Modality - Individual Consultancy Contract
Job title: Individual Consultant - Policy Communications & Knowledge Management
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Full/Part-time: Part time - Full time
Duration: 11 months
Organizational Setting
UNFPA is the lead UN agency committed to creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's new Strategic Plan (2023-2027) focuses on achieving three transformative goals: ending preventable maternal deaths, eliminating unmet needs for family planning, and eradicating gender-based violence and harmful practices.
In a world where fundamental human rights are increasingly at risk, we seek principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards and are prepared to defend them with courage and conviction.
UNFPA is looking for candidates who can inspire change, drive high-impact and sustained results, and demonstrate exceptional transparency in managing the resources entrusted to them. We seek individuals who are fully committed to delivering excellence in program outcomes.
Scope of Work
The India Country Office is now in its 10th Country Programme (CP-10). CP10 envisions an India where every woman and young person, including those from the most vulnerable groups, enjoys gender equality, fully realises sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, and fully contributes to sustainable development. Guided by the new UNFPA Strategic Plan, 20222025, the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the new country programme will galvanise efforts to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, and genderbased violence and harmful practices, including in humanitarian situations. The country programme was developed in consultation with national and State governments, civil society, United Nations organisations and other stakeholders, including women and youth-led organisations, based on the principles of inclusion, human rights and gender equality.
The Policy Communications & Knowledge Management Consultant will be a part of an exciting and dynamic team with opportunities to learn, contribute and co-create solutions which have lasting impact.
Deliverables and Responsibilities
As part of the UNFPA Odisha State Office under the direct supervision of the Head of Office and in close coordination with the Communications and Media unit at UNFPA Country Office, the Policy Communications & Knowledge Management Consultant, will be responsible for undertaking the following activities:
Policy
- Understand the approach and portfolio of UNFPA Odisha State Office in the context of the UNFPA & ICPD mandate as well as the socio-cultural context of the state.
- Conduct extensive research and analysis on domains within the scope of the UNFPA Odisha Office
- Study the existing policies of the Central and State Governments that are relevant to the UNFPA mandate and scope of work in the state
- Study the demographic, economic and social trends and emerging challenges that will be relevant to policy frameworks and decisions in the state.
- Visualise data to represent data analytics in innovative and easy to comprehend forms for diverse stakeholders for policy advocacy
Policy Communications
- Support in the development and execution of state specific communications and advocacy strategy and plan.
- Develop policy advocacy materials and knowledge products including reports, policy briefs, documents, frameworks, to influence policy decisions related to State priorities.
Knowledge Management
- Develop a strategy to, and support the team in streamlining the knowledge management and documentation of the work of UNFPA Odisha
- Facilitate sessions for the state and district teams to strengthen capacities in knowledge management and documentation at all levels
- Develop a comprehensive documentation of the overall approach and portfolio of work of UNFPA Odisha in coordination with the team
Communications
- Develop a comprehensive communications and advocacy strategy and plan for UNFPA Odisha for the year, incorporating national and state level comms plans (to be done in coordination with the country office)
- Develop programmatic communications products to complement the program and policy approach and objectives of the State office. This can include, but not limited to newsletters, brochures, leaflets, facts sheets, and power point presentations.
- Document flagship programmes and turn it into compelling products such as success stories, case studies, testimonials, human interest stories.
- Coordinate with Implementing Partners/Vendors to execute programme communications products such as case studies, photo and video documentation etc.
- Maintain database and repositories of communication assets /materials /photo/videos – with thematic categorization proper referencing.
- Utilise data visualisation to translate complex data patterns into compelling narratives (press releases, blog posts, infographics).
- Support the team with curation and coordination of events, campaigns, workshops highlighting the work of UNFPA Odisha and building relationships within the ecosystem.
- Facilitate dialogue between the government, civil society, and communities on issues in relevance of the State Office. This could involve organizing workshops, consultations, or online forums.
- Liaise with the Communications and Media unit and highlight state specific events via social media reportage and posts.
- Perform any other duties as requested by the State Head.
Duration and Working Schedule
Regular working schedule
Monday – Friday (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM).
Place where services are to be delivered:
- The candidate will be required to be based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- S/he will undertake travel when necessary and as feasible and approved by the supervisor. Costs for any necessary, pre-approved travel will be borne by the UNFPA State Office as per the travel guidelines.
How work will be delivered (e.g., electronic, hard copy etc.):
All deliverables to be submitted electronically. All products developed by the candidate will become the property of UNFPA.
Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
Qualification:
- University degree (Graduate) or equivalent qualification in communications, journalism, public relations, development, international relations, social sciences, public administration, or related fields.
- At least 4-5 years of relevant experience in Communications
- Proven experience in English and Odia editing and writing with familiarity of the development sector language and style.
- Proficiency in using design software and GIS tools to create visually compelling materials
- Knowledge and use of leading social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and others.
- Working knowledge of UNFPA mandate issues is an asset.
Skills
- Excellent writer and editor with strong attention to detail and the ability to alter writing style to reflect different audiences in English (required) and Odia (added advantage but not required).
- Strong visual communication and design skills (including data visualization)
- Experience in multimedia content creation (photography, videography, video editing and production, and coordinating with vendors).
- Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of design softwares such as Canva, Sales Force, Mail Chimp and/or Adobe Suite.
- Able to work and follow-up independently.
- Diplomacy, tact and patience.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Creative and confident pitching communication ideas and strategies.
- Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
- Cultural sensitivity and understanding of the Odisha context will be an added advantage
- Excellent attention to details.
Core Competencies
- Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise.
- Is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda
- Thrives in a dynamic team environment, actively contributing to a shared vision and goals.
- Actively seeks feedback and incorporates it to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable
UNFPA in-house professionals will provide the necessary technical support.
Remuneration, monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The consultancy fee will be commensurate with the salary history and qualifications of the selected candidate.
The candidate will report to the State Head of Office, Odisha
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
