Communications and Advocacy Specialist Job Vacancy at UNDP in Uganda

Job Title: Communications and Advocacy Specialist (UGANDAN NATIONAL)
Location :     Kampala, UGANDA
Application Deadline :    21-Sep-12
Type of Contract :    Individual Contract
Post Level :    National Consultant
Languages Required :
    English 
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)    01-Oct-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :    4 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :    4 months

Background

Organizational Context:

The UNV programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worldwide.  At the Country Level, UNV programme is an integral part of the Programme Team of UNDP Uganda.

Brief Project Description:

When the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2001 as International Year of Volunteers (IYV 2001) and called for volunteering to be more recognized, facilitated, networked and promoted, the UNV programme was at the forefront to make it a success.  The achievements of IYV 2001 led to a resolution of 2002 that was adopted and the UNV programme requested ‘to continue in its efforts, together with other stakeholders, to raise awareness of volunteerism, increase reference and networking resources available and provide technical cooperation to developing countries, upon their request, in the field of volunteerism’.

In 2005, the UN General Assembly made another resolution to expand UNV programme’s mandate to include, the role of focal points for volunteerism in the United Nations with the aim to fully exploit its potential as a resource to achieve the International Peace and Development Agenda whose focus has been to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). UNV programme was further requested, to advocate for, and promote a better understanding of, volunteerism as a powerful development resource.

The UNV programme translated this mandate into a Business Model under three main objectives that included:

    Global advocacy for volunteerism in order to broaden, at the national and international levels, the recognition of volunteerism as a valuable resource for development and peace;
    Integration of volunteerism in development planning and peace-building, and;
    Mobilising volunteers to maximise the global citizens’ involvement in, and contribution to the international peace and development agenda within and across national borders.

The UNV Business Model, a delivery mechanism to operationalise the objectives was developed, presented to, and accepted by Executive Board 2006 annual session as, interrelated and mutually reinforcing areas of intervention.

The UNV programme is envisaged to play a critical role in implementation of the Business Model for a diversified approach to promoting volunteer action in order to maximize contribution to development initiatives.  The model emphasizes the need to advocate for volunteerism in its entirety including: promotion, facilitation, networking and recognition - a role that a sound communication strategy can enhance greatly.

Duties and Responsibilities

Description of Duties:

Under the supervision of UNV Programme Officer (UNV PO), the consultant will contribute to the overall communication strategy for the UNV Country Office in order to facilitate the nurturing, visibility and promotion of volunteerism in Uganda.  The Communications and Advocacy consultant will be responsible for:

Development, management and maintenance of information activities implemented by the UNV CO, specifically:

    In consultation with UNV PO and UNDP Communications Unit, develop a strategy for channelling information to broader public, including UNV programme’s partners, to enhance exchange and cross-comparison of experiences on volunteerism.
    Participate in research studies and advocacy strategies concerning volunteer contribution to national development.
    Be responsible in maintaining the information database to ensure accurate and adequate capture of UNV programme information and other relevant data.
    Suggest and implement other mechanism that would enhance the visibility of volunteerism and UNV programme.

Preparation of information materials and support to UNV CO in the documentation of specific experiences:

    Take a lead role in soliciting and gathering of information on volunteer-related activities i.e. liaises with UNV volunteers and other relevant partners to obtain articles and stories concerning UNV programme in Uganda.
    Ensure timely and regular production of the UNV Newsletter on tri-annual basis plus other information booklets using the UNV Communication toolkit, and templates.
    Preparing and packaging the collected information into packages usable in UNV Newsletters, UNV Uganda Website, UNDP Website, UNV Headquarters Website, World Volunteer Web, etc.
    Collect and review portfolio of UNV-affiliated projects and programmes to facilitate analysis of information and turn the information summaries to knowledge products.

Support promotion and advocacy of volunteerism:

    Participate in organizing and reporting on UNV programme-related events such as International Volunteers Day, UNV Country workshops, field missions, UNV visiting missions, other UN Days, etc.
    In consultation with the UNV PO, disseminate information, education and communications (IEC) materials i.e. brochures, posters, pamphlets, flyers, etc including in relevant exhibition events promoting, and advocating for, volunteerism.
    Organize events and help raise national awareness on the issues that UNV advocates.
    Assist UNV PO in drafting relevant statements, speeches and press releases for use in volunteer-related events.

Updating and maintenance of UNV Uganda Website:

    Manage and ensure regular and timely updating of UNV Uganda Website including information posted in UNDP Website, UNV Headquarters Website, and other relevant sites.
    Monitor and ensure maintenance of UNV Uganda Website links with UNDP Website, UNV Headquarters Website and other relevant websites.
    Monitor utility of UNV Uganda Website including UNV Webmail and respond to, or re-direct received queries to relevant parties for action.

Results/Expected Output:

The key results will make an impact on the UNV Programme in Uganda through:

    Established partnership with local media.
    Effective communication and dissemination of information about volunteerism in Uganda.
    Enhanced UNV contribution in VIO Networks.
    Increased visibility of volunteerism.
    Production of an annual UNV Newsletters in January 2014 and annual report.
    A dynamic, up-to-date and well-maintained UNV Uganda website.
    A successful celebration of the IVD.

Competencies

    Strong analytical skills, excellent writing and documentation.
    Good time management and organizational ability.
    Strong inter-personal skills and team spirit.
    Ability to take initiative and work with minimum supervision and oversee functional activities.
    High level of creativity and flexibility, and openness to feedback and new ideas.
    Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and with people of diverse age sets and profiles
    Commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism

Computer skills:

    Proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT) skills especially in design, typesetting, and website development and management.
    Good knowledge and practical use of Microsoft Professional Suite, web-design and publication software e.g. desktop publishing (DTP), Adobe Reader, Photoshop.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

    An advanced degree from a recognized University, preferably in journalism, or computer sciences, Social Sciences including communications, outreach, public relations, webmaster or related fields.

Experience:

    Possess at least one year of professional and hands-on experience in area of communication – and IT, website design, Advocacy and management, preparation of feature articles, newsletter writing and production, photography, etc.

Language Requirements:

    Excellent written and oral skills in English.
    Any other international UN language will be an advantage.

Application Process:

Preparation of Proposals:

Language:

Proposals prepared by the Bidder and all correspondence and documents relating to the proposal exchanged by the bidder and the procuring UNDP entity shall be in English.

Documents to be included in the proposals:

Proposal shall comprise the following documents:

    Proposal submission – online application at the following address: http://jobs.undp.org
    Technical Proposal – suggested outline for technical proposal:
    a. The offerors interpretation of the assignment;
    b. Clarifications and or suggestions on scope of assignment;
    c. Approach and Methodology for undertaking the assignment along with timelines;
    Any additional information that demonstrates individual capacity to undertake the proposed assignment.

Proposal Price:

The financial proposal will indicate the price which will be in Uganda Shillings.

Payment Schedule:

The payment will be made in installments on a monthly basis upon certification of completion of tasks.


How to Apply:
Eligible consultants(Ugandan Nationals only) are required to submit application and a detailed CV/Resume online at http://jobs.undp.org.

Deadline: 21st Sept 2012