Communications Specialist (Strategic Plan Development), Retainer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were introduced by the United Nations (UN) and its member states in 2015 to replace the expiring Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The SDGs consist of 17 goals focused on achieving peace, prosperity, and sustainability for people and the planet through partnerships.

As a member of the UN, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has endorsed the SDGs and established a coordination body under the Prime Minister's Office to handle SDG affairs. To implement the SDGs in Bangladesh, the GoB has undertaken various initiatives and established teams and offices dedicated to SDG implementation. These include the SDGs implementation and review committee, the SDGs Working Team, the Division, District, and Upazila Committees for SDGs Implementation Reviews, the National Data Coordination Committee (NDCC), the National Conference on SDGs Implementation Review (SIR), and the Global Review Mechanism of the SDGs. The GoB's long-term plan also includes monitoring 140 indicators,

66 of which are derived from the SDGs indicators.

The GoB believes that achieving the SDGs faster requires effective engagement of all stakeholders, including local governments. The nature of the SDGs necessitates inclusive planning, implementation, and monitoring, which calls for multi-stakeholder participation. To facilitate this, the GoB has established platforms that track and monitor SDGs by assigning coordinating ministries/divisions to specific goals and fostering collaboration with UN agencies.

In Bangladesh's top-down approach to SDG administration, the Principal Coordinator of SDG Affairs and the 25 concerned ministries form the SDG committee. The Prime Minister's Office acts as a member and convenor of the committee, with the Bangladesh Planning Commission serving as the member secretary. This committee is further cascaded down to administrative structures at the upazila, district, and divisional levels, ultimately reporting to the Cabinet and PMO.

The SDGs Implementation Reviews Committee comprises 27 secretaries, and the ministries/divisions are assigned lead, co-lead, and associated responsibilities for the SDG Action Plan. Data gap analysis has been completed, and a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework has been formulated, outlining the current state, desired outcomes, and documentation of progress.

The SDG Affairs Office aims to localize SDG monitoring at the upazila level. However, it has observed a lack of communication between activities at the PMO and line ministries, let alone with lower administrative structures. In a recent study, it was found that nearly 70% of university students are unaware of the SDGs.

According to a paper by the Center for Policy Dialogue, there is insufficient interaction between the media and non-state actors concerning the SDGs, hindering increased and improved reporting on the SDGs. The center recommends greater engagement between civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media, as well as capacity-building for journalists to utilize the SDGs as an accountability tool when reporting on development and social challenges.

To ensure the success of SDG localization in Bangladesh, the SDG Affairs Office is taking initiatives to decentralize and integrate national initiatives at the local level. The office plans to reach out to various groups, including community technicians, teachers, health professionals, engineers, transport workers, students, youth, farmers, and the wider community, in order to involve everyone in achieving the SDGs.

The Communications Specialist will develop an action plan oriented and budget incorporated communication strategy that the SDG affairs office will implement to disseminate information regarding SGDs and help multiple stakeholders embrace the SDGs.

Functional Responsibilities

Scope of the work: In order for the SDG communication strategy to be developed and implemented under the SDG affairs office leaderships, there is a plan to recruit consultants to help develop and costed strategic plan development. The strategic development process will have multiple stages of consultation and formulation of objectives. 1. Stakeholder engagement and analysis: the main purpose of the stakeholder analysis is to explore the communication channel for each target group. The consultant will conduct an individual in depth interview (IDI) and key informant interviews (KII) with professionals working in the SDG tracking from Government, UN and other development partners (a minimum of ten interviews to be conducted)

The consultant will conduct Focus Group Discussion(FGD) with community members (media/communication professionals, development workers, students, government employees and other relevant communities). At least 10 FGDs will be conducted.

2. Review of documents: scientific papers, working documents, reports from government and other development partners including UN and other bilaterals will be exhaustively reviewed. Gaps in relation to knowledge and information dissemination will be documented to help identify channels of communication.

