National Consultant – Communications Strategy IAS

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Monday 25 Apr 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

Brief project description: The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) comprises some 607 islands, including its four High Island states of Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae that span a distance of some 2,700 km. Its oceanic islands are home to some of the most biologically diverse forests and coral reefs in the world, rich in species and many of which are endemic. Globally significant features include: the world’s deepest trench (Marianas); among the world’s most endangered rainforests on Mt Winipot (Chuuk State); the largest green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookery in insular Pacific; globally rare montane cloud forests at just 450 m on Pohnpei and Kosrae; and a diversity of marine ecosystems from high volcano islands with fringing and barrier reefs to coral atolls including Chuuk Lagoon, among the world’s largest (3,130 km2) and deepest (60 m).

Invasive alien species (IAS) are the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Pacific Islands. They are the largest cause of extinction of single-country endemics in the Pacific, as well as contributing to the loss of traditional crop varieties, and they also impact on food security and tourism. Moreover, the threat is increasing as island nations develop, resulting in greater mobility among people, goods, and supplies. Introduced plant species, for example, account for 22% of plants in Kosrae, 40% in Pohnpei, 37% in Chuuk and 39% in Yap. In addition to established IAS are others of significant concern (e.g. Brown Tree Snake, Little Fire Ant and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle) because they occur in Pacific countries that trade with FSM. Indeed, Little Fire Ant was detected in Yap in August 2017.

The project is designed to safeguard biodiversity in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including agricultural and fisheries production systems, from the impacts of IAS by strengthening the institutionalization and enforcement of biosecurity measures across all sectors of government (federal and state), the private sector and civil society. Given that natural barriers to the spread of invasive species are thwarted by the movement of people, their goods and supplies, everyone (governments, citizens, visitors and traders) has a shared responsibility to safeguard natural and production ecosystems from the impacts of IAS. Hence, inadequate institutional policy and regulatory frameworks, lack of IAS awareness and understanding, and very limited operational capacity are the key barriers to be addressed under the project’s three components

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

The Safeguarding biodiversity from invasive alien species in the Federated States of Micronesia Project was approved in 2021. Outcome 2 focusses on enhancing biosecurity awareness and capacity to safeguard terrestrial and marine ecosystems and agricultural and fishery production systems. This communications Strategy and Action Plan will be developed at project inception to guide awareness raising among the different government and corporate sectors, civil society and visitors from overseas. The GEF funding will allow for the establishment of comprehensive biosecurity and IAS training, based on clearly identified competencies. Fundamental to informing such capacity building is an understanding of current levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding IAS. Hence, the GEF investment will be focused on developing and implementing communications and outreach campaigns for a range of target groups, based on a clear communications strategy and informed by KAP baseline surveys within each State. The consultant may consider other qualitative methods such as focus group discussions. A significant part of the communication program will be to prepare people for change, helping them to understand the rationale and benefits of such changes, and alerting them to opportunities. Significant and potentially challenging examples include: The fundamental principle that every individual, community and organization has a responsibility towards IAS, ensuring that their activities do not increase the likelihood of IAS being introduced to new areas nor extending their existing areas of distribution. The communications plan will be updated during mid-term and prior to terminal evaluation of project. The Communications Strategy that is focused on targeting the relevant audiences the key messages and information.

It is anticipated that the consultant will develop an overarching national communications strategy, followed by 4 state-based action plans.

A preliminary framework for such a strategy has been developed during the project formulation stage to guide its development. The Strategy will take into account: gender equity and other social inclusion issues identified in the Gender Analysis and Action Plan for mainstreaming gender; and the Biosecurity Information System (BIS) planned under Component 4, which will enhance access to information and networking.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

  • National IAS communications Strategy and Action Plan
  • State Based IAS Action Plans

Institutional Arrangement

  • The consultant will be monitored, overseen and supervised by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in close cooperation with DRD. The consultants will be home based and expected to technical support at national level and in all four states. Consultant is expected to also spend time with IAS project. DRD is to provide office space.
  • The consultant is expected to produce a final report upon successful completion of activities according to the agreed schedules.
  • The consultant is expected to provide his/her own computer.

Duration of the Work

The consultancy is for 50 days commencing no later than April 25 and completion no later than August 4.

  • The consultant shall be engaged to undertake the consultancy working concurrently according to a planned schedule to be completed by the latest August 4.
  • The consultant company is expected to propose a work plan, budget and timelines to achieve the expected outputs with the appropriate methodology.

Duty Station

The consultant will be home based but may be expected to travel to field within Pohnpei. The Consultant is expected to supply their own computer/including camera.

Competencies

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
  • Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
  • Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
  • Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
  • Proficiency in the use of office IT applications and internet in conducting research;
  • Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
  • Positive, constructive attitude to work;

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications:

  • Minimum degree in natural or environmental sciences, conservation, biology, communications and/ or other related expertise areas and/or 10 years of relevant experience

Experience

  • Previous experience undertaking consultancies for development agencies
  • At least 10 years relevant professional experience in environmental conservation and community-based conservation
  • Experience in development and implementation of communications, outreach and awareness-raising relating to environmental issues
  • Experience in project management with invasive alien species prevention and management in FSM is essential
  • Strong networks working with government, as well as, civil society/private organizations, communities
  • Strong networks at state and national level is necessary
  • Expertise, sensitivity and knowledge on gender issues are required.
  • Experience in developing strategies and action plans

Language requirements

Fluency of English language is required (verbal and written)

Understanding of local language is advantageous.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.undp.org