Communications Specialist – Spotlight Initiative

Background

The Spotlight Initiative is a global, collaborative effort between the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls, aligning with the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development objectives. Incepted in September 2017 by the UN Secretary-General and the EU High Representative and Vice President, this initiative showcases how a 500 million Euro fund can transform partnerships with donors, the UN, and civil society. The primary focus of this initiative revolves around SDG 5, which emphasises gender equality, with Goal 16 complementing it. This dual approach seeks to create a conducive environment for the implementation of all goals. The Spotlight Initiative within the UN is a testament to the UN development system reforms and presents a holistic way of delivering on the SDGs through collaborative synergy.

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the implementation torch is carried by four Recipient UN Organisations (RUNOs: UN Women, UNFPA, UNDP, and UNICEF). Their combined effort is centred on addressing intimate partner violence and domestic violence.

Initiated in March 2020, the Spotlight Initiative in PNG is poised to conclude in December 2023. With the completion of its first phase in June 2022, a mid-term assessment was executed in November 2021. Insights from this assessment will shape the design of the programme's second phase, set to commence on 1 July 2022. The broader vision of the Spotlight Initiative in PNG is empowering women and girls to lead lives free of violence, promoting a more inclusive and gender-equal PNG. Such endeavours align seamlessly with PNG’s National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (2016-2025). This strategy, in particular, underscores comprehensive prevention and addressing violence against women and girls.

The landscape of gender inequality in PNG is grim, with one out of every two women experiencing violence in their lifetime. The political arena has only witnessed the inclusion of 7 women in Parliament since 1975. The economic role of women is largely relegated to the informal sector, contributing 12 billion Kina to the GDP, painting a clear picture of the underlying gender disparities and challenges hindering the nation's growth.

Considering these requirements, the Spotlight Initiative seeks a Communications Specialist for the Programme Management Unit. This role will be crucial in articulating the initiative's vision, accomplishments, and goals, liaising with key stakeholders, and ensuring coherent messaging across all channels. The Communications Specialist will play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, increasing stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that the initiative's milestones are effectively communicated internally and externally.

Objectives of the assignment

The Communications Specialist, positioned within the Spotlight Initiative's Programme Management Unit, is entrusted with the pivotal role of implementing the communications strategy in close coordination with Recipient UN Agencies (RUNOs), encompassing UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women. This collaboration ensures harmonization of the communications approach, leveraging these organizations’ collective strengths and resources. The Specialist's endeavors will focus on creating compelling, culturally attuned content tailored to resonate with both local and global audiences. The overarching goal is to elevate awareness, understanding, and support for the Spotlight Initiative's mission in PNG. Moreover, the Specialist will ensure alignment of the communication efforts with the broader objectives set by the UN and EU partnership, emphasizing gender equality and violence prevention. By weaving together the insights and expertise of the participating UN agencies, the Communications Specialist will play a vital role in enhancing the visibility and impact of the Initiative in PNG and on the global stage.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UN Women Country Representative and Resident Coordinator’s Office in PNG and direct supervision of the Spotlight Technical Coordinator. the consultant will support and guide the implementation of Spotlight’s Communications Strategy. S/he will collaborate closely with the Spotlight Initiative team in the country, the Spotlight Initiative Secretariat at HQ, UN Communications Group, UN Implementing agencies to ensure communications strategies, media relations, and organizational outreach efforts are aligned with corporate communications policies and initiatives. S/he will also collaborate with colleagues to support outreach campaigns and donor relations initiatives; s/he will mobilize support in conjunction with intergovernmental processes and support organized activities and special events. S/he will liaise closely with media, government, civil society, and other partners on visibility and outreach activities.

Specific Deliverables

Duration of the assignment

The duration of this assignment will be 75 working days over the period September 2023 to December 2023. Work will commence on 18 September 2023 upon signing of the contract.

Inputs

Transport:

For UNWOMEN authorized travel, the consultant will receive a daily subsistence allowance at United Nations authorized rates when traveling. Other necessary travel-related expenses may be reimbursable based on UNWOMEN's current practice and authorized rates. The Consultant is responsible for all international travel to Port Moresby and should include the costs in the financial proposal.

UN Women will provide transport in the field only, the consultant is expected to arrange own transport within Port Moresby and from home-based to Port Moresby. This should be included in the financial proposal.

Communications:

The Consultant will be required to provide their own local communications such as SIM cards. Some internet access is available while in Port Moresby however the consultant is expected to arrange his/her own internet access in the field. These costs should be included in the lump sum fee of the financial proposal. 

Accommodation:

The consultancy fee will cover all accommodation costs and other living expenses. 

Security:

The consultant will be provided with a UN security briefing and will be required to follow UN security rules and guidance.

Insurance:

The Consultant will arrange private insurance the cost of which will be included in the financial proposal.

