JO36696 – International Consultancy (Home-based) “Strengthening Two-Way Communication with Communities: capacity building and tools”

Agency: UNHCR MENA Regional Bureau in Amman

Title of project: Strengthening Two-Way Communication with Communities: capacity building and tools (CwC Toolbox)

Purpose of project:

Building upon operations’ experience and priorities for outreach and communication with communities (CwC) in MENA and in connection with ongoing initiatives, the project seeks to further enhance CwC in the region through the provision of support and capacity building to operations and partners, social media listening, and inclusive CwC tailored to the information needs and preferences of diverse communities.

Duration and dates of the assignment: ASAP until 31 December 2022.

Duty Station: Home-based

1. General Background of Project or Assignment:

The 2018 UNHCR Policy on Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) emphasized the importance of communication and transparency interventions for refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, returnees, people in mixed movements and host communities, in coordination with relevant stakeholders and duty-bearers. This approach echoes the Global Compact for Refugees [1]**

In 2020, the MENA Protection Service conducted a mapping and research into inter-agency CwC tools, with a focus on accessibility for women, men, boys, girls, persons with disabilities and people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities (SOGI). This included research and mapping of existing CwC activities and tools currently applied in the region by UNHCR and partners in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, and Turkey (“In Touch with Refugees”2021). The research showed an increased focus on CwC and the use of innovative technologies to reach all people of concern. The research also highlighted several challenges across organizations and in line with self-assessments to effective CwC in MENA, underscoring need to develop the technical skills of field operations and all actors involved in the daily implementation of CwC, increase coordination among different actors to harmonize messages and prevent rumours and misinformation, and update existing CwC materials to reach persons of concern to UNHCR of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

2. Overall purpose and Scope of Assignment:

Concise and detailed description of activities, including measurable outputs and delivery dates, impact indicators (what qualitative and quantitative results would be achieved upon completion of individual contract), performance indicators (timelines, value of the service rendered in relation to the cost, timeliness) and work plan: The final product (e.g., survey completed, data collected, workshop conducted, research documents produced specify):

In consideration of the needs outlined above and to promote effective and tailored access to information, protection, and solutions for persons of concern of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, the project will aim at supporting the implementation of streamlined CwC in MENA through timely and specialized advice, structured capacity building, and inclusive tools.

Expected outcomes include:

1. Provide advice and enhance capacity across MENA operations on two-way communication with communities and CwC practitioners from different sectors. This includes support on the development and/or update of country operations outreach/CwC strategies, identification of information needs and preferred CwC channels, and assessment of CwC capacity. This may include advice on production of analogue and digital CwC tools, social media marketing, and CwC strategies. This will be done through one-to-one interventions, webinars and participation in one regional face-to-face workshop.
2. Conduct one cycle of social media listening and provide practical tailored and inclusive tools, based on information needs assessments across the region, the consultant will develop 20 templates and cartoons for illustration (EN/FR/AR-inclusive communication) (digital, printable, and video animation) with tailored message. Content will be provided in consultation with thematic experts at the MENA Regional Bureau, operations, partners and the communities, including through the MENA Community Protection Network.
3. Provide a CwC toolbox comprising capacity building and CwC materials produced during the implementation of the project, supporting the work of the MENA community protection Network.

3. Required Qualifications:

Essential:

• University degree in community development, social science, human rights, public information, Audio-visual communication, anthropology, cultural studies or any other relevant field
• 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
• Previous experience in communication with communities in humanitarian/development contexts.
• Expertise on traditional and digital communication tools in humanitarian and development contexts, including development and implementation (help.org, WhatsApp, hotlines, videos, cartoons, leaflets and awareness raising campaigns)
• Expertise on community engagement and participation, including face-to-face strategies.
• Technical and practical understanding of accessibility and inclusion strategies and related functionalities.
• Capacity to develop information and two-way communication systems.
• Capacity to deliver all requested products within the established deadline.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English language

Desirable:

• Previous experience in communication with communities with UNHCR and/or other UN agencies
• Knowledge of UNHCR’s protection mandate and the inter-agency context.
• Familiarity with other organizations conducting communication with communities in MENA and/or other regions.
• Excellent knowledge of French and/or Arabic languages