is 10 September 2020. Due to routine nature of the given assignment, the Consultant would be required to regularly coordinate the list of short and medium-term plans/deliverables with the Project Manager and proceed with implementation.

Deliverable 1: Detailed initial communications action plan capturing (but not limited to) communications objectives and target audiences; key messages; hashtags and key stakeholders to be tagged; planned distribution channels, including social media; communications and publications work plan; key success indicators – within 5 working days from the contract signature day in the format agreed with UNDP.

Deliverable 2: Monthly reports capturing the list of deliverables and progress made, timesheets and the plan for next month - each month in the format agreed with UNDP.

Deliverable 3: Final report covering the whole assignment, followed with recommendations and all relevant Annexes - by 31 December 2020.

The Final report should be submitted in English.

Specific deliverables to be achieved during the contract period include:

• Monthly and quarterly communications action plans are developed, agreed and fully implemented.
• Monthly and quarterly media monitoring on sustainable energy and environment issues completed and press-clipping reports prepared.
• Project related informational, analytical and promotional materials are developed in strict compliance with UN communications requirements, widely disseminated among target audiences, and relevant reports prepared in the format agreed with UNDP.
• Project on/offline events are organized in accordance with agreed project work plan and communications action plan, as well as in compliance with UNDP rules and guidelines. Follow-up reports in the format agreed with UNDP are prepared and submitted.

5. MONITORING/REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Work-progress reporting/monitoring meetings will be held with the Consultant on a regular basis. UNDP will be the final authority to control the quality and evaluate the work. No reports or documents should be published or distributed to third parties without approval of UNDP.

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Project Manager.

The consultant will interact with UNDP Energy and Environment Portfolio Team Leader, Programme Analyst and other CO staff to receive any clarifications and guidance that may be needed. He/she will also receive all necessary informational and logistical support from UNDP Country Office and the Project.

On a day-to-day basis, consultant’s work will be supervised by the Project Manager.

The satisfactory completion of each of the deliverables shall be subject to endorsement of the Project Manager.

The Consultant will duly inform UNDP of any problems, issues or delays arising in the course of implementation of assignment and take necessary steps to address them.

All reports and results are to be submitted to the UNDP in electronic form (*.docx, *.xlsx, *.pptx, and *.pdf or other formats accepted by UNDP).

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;
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

6. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. Education

• Advanced University Degree (at least Specialist’s/Master’s or higher) in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, International Relations, Linguistics or other relevant studies.

2. Work Experience

• At least 2 years of working experience and demonstrated ability in writing and editing publications, articles, newsletters, e-mail digests, blog entries, human and success stories, developing communication materials and/or implementing media/communications strategies and plans, including digital.
• At least 2 years of experience in coordination/facilitating of public events.
• Proven excellent writing skills (must provide samples of at least 3 previously prepared or co-authored articles or documents).
• Proven experience in social media outreach, including executing and monitoring social media campaigns, would be an advantage (must provide at least 1 sample of previous relevant work).
• Sound understanding of environmental and political issues, sustainable development, energy, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency or relevant field is a strong asset,.
• Previous relevant experience with UNDP, other UN Agency, international organizations or donors would be a strong advantage.

3. Language (s)

• Excellent Ukrainian/Russian communication and presentation skills are essential. Fluency in English is required.

7. DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

Required

• Personal CV or P11, including information about past experience in similar projects / assignments and contact details for referees
• Samples of at least 3 previously prepared or co-authored articles or documents
• Brief description of at least 1 previously executed social media campaign (optional)
• Financial proposal
• Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP

UNDP documents templates are available at the following link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gl77bauo27ed0l9/AACGhkF0QmlC5dhm5HZutu2Fa?dl=0

Please note that online system does not recognise Russian or Ukrainian language, information you provide in on-line application should be in English. You may combine your CV, financial proposal and other necessary information in one PDF file and upload the document. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

8. FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

Contracts based on daily fee

The financial proposal will specify the daily fee, travel expenses and per diems quoted in separate line items, and payments are made to the Individual Consultant based on the number of days worked.

Travel costs

All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal. This includes all travel to join duty station/repatriation travel.  In general, UNDP should not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources.

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.

9. EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Educational background – 10 points max

{10 pts – PhD degree in the relevant field; 8 pts – Specialist/Master’s degree in the relevant field};

• Relevant professional experience (At least 2 years of working experience in writing publications, magazines, human stories, developing communication materials and/or implementing media/communications strategies and plans, including digital) – 18 points max

{18 pts – 10 years and more; 16 pts – 4-9 years; 14 pts – 2-3 years);

• Relevant expertise (At least 2 years of relevant experience in coordination/facilitating of public events) – 18 points max

{18 pts – 10 years and more; 16 pts – 4-9 years; 14 pts – 2-3 years);

• Proven excellent writing skills (provided samples of at least 3 previously prepared or co-authored articles or documents) – 10 points max

{10 pts – 8 and more samples; 8 pts – 3-7 samples};

• Proven experience in social media outreach, including executing and monitoring social media campaigns – 2 pts max

{2 pts - one or more campaigns executed; 0 pts – no experience};

• Sound understanding of environmental and political issues, sustainable development, energy, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency or relevant field – 5 pts max

{5 pts - education or experience in the relevant field; 0 pts – no experience and/or education};

• Previous relevant experience with UNDP, other UN Agency, international organizations or donors – 2 points max

{2 pts - one or more assignments; 0 pts – no experience};

• Language Skills – 5 points max

{5 pts – Fluency in English and Ukrainian/Russian};

Maximum available technical score - 70 points.

Evaluation method:

Cumulative analysis

Contract award shall be made to the incumbent whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the cumulative highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weight: 70%

* Financial Criteria weight: 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum 70% from the maximum available technical score (49 points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

The maximum number of points assigned to the financial proposal is allocated to the lowest price proposal and will equal to 30. All other price proposals will be evaluated and assigned points, as per below formula:

30 points [max points available for financial part] x [lowest of all evaluated offered prices among responsive offers] / [evaluated price].

The proposal obtaining the overall cumulatively highest score after adding the score of the technical proposal and the financial proposal will be considered as the most compliant offer and will be awarded a contract.

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.

Application Instruction: If you wish to apply for this or other positions, please visit UNDP website, section jobs and apply online: https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=93435

Deadline for APPLICATIONS: 31 August 2020