Office space and facilities:

The consultant will primarily work from the UN Women office. While they are expected to use their own computer and means of communication, they will be granted access to the office's printing facilities. Adherence to the COVID-19 office protocol is mandatory during their tenure.

Performance evaluation:

The contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on timeliness, responsibility, initiative, communication, accuracy, and product quality.

Competencies

Core Values:

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional Competencies:

• Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Strong networking and coordination skills
• Good knowledge of web-based knowledge management systems
• Good understanding of production, graphic design and photography standards
• Good knowledge of social media platforms and experience in social media outreach
• Good knowledge of local country media landscape
• Good communication, presentation, networking and advocacy skills
• Ability to be strategic and analytical
• Knowledge of gender and human rights issues desirable

Critical Competencies for Immediate Response situations:

Possess a comprehensive set of competencies enabling immediately taking on the challenging role of helping to lead the development of a transformative programme to end violence against women – including:

• Integrity, results orientation, teamwork, good inter-personal skills.
• Well-developed communication skills.
• Sound judgement, analytical skills.
• Flexibility, proactive engagement, innovation.
• Risk management, gender and culturally sensitivity.
• Ability to work under pressure and demonstrates high tolerance for change, complexity, and unpredictability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or relevant field is required.
• A first-level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Computer literate, with proficiency with office software packages, experience in handling web-based management and knowledge management systems, and experience with graphic design, still photography, video editing, and event and campaign coordination.

Experience Description:

• At least five years of professional work experience at national or international level in public relations, communications, or advocacy, including in media relations.
• At least five years of professional experience in communications, print, broadcast, and/or media.
• At least five years of professional experience working with/or in government departments, national and international NGOs, and other UN agencies, especially in EVAWG.
• Proficiency in design, photography, videography, social media campaigns, or other similar skills is an asset.
• Experience in the use of social media.
• Experience in media relations is an asset.
• Experience working in Pacific, Papua New Guinea, or similar contexts, is an asset.
• Experience working in the UN System and managing EU-funded projects is an asset.

Language and other skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Tok Pisin is an asset.
• Working knowledge of another local language is an asset.
• Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools, ability to use Internet and email.

Submission of application:

Interested candidates are requested to submit an electronic application to the UNDP website before 11 September 2023COB (PNG time). Note that eligible PNG National candidates meeting the requirements are encouraged to apply.

Submission package:

• Resume with details of qualifications, competency, and work experiences.
• Letter of Interest containing the statement on the candidate’s experience in the field of recruitment
• Financial proposal. The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount breaking down the lump sum professional fee and international travel expenses for the International consultant (from the country of origin to Port Moresby and back), visa and other travel-related costs, and travel expenses within Port Moresby and the above local trips including travel expenses. Use Annex II Template below

All applications must include (as an attachment) the resume and the financial proposal. Applications without financial proposal will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the Cumulative analysis.

• Technical Qualification (100 points) weight; [70%]
• Financial Proposal (100 points) weight; [30%]

A two-stage procedure is utilized in evaluating the proposals, with an evaluation of the technical proposal being completed prior to any price proposal being compared. Only the price proposal of the candidates who passed the minimum technical score of 70% of the obtainable score of 100 points in the technical qualification evaluation will be evaluated.

Technical qualification evaluation criteria:

The total number of points allocated for the technical qualification component is 100. The technical qualification of the individual is evaluated based on the following technical qualification evaluation criteria tailored for a Communications Specialist:

Only the candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% of the total points will be considered technically qualified candidates for the Communications Specialist role.

Financial/Price Proposal Evaluation:

• Only the financial proposal of candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation will be considered and evaluated.
• The total number of points allocated for the price component is 100.
• The maximum points will be allotted to the lowest price proposal that is opened/ evaluated and compared among those qualified candidates who have attained a minimum of 70% score in the technical evaluation. All other price proposals will receive points in inverse proportion to the lowest price.

Annex II: Price Proposal Submission Form

[ Mandatory document for the Consultant to complete and submit]

To:      United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Ref: ________________________________________________________________________

            [ name of consultancy position]

Dear Sir / Madam,

I, the undersigned, offer to provide professional consulting services to UN Women within the scope of the referred Assignment.

Having examined, understood and agreed to the Terms of Reference and its annexes, the receipt of which are hereby duly acknowledged, I, the undersigned, offer to deliver professional services, in conformity with the Terms of Reference.

My maximum total price proposal for the assignment is given below:

I confirm that my financial proposal will remain unchanged.  I also confirm that the price that I quote is gross, and is inclusive of all legal expenses, including but not limited to social security, income tax, pension, etc., which shall be required applicable laws.

I agree that my proposal shall remain binding upon me for the duration of the contract timeline i.e. __________________________ days / weeks / months / year.

I understand that you are not bound to accept any proposal you may receive.