3. Development of a strategic document:

a)Write up and first draft: The strategic document has to address - How SDG can be effectively communicated to different stakeholders and community members. The strategy shall address inclusion of gender and disability. - What key messages shall be communicated to different segments of population (Targets) - How to identify and engage early adopters and experienced professionals (on job or retired) to this initiative. - How to monitor the strategy implementation. - How to measure the success of the implementation of the strategy. - Detailed activities with timelines. - Resources required to implement the strategy

b) Review of the draft documents: the consultant will make a presentation of the first draft of the communication strategy to partners selected by the SDG affairs office of the PM and UNOPS. The workshop will be organized by UNOPS and the consultant will facilitate the workshop to gather relevant comets. The workshop will have a group work and feedback session. Apart from the workshop, the consultant will facilitate an online platform (google sheet) to allow time for major stakeholders selected by UNOPS and SDG affairs office to provide comments on the document.

The consultant shall always avail itself to clarify questions and queries raised by the reviewers, The consultant will do all what is required to incorporate comments coming from the reviewers.

As required a second round review worksop could be organized, where the participants might be limited to small circles from UNOPS and SDG affairs office.

c) Final document submission: the final SDG communication strategy will be submitted both in word and PDF format to UNOPS. The graphic design, logo and other format to be used will be communicated to the consultant at later stages. The final document will be presented in English.

The final document shall incorporate the following titles but not limited to:

• Title Page
• Executive Summary (max 2 pages)
• Acronyms
• Table of Contents
• Background
• Rationale
• Objectives of the strategy development
• Strategic objectives and detailed actions
• Budget

• Annexes : Monitoring plan, timeline of implementation, budget ….

  4. Channel of communication

  UNOPS will assign a focal person who will be the primary contact for the activities. Major decisions and changes will be communicated to the consultant through the focal point. All meetings conducted shall be minted. Both email and telephone communications are possible means of communication.

  5. UNOPS will support the consultant in the following: a) UNOPS will coordinate the IDI, KII and FDG participants.

b) UNOPS will allocate office space for the consultant to finalize its job.

c)UNOPS will provide vehicles for out of office work ( all activity will be carried out in Dhaka).

d) UNOPS will cover the cost of the workshops related activities.

e) UNOPS will help in printing of all materials required for the strategy development.

f) UNOPS will assign a local communication professional who will assist during data collection, translation and writeup.

g) Based on the inception report, work from home can be negotiated as feasible. 6. The consultant is expected to:

a) Work diligently and professionally

b) Use its own resources for recording and transcription of the stakeholder analysis

c) Maintain good relationships with stakeholders and shall refrain from any activity that affects the reputation of UNOPS. 7. Deliverables from the consultant a) Inception report and workplan (detailed methodology)

b) Documents of the IDI, KII and FDG reports

c) Final SDG communication strategy document

Timeline

The activity is expected to be finalized in six months time with a maximum of 40 working days level of effort.

• Submission of inception report
• Stakeholder analysis
• First writeup
• Validation Workshop
• Second writeup
• Second validation workshop
• Final write up
• Handover

Monitoring and Progress Controls

1. Inception report and workplan (detailed methodology)
2. Documents of the IDI, KII and FDG reports
3. Final SDG communication strategy document

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• MA in Mass communication, Public relation, International Development Studies or related field is required

Work Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in communications for development specifically related to SDG, United Nations Sustainable Cooperative Development Framework (UNSCDF) formulation and CCM (Country Coordinating Mechanism) analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in developing effective communications strategies for programmes with a wide range of stakeholders, based upon primary and secondary data analyses is required
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring the implementation of communications strategies for development cooperation focused programmes and projects is required.
• Ability to produce high quality policy materials, high level strategic documents and advice for development implementation.
• Successful track record of similar assignments and work experience in the region is desired

Language: - Fluency in English is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: IICA 2 Contract duration: 6 months (Maximum 40 working days)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.