Public Relations and Outreach Specialist

Background

The Montreal Protocol was designed to reduce the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances to constrain their amount in the atmosphere, and thereby protect the earth’s fragile ozone layer. HCFCs, a group of ozone-depleting chemicals, are used in a variety of applications such as refrigerants, foam-blowing agents, solvents, fire extinguishers and aerosols. In some cases, HCFCs have replaced CFCs due to their lower ozone depleting potential (ODP).

Countries with Economies in Transition (CEIT) that fall under non-Article 5 countries of the Montreal Protocol are lagging in their phase-out progress. These countries are generally eligible for the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) funding in support of HCFC phase out, subject to having ratified the Copenhagen amendment. Uzbekistan ratified this amendment in 1998, and being non-Article 5 country, it is therefore eligible for GEF’s technical assistance.

The project is a response to the obligations incurred by CEITs under the phase-out schedule for HCFCs of the Montreal Protocol. It is a timely capacity building effort (with investment elements for the servicing sector) that is designed to improve regulatory measures to help address the accelerated HCFC phase-out in the medium and longer term, and to strengthen the countries’ preparedness for the complete phase-out of HCFCs from current use.

Along with dissemination of information among direct beneficiaries on the importance of use of non-ozone depleting and zero global warming potential substances, awareness-raising activities among population – project’s indirect beneficiaries - play an important role in the ozone layer protection on the one hand, and in increasing awareness on the potential harms of UVs to human health on the other hand. Increasing awareness is also essential for the end-users of equipment, which contains ozone depleting substances, especially in understanding as to why one should be careful in choosing refrigerators and air-conditioners. In addition to the above-mentioned, project results and activities on the protection of ozone layer should be disseminated to ensure their long-term effectiveness.

To increase the number and quality of PR and Outreach activities the Regional and National Components of UNDP-GEF joint HCFC Phase-out project will recruit the Public Relations (PR) and Outreach Specialist to be based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The PR and Outreach Specialist will support the project’s Regional Component located in UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH), Turkey and National Component in Uzbekistan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the Project Manager of the National Component in Uzbekistan and guidance of the Project Manager of the Regional Component in UNDP IRH, the PR and Outreach Specialist is fully responsible for implementation of all relevant public relations, outreach, networking and information exchange activities by providing sound expertise and oversight, including planning and implementation of appropriate operational and programmatic PR and Outreach activities in accordance with the project document, UNDP corporate rules and procedures. PR and Outreach Specialist will work to ensure the technical direction of the project and his/her functions will include but are not limited to the following:

• Supporting the development and implementation of the Exit Strategy of the Regional and National Components of HCFC Phase-out Project in the field of communications, outreach and networking;
• Supporting in the development of knowledge products to demonstrate lessons learned and best practices gained during the implementation of Regional and National Components of HCFC Phase-out Project;
• Supporting in the improvement and execution of knowledge sharing methodologies and approaches between the project’s stakeholders, executing (governing) authorities and direct/indirect beneficiaries on the regional, national and local levels;
• Assisting and coordinating translations from English to Russian for materials which can be related to HCFC Phase-out project in collaboration with UN Environment;
• Developing collaborative approaches on planning and organizing various awareness raising events and activities, such as project publications, newsletters, developing scenarios for TV and radio programs, organizing other PR events using innovative/creative approaches;
• Assisting in the organization of various PR and Outreach events, including Regional Project Meeting of HCFC Phase-out Project to be held in Tashkent in June-July 2018;
• Strengthening communication flow between regional and national components, as well as other international partners, such as Ozone Secretariat and “OzonAction” Branch of UN Environment;
• Actively supporting the teams of the Regional and National Components of HCFC Project in the development and approval of concepts on celebration of project’s thematic environment protection activities and events;
• Ensuring wide coverage of the events in local, national and regional media through involvement of representatives from regional/national mass media to the project’s events;
• Using all available means of communication, including internet, social media, etc. for dissemination of the results achieved, best practices and lessons learned within the project among national/international mass media;
• Assisting in collection of information to be used in infographics developed within the project;
• Ensuring smooth and timely delivery of services in accordance with work plans, analysing potential problems and taking appropriate measures to ensure timely delivery of agreed inputs and outputs;
• Providing support to the Managers of Regional and National Components of HCFC Phase-out project in preparation of all required project reports;
• Supporting the teams of the Regional and National Components of HCFC Project during the final evaluation;
• Perform other duties upon request from Project Manager of the National Component in Uzbekistan and Project Manager of the Regional Component in UNDP IRH.

