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National Communication Consultant, Vacancy Announcement Qu23/02862 UNDP | Procurement Notices

• Job title:	National Communication Consultant
  Type of Contract:	National Individual Contract (IC)
  Duty station:	Chisinau
  Section/Unit:	1.  Building sustainable and inclusive peace, strengthening trust and social cohesion in Moldova (PBF) 2.  One UN Joint Action Cross-river support for Human Rights (One UN JA) 3.  Paradigm Shift to Disability Inclusive Services, Accountability and Governance in Moldova (UNPRPD)
  Language’s requirement:	Romanian, English, Russian
  Contract Duration:	December 2023 – December 2025 (233 working days)
  Payment arrangements:	Lump sum contract (payments linked to satisfactory performance and delivery of outputs)

   BACKGROUND

  Moldova’s prospects for sustained peace, stability and shared prosperity remain hampered by the protracted conflict on its territory, all while its human rights context is illustrated by the amplitude and interplay of multiple forms of inequalities vulnerable groups, such as inter alia persons with disabilities, Roma, people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, children in contact with the law, vulnerable women, prisoners and people who use drugs. The root causes of economic and social vulnerabilities are strongly linked to discrimination of persons with disabilities and disability blind policies. Some groups are exposed to multiple and intersectional discrimination, particularly women with disabilities living in rural areas, persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, among them especially women residing in long-term residential institutions, and Roma persons with disabilities.

  Furthermore, the social cohesion in the country is being affected by the aftermath of the conflict but also by the divisions between most of the population and various underrepresented groups. This separation tampers with the ability of vulnerable groups from the Transnistrian region to effectively exercise their rights. The present actors (CSOs, professionals, activists) have weak capacities to influence the policymaking, which hinders the realisation of human rights on the left bank of the Nistru River. Weak accountability and governance prevent meaningful implementation of CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and disability inclusive SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals), all while civic infrastructure of the OPDs (Organizations of Disability Persons) is under-developed.

  The above-mentioned projects, namely “Building sustainable and inclusive peace, strengthening trust and social cohesion in Moldova”, “One UN Joint Action Cross-river support for Human Rights” and “Paradigm Shift to Disability Inclusive Services, Accountability and Governance in Moldova” seek to facilitate an enabling environment for improved cross-river interconnection between CSOs, communities, the Peoples’ Advocate and the focal point for human rights on the left bank of the Nistru River, reduced social tensions and reduced inequalities for women, men and children in the Transnistrian region, by empowering human rights holders to understand and exercise their rights, while duty bearers respect, protect and fulfil human right. Furthermore, they seeks to ensure the continuation of the fragile Transnistrian conflict settlement process in the context of growing regional and domestic geopolitical tensions exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, and to address three major barriers to inclusion of persons with disabilities in Moldova: (i) predominant medical approach to disability assessment and determination and (ii) limited accountability and governance mechanisms for CRPD implementation and (iii) limited mainstreaming of rights of persons with disabilities in the national programmes, development programmes, budgets and monitoring processes.

  This will be done through the advancement of, and cross-river interaction on, human rights, gender-responsive peacebuilding, reducing inequalities, addressing inclusion of persons with disabilities and the promotion of equal access to services and through ensuring early intervention to prevent deepening divisions between the populations on either side of the conflict divide which are currently being affected by discrimination, highly divisive narratives, misinformation and hate speech.

  OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED DELIVERABLES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

  The projects intend to contract a communications consultant (hereafter the Consultant) to provide professional support and expertise regarding outreach, communications and visibility. He/she will be responsible for developing and implementing the projects’ communications plans, in compliance with UNDP Moldova communications strategy, the corporate visibility guidelines and rules and in close collaboration with projects teams and UNDP Communications Analyst, Donor organizations, beneficiary institutions, CSOs and mass-media representatives. The overall objective of the assignment is to ensure the visibility of the results and to raise awareness about the projects’ activities. Specifically, the Consultant will have the following responsibilities/the following results shall be expected:

  a.    Ensure the effective management of the project’s communication plan, focusing on achievement of the following:

  • Develop, review, implement and continuously monitor the projects communication plans, using appropriate feedback mechanisms and monitoring tools;
  • Contribute to the development and update of projects work-plans by conceptualizing and implementing, in close collaboration with the projects teams awareness campaigns, events and activities;
  • Contribute to projects publications and knowledge products, including studies, reports, blog posts, lessons learned, presentations
  • Provide inputs for UNDP and related social media pages and groups (Sustainable (Community) Development Platform): copy of posts, manage assets (graphic design, multimedia);
  • Establish and maintain meaningful partnerships with mass-media (esp. specialized), at the national and were appropriate at local levels;
  
