Communications Specialist: Writer, Editor and Communications Support

The UNDP Lao PDR country office has recently developed a new communications strategy and work plan aligned to the Country Programme Document 2012-2015. The strategy will help to further resource mobilization efforts, create a stronger sense of identity for the UNDP Lao PDR and will ensure that the organizations purposes, goals and aims are clearly communicated to key stakeholders. To realize the strategy and implement the activities under the action plan a communications specialist with a strong writing background is required to further the impact of UNDP communications work in Lao PDR. The objective of this assignment is to ensure that all written materials are produced according to the key messages, goals and aims of UNDP Lao PDR, aligned to the Country Programme Document 2012-2015. All documents will need to be written and / or edited in a clear, concise and engaging manner. This will ensure that all stakeholders clearly understand the UNDP Lao PDR ‘narrative’, what the key development issues in Lao PDR are and the work and results of UNDP in addressing these. The Communications Specialist will work closely with the UNDP Lao PDR communications focal point in the drafting and editing of relevant materials. These will include but are not limited to the drafting of key strategic documents, speeches and booklets, in addition to editing work. The Communications Specialist will also be expected to work closely with programme staff in the drafting and editing of documents.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is a retainer contract for a 3-year period. The majority of work will be home based however the consultant may be required to travel to Vientiane for some assignments. These will be based at UNDP Lao PDR offices in Vientiane. There is no expected travel within Lao PDR. Final outputs: Drafting and editing of strategic UNDP Lao PDR documents. Drafting and editing of booklets and other written materials highlighting the focus and results of UNDP work. Drafting and editing of key speeches for UNDP and government counterparts. Drafting and editing of materials for local, regional and international press. Drafting and editing of content for UNDP Lao PDR website. Development of communications strategies and work plans For detailed information, please refer to Annex 1- Terms of Reference (TOR) TOR and General Terms and Conditions for Individual Consultants can be also downloaded at: http://www.undplao.org/vacancies/procurementnotice.php

Competencies

Analytical skills, communications abilities, teamwork. Proven experience of writing for media outlets, including international press. The consultant will have a strong knowledge of and networks with international media in the Asia Pacific region. Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in English

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations. Experience: Professional work experience in the communications area, combined with an unrelated degree. Minimum of eight (5) years experience Experience working within the United Nations system writing and/or editing strategic documents. Language: Fluency in written and spoken English. Requirements for submission of applications: All interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP website at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies/procurementnotice.php or http://jobs.undp.org/ UNDP Lao PDR will only accept applications submitted on-line. Documents to be included when submitting the proposals: Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrating their qualifications: Proposal should include: Letter of interest explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the work CV and P 11 form including past experience in similar projects/assignment Financial proposal – financial proposal should include daily fee and rates per page for editing work in US dollars. Instructions for on-line submissions: Please prepare all required documents electronicall Combine all documents in ONE SINGLE FILE (preferably in PDF however Word formats can be also accepted) and upload to the UNDP Jobs using the link above After that you will receive an auto reply from the UNDP jobs if it was received successfully. Evaluation of Proposals. Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology: Cumulative analysis: When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as: esponsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. * Technical Criteria weight; [ 0.7] * Financial Criteria weight; [ 0.3] Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 out of 70 score will be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Lowest price is given maximum points (e.g. 30), for other prices the points are assigned based on the following formula: [Amount of points = lowest price/other price * total points obtainable for financial proposal] Evaluation Criteria Weight Max. Point Technical Criteria A: At least 5-years experience in writing and editing strategic United Nations documents 0.3 30 Criteria B: At least 5-years experience in writing for international media 0.2 20 Criteria C: Experience in developing communications strategies and work plans 0.2 20 Financial 0.3 30 Note: Any request for clarification must be sent in writing to the following e-mail diyer.rasulov@undp.org. UNDP Lao PDR will respond in writing by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. The copies of the response will be also placed on our web-site at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies/procurementnotice.php and linked to the current Procurement Notice. All interested candidates are encouraged to visit the above web-site for updates. P11 can be found on the same web-site.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Communications Specialist: Writer, Editor and Communications Support