UNESCO
DUE: 15 JUNE 2023
Grade : Level 2
Parent Sector : Communication and Information Sector (CI)
Duty Station: Harare
Job Family: Communication and Information
Type of contract : Non Staff
Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months
Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates
Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 21-JUN-2023
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
Only nationals or those eligible to work in Zimbabwe can apply for this position
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
Zimbabwe has held two cycles of Harmonized Elections since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution. Following the 2018 elections, and with support from the current Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Capacity Building (ZIM-ECO) project, ZEC undertook post-election reviews with various stakeholders, which guided the ZEC Strategic Plan for 2020 to 2024. The Plan is an important document, which also seeks to address the observer recommendations from the 2018 harmonized elections.
ZIM-ECO2 project sets to build on the project’s first phase successes and support Zimbabwe in the critical next cycle of elections.
In Phase Two, ZIM-ECO will continue to support Zimbabwe for the conduct of genuine elections, notably through working with ZEC to be independent, impartial, transparent, professional and sustainable, and for election processes to be implemented in a manner that ensures accountability, inclusive participation and that furthers justice and peace.
The project is articulated around four outcome areas of which UNESCO is involved in output Activity Result 2.3 which seeks to support strengthened media capacity for responsible election reporting.
UNESCO will contribute to media capacity strengthening with a focus on four key action areas:
i. Developing media code of conduct guidelines
ii. Support to training of media professionals
iii. Enhancing the capacity of Zimbabwe Media Commission
iv. Strengthening the capacity of Zimbabwe Media Actors to reduce disinformation and hate speech on social media.
DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONSULTANT
Under the overall authority of the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, overall guidance of the Regional Adviser for Communication and Information, S/He will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:
1. Contribute to planning and delivery of Media Capacity Strengthening activities for the effective implementation of all activities related to Project work plan for the project entitled: Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Capacity Building Project Phase Two, hereinafter referred to as ZIM-ECO2.
2. Provide technical support to all partners to ensure implementation of all proposed activities related to the 4 action areas outlined above that include coordinating media training workshops, following up on ongoing work with partners, monitoring and evaluation etc.
3. Participate in Monitoring and Evaluation, and reporting and documentation of Communication and Information (CI) sector activities. This includes, and is not limited to drafting reports, maintaining an archive of photographs, newspaper articles, and drafting articles and other visibility actions of CI Sector related activities in the project
4. In close consultation with the Adviser for Communication and Information, collaborate with the Zimbabwe Elections Commissions (ZEC) , Zimbabwe Media Commission, Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe and other participating UN Agencies in the effective implementation of Project activities and ensuring Regulatory and technical aspects of the project are adhered to during project implementation.
5. Document all lessons learnt and best practices during project implementation
6. Ensure that gender is properly mainstreamed during the implementation of all project activities.
7. Submit implementation reports for ZIM-ECO2 activities and other UNESCO Communication and Information activities delivered by the last date of every month following UNDP reporting guidelines.
8. Be able to regularly travel across Zimbabwe as required to coordinate and participate in project activities and those of project partners.
9. Work on any other assignment as advised by the Adviser for Communication and Information at UNESCO ROSA.
10. The Consultants should be ready to work on site.
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
• Draft a project implementation and reporting plan aligned to the election cycle in Zimbabwe and ZIM-ECO2 project deliverables.
• Execute project deliverables in accordance to the approved project implementation plan.
• Prepare monthly analytical reports in the English language and agreed formats – containing an executive summary, background, lessons learnt, conclusion and recommendations, with the main text focusing on findings, conclusion and recommended actions, supported by summaries of data collected, graphs where applicable and citations for any references used in interpreting the data.
• Present project results to UNESCO, and other project stakeholders to fulfill ZIM-ECO2 project requirements.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
Accountability (C)
Communication (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
Professionalism (C)
REQUIRED SKILLS
Planning and organizing skills for timely and efficient realization of project objectives with minimal resources and value for money.
High levels of integrity and maintenance of ethical standards and professionalism
Acts with accountability by taking responsibility for own actions.
Effective communication skills and competencies as well as mastery of ICT skills for internal and external communication needs.
Team-working skills for effective fostering of a positive and collaborative working environment within UNESCO and with other project partners and donors.
National or international accreditation in a relevant professional body will be an advantage
Ability to work independently in a timely manner; and ability to collect and analyze data; and prepare and present reports.
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.
REQUIRED EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in media, social sciences, development studies Governance or related areas and experience in media
WORK EXPERIENCE
At least 5 years’ experience in Governance or communication for development field.
Demonstrable technical proficiency in elections work
Experience in working with communities for community mobilization
Experience in coordinating media work in previous elections is an advantage
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Consultant to be contracted is expected to have extensive experience with media and elections work
LANGUAGES
Excellent knowledge of English. Understanding of Shona and Ndebele is an advantage.
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS
This will be at a level of middle consultant based on relevant experience.
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website.
Develop a technical proposal of ten pages maximum, in English explaining how you are qualified to undertake this work, and outline the approach you would use for the assignment.
The technical proposal must include the Consultant’s expertise, experience and references of previous similar work completed as well as an elaboration of the Consultant’s competency.
Any expenses not included in the final contract with the consultant shall not be entertained, unless mutually agreed upon.
TO APPLY
Kindly send a copy of your technical proposal and CV in English by email to vacancies.harare@unesco.org by 15 June 2023.
No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.