Title of consultancy: Partnerships and Communications Consultant

This consultancy will need to establish communication and partnerships to explore and activate forms of engagement for UNICEF.

Background and Justification

UNICEF strongly believes in the power of partnerships and collaborative efforts and has a rich history of working with the private sector. At a global level UNICEF works closely with multi-national corporations, national companies and small- to medium-sized businesses to identify, design and implement alliances that leverage the strengths of the corporate sector on behalf of the world’s children. In turn, UNICEF supports companies that aim to strengthen their commitment towards a positive contribution to the world’s communities and environment and provide support to achieve their CSR and business objectives. Advocacy and communication will have to play a prominent role in building partnerships to furthering the interests of Omani children. UNICEF views partnerships building linked to advocacy and communication as a continuum where considerable overlap exists. Extensive use of the internet and mobile technologies offer new opportunities and further blur the lines between advocacy and communication.

Accordingly, UNICEF Oman is looking to explore sustainable and strategic partnerships with different Omani entities like academia and the private sector to further its work its programme areas outlined above. Based on the mapping exercise done in 2017, potential partners will need to be approached to explore different areas of partnership and promotion for a common cause. To further support its resource mobilization efforts, UNICEF Oman also seeks to raise its public profile in the country through its recently established social media platforms (Twitter and Facebook) as well as other traditional media outlets, and explore establishment of more platforms.

Purpose and Objectives

This consultancy will need to establish communication and partnerships to explore and activate forms of engagement for UNICEF.

Objectives/Target

The consultant will activate partnership opportunities from the list of identified potential partners, and develop partnerships based on the developed strategy including:

• Advocacy: partnerships that aide programmatic activities and disseminate messages key for programme, advocacy and communication purposes
• Innovation: engage with the technology or similar sector to come up with innovations for women and children

Expected Deliverables

The following outputs will be required:

1. A final/updated communication strategy to include:
   1. Management and content for social media including frequency
   2. Events, target audience and what is the expected achievement
   3. Goals and targets on where UNICEF should be positioned in the short and long term
2. Successful engagement with the private sector and media
3. A proposed strategy and plan for 2019

timeline

The duration of this assignment in total is from January 18, 2018 – November 18, 2018. 

Adminstrative requirements

Expected places of travel, insurance, per diem, payments and responsibilities between UNICEF and the consultant:

• When in-country, the consultant will be required to report on a regular basis to the UNICEF Supervisor.
• If coming in from abroad:
  • Based on an agreed travel schedule, UNICEF will cover airfare of the consultant to Oman in Economy class via the most direct and economical route
  • For long stays in-country, the consultant will be entitled to the same weekends and UN holiday schedule as UNICEF staff.
  • Transportation upon arrival and departure is to be arranged by the traveller, terminal expense will be provided by UNICEF.
  • For in-country stays, UNICEF will provide a DSA not exceeding the UN DSA rate.
• Any in-country travel related to the consultant’s assignment will be arranged for and covered by UNICEF.
• UNICEF will arrange for booking accommodation under UNICEF corporate rates, unless the consultant wishes to make his/her own arrangements.  Settlement of any accommodation will be made directly by the consultant with the hotel.
• Consultant needs to arrange his/her own insurance (life, health and other forms of insurance) covering the term of the contract while in Oman, and need to provide proof such insurance prior to travel.
• UNICEF will not provide the consultant with any equipment, unless it is requested by the consultants and approved by Operations Unit with appropriately completed form.

qualification, skill and ATTRIBUTES. or Specialized knowledge  

1. The contracted individual must have a strong understanding of the Omani private sector and media context.
2. Experience in the development of communication strategy and tools is required.
3. Experience of no less than 10 years in these or related fields is required.
4. Previous work in the UN and private sector is preferred.
5. The candidate must have excellent communication and networking skills.
6. A good network within Oman’s business community is an asset.
7. Experience in working with local media.
8. English is required for all UNICEF communication.  Fluency in Arabic is essential.

The application should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae;
2. Brief background, including existing experience and expertise that will be of benefit to the proposed assignment;
3. Names and contact information of three referees;
4. Proposed monthly rate in United States Dollars.