International Communication Consultant, Maseru

1096

UNDP Lesotho, in partnership with the Government of Lesotho and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently secured funding from the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) to implement the Lesotho National Dialogue and Stabilisation Project (LNDSP). The LNDSP is a response to Lesotho’s cyclic political instability and a first step towards the implementation of comprehensive national reforms aimed at long-term stability and sustained peace and development. The support by the PBF through its Immediate Response Facility (IRF) enables UNDP and other UN agencies (specifically, UN Women, the Department of Political Affairs and the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights), the Government, SADC and non-governmental groups (Lesotho Council of NGOs and the Christian Council of Lesotho) to work collaboratively to catalyse positive change.

In this regard, LNDSP aims at creating a conducive environment, unity and commitment among Basotho to implement political reforms that address the causes of recurrent crises and build sustainable peace and stability. Specifically, the project seeks to deliver three key outcomes:

  • By 2019, there is a national agreement on the content and processes of comprehensive political reforms and national reconciliation in Lesotho with increased public and donor support;

  • By 2019, tensions and divisions within and amongst security services are reduced thereby enhancing the participation of the sector in the national dialogue and reform processes and enhancing public trust.

  • By 2019, a more informed Lesotho constituency is actively participating in political reforms and reconciliation efforts due to greater access to timely and accurate information on the national dialogue and reform processes.

    The LNDSP provides a unique opportunity for UNDP to go beyond its regular programming to support the Government and collaborate with SADC and civil society groups to tackle and mitigate risks by, foremost, initiating a national political dialogue that will bring all stakeholders together to agree on the reform content and processes of the national reform. The recently concluded dialogue process was inclusive, participatory and generated political and societal consensus on the reforms content for future stability, reconciliation and peaceful co-existence in Lesotho.

    Secondly, the project is also preparing the security sector for a constructive engagement in the national dialogue and reforms, through analysis and assessment of the security sector policy environment. As part of interim stabilisation and human rights mainstreaming measures in the security sector, the Project supports capacity building interventions geared towards professionalising the security sector and enhancing inter-agency coordination including formulating a national security sector strategy and policy.

    Thirdly, the project is supporting the development of a coherent and professional communication strategy to ensure that stakeholders have the correct information, enhance participation and reduce anxiety among those who may feel targeted by the reforms. Communication training is intended to be provided to existing intra- government communication teams, key stakeholders involved in the national dialogue and reform process, and local media houses and outlet to ensure a comprehensive operationalisation and roll out of the communication strategy.

    UNDP-Lesotho is therefore seeking to recruit a Communications Specialist/Consultant to support implementation of the communication component aimed at attaining a more informed Lesotho constituency actively participating in political reforms and reconciliation efforts with a greater access to timely and accurate information on the national dialogue and reform processes. The assignment will also entail supporting UNDP Country Office Communication initiatives.

Scope of Work/Specific Duties

The Communications Specialist/Consultant shall provide the following:

Effective and Strategic communication products

  • Identify and engage with local and international media houses, stakeholders and communication officers at the Regional and Global Headquarters to increase the visibility of the impact of the Project and UNDP’s support to Lesotho, especially in the context of national dialogue and reform process.

    Liaise with media for press releases and events, establish media connections and aim to get maximum media attention for press releases, special events, press interview either through broadcast or print media.

  • Plan and design internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focused on impact and results, transparency, advocacy, partner engagement and other corporate priorities;

  • Review, refine and implement Lesotho national Dialogue and Reforms Communication Strategy in line with the visibility guidelines of UNDP, UN Peace Building Fund and other donors:

    Support the substantive development of content aimed at media outreach in coordination with the author(s), and communications focal points within relevant UNDP teams and partners;

  • Review, repackage and disseminate materials produced and processes completed in the national dialogue and reform process specifically, process documentary, articles and lessons learned pieces.

    Content Creation and Digital Management

  • Package and distribute key messages and communications products (press releases, factsheets, talking points, web updates, videos, virtual events and social media) for different internal and external audiences in close consultation and approval of with UNDP Resident Representative;

    Support UNDP Communication Officer in content creation and architecture as well as regularly updating and maintaining UNDP Lesotho webpage with specific emphasis focus on national dialogue and reform process;

    Curate and post stories, blogs, photos and videos in UNDP’s web content management system as well as drafting regular blogs as may be requested by the Country Office, the Project, Regional Hub and Headquarters and UN Peace Building Fund;

  • Provide communications support at Country Office and Project-related meetings, including managing virtual conferences/web streams, external communications, taking photos, reviewing communications material and support to promote (website, press release, PowerPoint sharing) related to events;

    Establish, manage and promote Country Office/Project hard and soft copy newsletter and Project Fact Sheets;

  • Design and layout materials (e.g. reports, posters, infographics, images, dynamic presentations, etc.) using a variety of software including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Word and PowerPoint for internal and external audiences, and for presentation, print and online use;

  • Review, edit and prepare materials for printing in line with UNDP editorial and visual guidelines, advising on print solutions, coordinating with printers and ensuring delivery of final error-free agreed materials;

  • Effective Social Media Outreach

  • Create exposure stories, monitor social media trends for outreach purposes and appropriately apply that knowledge to increasing the use of social media at UNDPnand moderate webinars by liaising with technical officers and partners on national dialogue and reforms process;

  • Generate content for social media (Tweeter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc)

    Events and Outreach

  • Establish and build long-term relationships with influencers and key stakeholders.

  • Support in planning, organising and publicising events, seminars and press conferences.

  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and highest ethical standards demonstrating effectiveness in: Communicating with sensitivity to cultural values and beliefs, Acting without deception and in accordance with the law, Representing the organisation truthfully, fairly and accurately, Enabling mutual understanding and respect, Adhering to guided policies, standards and governance frameworks and, adhering to a code of ethics for professional communicators.
  • Research, Analysis and Measurement: demonstrated proactive use of research to inform and refine the practices and measure the outcome of their strategies:
  • Strategic thinking: Demonstrated ability to apply strategic thinking and interpret organisational needs as part of their communication strategy, to deliver meaningful results.
  • 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.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
  • Outstanding organizational and time-management skills.

Qualifications and Experience of the Successful Individual Contractor

Education

  • The Consultant must possess at least a recognized Masters degree, PhD preferred, with equivalent experience in Journalism, Media Studies, Communications or other closely related field.

Special Skills and Experience

In addition, the Consultant must possess

  • At least 7 year of professional experience for PhD degree level or at least 7 years of professional experience for Masters degree level, in generating communications products, communication strategies, media operations and advocacy material via various media (i.e. print, video, websites);
  • Demonstrated substantive experience in drafting high quality communications products
  • Proficiency and experience with media and social media software, applications and communication tools
  • Experience and knowledge in copywriting, proofreading and editing with substantiable contacts and networks in major communication outlets – nationally, regionally and globally
  • Familiarity with Content Management Systems, digital media and web content creation;
  • Experience in Storytelling Skills
  • Experience working with UN system, and especially UNDP, and familiarity with UN editorial guidelines and templates, is an asset.
  • Excellent portfolio with proven track record of successful project management examples
  • Photo and video-editing skills
  • Experience in web design and content production is a big plus.

Language:

  • Fluent in English.

How to apply

Detailed Terms of Reference(TORs) and Submission documents  are available on UNDP ATLAS e-Tendering system” (https://etendering.partneragencies.org) UNDP/LSO10/Event ID: 0000004589.

In order to access instructions on how to submit your offer through the UNDP eTendering system, please access the following on UNDP Procurement Notice site: http://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_notice.cfm?notice_id=59941

 
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.

Apply here!

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