Communications Expert (Cancelled)

Result of Service The consultant will:

a) Provide ongoing written and oral reporting to the Head of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme and PLEAD Programme Manager: b) Provide monthly written reports to the Head of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme and PLEAD Programme Manager detailing work undertaken within the month: The final report is to be submitted within three (3) days prior to the end of the contract.

Work Location Nairobi, Kenya with travel to PLEAD II focal counties

Expected duration April - Dec 2023

Duties and Responsibilities 1. Background of the assignment:

As the global guardian of the UN Standards and Norms in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, UNODC is mandated to support Member States in upholding the Rule of Law, promoting crime prevention and effective, fair, humane and accountable criminal justice systems in line with the United Nations standards and norms on crime prevention and criminal justice and other relevant international legal instruments.

In line with this mandate, UNODC’s project titled “Reinforce the rule of law, improve access to justice, increase efficiency and accountability in the justice system and use of technology as an enabler of justice” aims to support in addressing capacity needs and persistent bottlenecks affecting service delivery in the justice sector. It also aims to advance digitalization to streamline the administration of justice and countering corruption will be central elements as the Government of Kenya seeks to improve access to justice for all Kenyans, including those at risk of exclusion and marginalization. The PLEAD component implemented by UNODC targets support to the following institutions in the justice chain (national partners): National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Probation and Aftercare Service (PACS), Witness Protection Agency (WPA), Directorate of Children Services (DCS), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) and National Police Service (NPS). On the other hand, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) through its flagship Amkeni Wakenya facility. The Programme is funded by the European Union and targets 19 counties namely: Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu and Nakuru, Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Meru, Kericho, Kisii Bungoma, Kakamega, Migori and Narok. The importance of raising public awareness for the success of criminal justice reforms cannot be over emphasised. Limited public awareness of alternatives to imprisonment, coupled with a low uptake of such sanctions by judicial officers, as having resulted in an over reliance on imprisonment. Communications and visibility continue to be central during PLEAD II planning and interventions. This recognizes the central importance of strategic communications, visibility and practical communications support to achieve the Programme’s objective and outputs.

2. Purpose of the assignment: The assignment entails bringing greater visibility to all PLEAD II national partners and raise awareness of their distinct mandates and services as well as to assist in building their brands. Furthermore, it seeks to raise the profile of PLEAD II through a range of activities and the use of different modes of communication, including audio-visual material and social media and other innovative ways. All with the purpose of enhancing the success of PLEAD II interventions and the obtainment of the objectives of the Programme.

3. Specific Tasks to be performed by the consultant:

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the UNODC Regional Representative for Eastern Africa and the direct supervision of the UNODC ROEA Head of Criminal Justice Programme and the PLEAD Manager. He or She will also be in close technical cooperation with the Associate Programme Officers under the Criminal Justice Programme in ROEA.

The Consultant will also work closely with the beneficiary institutions, PLEAD partners, the donor (European Union) and UNODC (Headquarters and ROEA) in performing the following substantive duties and responsibilities: a) Coordinate the development the PLEAD II Communications action plan, aligned to the UNODC Communications Action Plan (2021-2023), mandatory visibility requirements of the EU, the constitutional requirement for public participation, access to information and transparency and relevant policies guiding communication by Kenya Government institutions. b) Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation framework and implementation plan for PLEAD II on matters strategic communication and public relations. c) Provide technical assistance to national partners in the development or update of their respective communication strategies/policies as well as delivery of communication activities, such as sensitisation campaigns around specific thematic interventions. d) Drafting, at a high-quality level, various print and digital communication products, such as talking points, newsletter articles, press releases and social media and website content. e) Conducts media outreach, including by establishing and maintaining contact with national and regional media, placing op-eds and arranging interviews, organizing press conferences and briefings and monitoring press coverage of PLEAD II issues. f) Update UNODC ROEA social media accounts and website and thus ensure that there is regular content on PLEAD events and related activities. This includes monitoring user traffic and engagement and advise on continuous improvements. g) Raise visibility of PLEAD II and its partners as well as highlighting its positive impact on the criminal justice system and on all citizens. h) Identify new and innovative ways to enhance the visibility of PLEAD, especially by producing quality communications and information products to create awareness and publicity of the project. i) Initiate and sustain professional relationships with key partners and UN Agencies at the national and regional level and undertakes joint strategic activities with them; facilitates dialogues with partners to improve public engagement and increase understanding about PLEAD II’s mandate. j) Strengthening internal communications with improved systems for increased information sharing; identifies opportunities for strengthening of communications capacity. k) Coordinate the delivery of identified support services, such as communication, graphic design and layout, illustrations, translation, photography and video and audio production, and update the PLEAD publication master schedule. l) Provide hard data and system-wide evidence supporting and backing up the results using infographics, focusing on human stories of transformative change, photos and images with concise captions and summaries communicating PLEAD’s work. m) Bolster the partnership with criminal justice actors and other UN Agencies in the area of communications. n) Ensure that all PLEAD products, documents, materials and events give appropriate visibility to the European Union, including the correct application of its emblem, acknowledgement statement and standard disclaimers. o) Revision of PLEAD documents for publication. p) Provide communications support before, during and post events. q) Conduct a follow up study on the effectiveness of customer care equipment, IEC materials, curriculum and provide recommendations. r) Regular coordination with the donor (EU) and UNDP on matters communication.

Qualifications/special skills An advanced university (Master or equivalent) degree in journalism, communications or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, advocacy, or related fields is required.
• Experience in supporting justice reform or justice sector support programs is required.
• Experience in working with senior government officials in sensitive areas is desirable.
• Experience within an International Organization or the United Nations system is desirable.
• Working experience in programmes funded by the European Union is desirable.

• Working experience developing or updating communication strategies for governmental or non-governmental stakeholders is desirable.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Swahili is desirable. Knowledge of another United Nations Secretariat language is an advantage.

  No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.