  
  • Manage/coordinate deliverables of suppliers for the provision of goods/services required for the implementation of the communication plan;
  • Expert support in the evaluation of offers submitted by short-term experts and service providers related to communication services, activities, and audio visual and print products;
  • Coordinate, implement, and moderate (if required) activities such as project-related events, communications and advocacy campaigns, as specified in the project work plan;
  • Support the project team with the writing of regular project narrative reports (monthly, quarterly, mid-year and annual documents) by providing communication related inputs;
  • Develop and submit monthly delivery progress notes on the performed activities, carried out tasks, containing relevant links, statistics, and disaggregated data;
  • Ensure respect of guidance on appropriate use of terminology (Transnistrian region, human rights, gender );
  • Provide any other communications-related support that may arise throughout the implementation of the project.
  • Prepare and submit a final activity report with Results and Human Stories (incl. quantitative and qualitative data and information, pictures, graphics, charts, impact of obtained results, conclusions, and recommendations) for all 3

  b.    Ensure the visibility of the projects’ results, focusing on achievement of the following:

  • In close collaboration with the Project Team and UNDP Communications specialist and in compliance with the relevant guidelines and rules (UNDP, UN PRPD, UN PBF, Sweden, UN) ensure the visibility of the projects;
  • Draft projects communications materials to a professional standard (via articles, success stories, interviews, blogs posts, press releases, videos, photo essays etc.) oversee their implementation and ensure wide dissemination and visibility of projects achievements in the national media as well as in the local and regional media/websites;
  • Design and support organization of projects events, including: press-conferences, press clubs meetings, press tours, site visits, launches, round tables, conferences, policy dialogues etc;
  • Liaise and coordinate communication products with the UNDP Communications specialist;
  • Ensure coordination of communications products inside UNDP, with involved UN agencies, donors and partners;
  • Support the grantees of the projects in order to inform the public on their activities and achievements;
  • Conceptualize and deploy assets for social media (illustrations, infographics, gifs ).
  • Manage visibility kits (online and printed);
  • Organize press trips in the project implementation areas and ensure media coverage;
  • Prepare and conduct communication trainings for the projects teams, consultants, and

INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

This is a part-time consultancy. The timeframe for the work is planned for December 2023 – December 2025. During this time, the Consultant is expected to work a total of up to 233 working days (subject to extension in certain circumstances).

The position requires availability for travels to the Transnistrian region and Security Zone. Travel costs (media field visits, press trips, interviews and official events) to Transnistrian region will be covered by the projects.

The Consultant will work under the guidance and in close collaboration with the Project Analyst – PBF, Project Manager – UNPRPD, and Programme Manager – OneUN, as well as liaise with other implementing partners and shall contribute to an effective and efficient implementation of the projects’ communication and outreach plan, contributing to an increased visibility of the policy and local development components’ results.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Materials provided to the Consultant and all the proceedings within the consultancy contract shall be regarded as confidential, both during and after the consultancy. Violation of confidentiality requirements may result in immediate termination of contract.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION

General requirement:

• Citizen or legal resident of the Republic of Moldova

Academic Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Journalism and Science Communication Media Studies, Public Relations, or related area (humanities profile).

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience in the fields of communication or journalism (including elaboration of articles, press releases, interviews, and other communication product) – (if applicable, please submit links in the proposal).

Competences:

• Experience in similar positions in an international organisation implementing international development assistance;
• Previous demonstrated professional experience in working directly with CSOs and mass- media;
• Solid understanding of and ability to apply communications tools and techniques;
• Ability to analyse, plan, communicate effectively orally and in writing, draft report, solve problems, manage PR projects/ events, organize and meet expected results, adapt to different environments (cultural, economic, political and social);
• Good written communication, creative and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and to present ideas clearly and effectively;
• Excellent oral, written communication and editing skills, with proven ability to meet tight deadlines, to handle multiple priorities simultaneously and to adapt to changing circumstances;
• Experience in implementation of communications campaigns;
• Knowledge of topics related to environmental protection, water resources management preferably with focus on Dniester River;
• Outstanding drafting and communication

Language requirements:

• Fluency in Romanian, English, and Russian languages (verbal and written) is a

Personal qualities:

• Strong sense of initiative and ability to work independently;
• Demonstrated interpersonal and diplomatic skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and to present ideas clearly and effectively;
• Proven experience in the use of social media, multi-media, and digital platforms;
• Flexibility and availability during assignment is required (in case you are currently engaged or anticipate further engagements with other entities or UNDP, please mention in your brief description/motivation letter, number of days you can allocate per month for this assignment);
• Proven commitment to the United Nations' core values respecting differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or another status. Please mention in your CV if you belong to the group(s) under-represented in the UN Moldova and/or assignment

The United Nations in Moldova is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply. Please specify in CV, in case you belong to the group(s) under-represented in the UN Moldova and/or the area of assignment.