The following deliverables and indicative schedule are expected from the consultant. Exact dates of beginning and completion stages as well as scope of works for each phase can be corrected by Supervisor based on reasonable justification by the International Consultant. The project reserves the right, if necessary, to amend the terms of reference of the Local Consultant on a written agreement. The final schedule will be agreed in the beginning of consultancy assignment. All deliverables should be submitted to the project by the Consultant in English or Russian.

• A comprehensive Action plan for implementation of PR and Outreach activities for National and Regional Component of HCFC Project is prepared and accepted by the Supervisor (21 w/days);
• An Exit Strategy of the Regional and National Components of HCFC Phase-out Project in the field of communications, outreach and networking is prepared and accepted by the Supervisor (21 w/days);
• A draft concept on celebration of project’s thematic environment protection activities and events is prepared and accepted by the Supervisor (21 w/days);
• A report, including on dissemination of the results achieved, best practices and lessons learned within the project among national/international mass media is prepared and accepted by the Supervisor (21 w/days).
• A detailed script for organization of Regional Project Meeting of HCFC Phase-out Project to be held in Tashkent in June-July 2018 is prepared and accepted by the Project Manager (21 w/days).
• A report on implemented PR and Outreach activities of National and Regional components of HCFC project is prepared and accepted by the Project Manager (21 w/days).
• Final report, including report on conducted Regional Project Meeting of HCFC Phase-out Project, best practices and comprehensive lessons learned/best practices of HCFC project PR and Outreach activities is prepared and accepted by the Supervisor (21 w/days).

This is a lump sum contract that should include costs of consultancy and other costs required to produce the above deliverables. Payment will be released in 7 (seven) instalments upon timely submissions of the above mentioned respective deliverables and their acceptance by the Project Manager.

Competencies

• Work experience with UNDP or other development agencies is an asset;
• Proven experience in working and collaborating with regional/local governments and mass media;
• Initiative and strong leadership skills;
• Strong analytical, communication, writing, presentation and communication skills;
• Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming is an asset;
• Result and client-orientation, initiative, analytical thinking, high work ethics, honesty and integrity
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, ability to work in a team and to work under pressure and with tight deadlines;
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly;
• Experience in handling web-based management systems and ability to use IT and communication technologies as a tool and resource.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in the following areas: journalism, arts and/or public policy

Experience:

• Progressive experience in PR and Outreach, and at least 2 years of experience in the implementation of programs/projects in PR and Outreach. Working experience in international organizations and environmental protection field are an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent command of spoken and written English, Russian and Uzbek are essential. Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage

Application Process:

All interested and qualified candidates are required to apply on-line through the UNDP website at http://www.uz.undp.org/content/uzbekistan/en/home/operations/jobs.html. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line.

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

• P-11 form;
• Offeror’s letter.

Applicants are required to fill and sign a P11 Form and Offeror’s Letter and apply through UNDP job online system. You will be asked to upload your P11 Form and Offeror’s letter on the second page of the online application form. Please note that the system will not accept the uploading of more than one document so please merge or scan all your documents into one prior to uploading.

Only Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide financial offer.

The deadline for submission of application is COB, March 7, 2016. Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (November 17, 2017) will not be given consideration. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.For more detailed information about UNDP Uzbekistan please visit our website at www.uz.undp.org. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply. UNDP Balance in Manage Policy promotes achievement of gender balance among its staff at all levels.The position is open for Uzbekistan citizens only.