PAYMENT MODALITIES

The consultants will organize and facilitate the implementation of all activities as described above; his/her payment will be lump sum amount based, disbursed in several instalments, upon submission and approval of deliverables and certification by UNDP Moldova Project Managers, Project Analysts, that the services have been satisfactorily performed.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Follow UNDP | Procurement Notices for more details. Applicants shall submit the following documents:

• Personal updated CV, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers;
• Proposal (Motivation Letter, maximum length: 1 page): explaining why they are the most suitable for the work including previous experience in similar Projects (please provide brief information on each of the above qualifications, item by item, including information, links/copies of documents for similar projects);
• Offeror’s letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability for the individual contractor (IC) assignment, incorporating Financial proposal in Annex 2.

Upload the signed version of the filled in Offeror’s letter to UNDP confirming interest and availability for the individual contractor (IC) assignment. Annex 2 to the Offeror's letter, incorporating the Financial Proposal, shall be filled in mandatorily and includes the detailed breakdown of costs supporting the all inclusive financial proposal.

The Financial Proposal shall be additionally submitted directly in the system. Please ensure there are no mathematical errors and that amounts from Offeror's Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability match with your offer in the system;

• Other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, or other

Important notice: The applicants who have the statute of Government Official / Public Servant prior to appointment will be asked to submit the following documentation:

• a no-objection letter in respect of the applicant received from the Government, and;
• the applicant is certified in writing by the Government to be on official leave without pay for the entire duration of the Individual

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If an applicant is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the applicant must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

In consideration of your qualifications, we are hereby inviting you to submit an offer for this particular assignment.  To assist you in understanding the requirements of this assignment, we have attached hereto the following: 

• The Terms of Reference for the assignment described above;
• The standard Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability, which you must accomplish and submit to UNDP;
• The Individual Contract and its General Terms and Conditions, which you would be expected to sign in the event you are the selected Offeror in this procurement process.  
  
  To access the documents, please follow this link UNDP | Procurement Notices.

Should you be interested and decide to submit an offer for this assignment, kindly submit directly in the online supplier portal no later than the deadline indicated in the system.

Offers must be submitted directly in the Quantum Supplier Portal following this link: http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org  using the profile you may have in the portal (please log in using your username and password).

Follow the instructions in the user guide to search for the competition using search filters, namely Negotiation ID: UNDP-MDA-00346 and subscribe to the competition in order to get notifications in case of amendments of the competition document and requirements.

In case you have never registered before, follow this link to register a profile:

https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/fscmUI/faces/PrcPosRegisterSupplier?prcBuId=300000127714247 based on the instructions in guides available in UNDP website: https://www.undp.org/procurement/business/resources-for-bidders.

Please note that the access link to the Supplier registered profile is sent from Oracle within up to 3 days. In case you have not received the access link after 3 days since registration, you should address for support to UNDP at the email address: sc.md@undp.org. In case you encounter errors with registration (e.g. system states Supplier already is registered), you should address for support to UNDP at the email address: sc.md@undp.org.

Computer firewall could block oracle or undp.org extension and Suppliers might not receive the Oracle notifications. Please turn down any firewalls on your computers to ensure receipt of email notification. 

Do not create a new profile if you already have one. Use the forgotten password feature in case you do not remember the password or the username from previous registration.

Should you require further clarifications on the application through the Quantum online portal, kindly contact the Procurement Unit at sc.md@undp.org. Please pay attention that the proposal shall be submitted online through the Quantum system and any proposal sent to the above email shall be disqualified.

Should you require further clarifications on the Notice, Terms of Reference or other requirements, kindly communicate using the messaging functionality in the portal.

Deadline for Submission of Offers (Date and Time), which is visible in the online supplier portal will be final. The portal will not accept submission of any offer after that date and time. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the offer is submitted prior to this deadline for submission.

Applicants are advised to upload offer documents and to submit their offer a day prior or well before the date and time indicated under the deadline for submission of Offers. Do not wait until last minute. If Applicant faces any issue during submitting offers at the last minutes prior to the deadline for submission, UNDP may not be able to assist on such a short notice and will not be held liable in such instance. UNDP will not accept any offer that is not submitted directly through the System.

If any discrepancy between deadline in the system and in deadline indicated elsewhere, deadline in the system prevails.

We look forward to your favourable response and thank you in advance for your interest in working with UNDP.  

Sincerely,

UNDP Moldova