Background

Realization of Sustainable Development Goals remains a formidable challenge for Sri Lanka despite having made significant strides in reducing poverty and promoting social development. Sri Lanka having downgraded to a Lower Middle Income Country (LMIC) is faced with the threat of the ‘triple traps’ - the middle-income trap, the inequality trap, and the imbalance trap - that may jeopardize the country’s ability to transition to high income status and achieve the SDGs. Addressing of the triple traps is important for the country’s achievement of SDGs. However, concerted action needs to be taken at the current juncture. The gap between the current and desired trajectory on SDG achievement presently is manageable and well within country capacity to bridge provided action is taken now before the gaps become wider and unmanageable.

With over five decades of experience in Sri Lanka and with a global footprint spanning over 150 countries, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has undertaken the task of providing support to the Sustainable Development Council so that the SDG driven planning and financing agenda can be progressed as part of a broader SDG integration and acceleration agenda.

UNDP in close coordination with the Sustainable Development Council can convene a multitude of stakeholders which would be vital for the identification and understanding of solutions that would address country’s development challenges, accelerators and prioritizations. The timing of the intervention is even more pivotal in light of the COVID-19 crisis which has the potential to adversely affect the baseline trajectory and make the Agenda 2030 even more challenging

The Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka (SDC) is the government agency tasked with monitoring and evaluation of government organizations that are working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals that have been undertaken by Sri Lanka, in accordance with the United Nations (UN). To ensure success of National Policy and Strategy, in compliance with Global Pledges and sustainable environmental standards, the Sustainable Development Council aims to consistently facilitate, monitor and review the development of Sri Lanka’s sustainable growth. Effective communication function both internally and externally ensures the successful implementation of this and promotes sustainable development. The communications consultant will ensure in facilitating this and strengthen the existing architecture.

The Consultant will be based primarily at the SDCSL office in Colombo and will work closely with the Director General and staff of the SDCSL. The Consultant will report to UNDP’s Communications and Engagement Analyst under the overall guidance from UNDP’s SDG Integration Specialist for contractual purposes in carrying out the key responsibilities of the assignment.

The objectives of this assignment are;

• to assist the SDCSL improve its communications, advocacy and outreach activities;
• to broaden and deepen awareness of the SDGs, as well as the role, mandate and activities of the SDCSL, so that it is able to effectively engage with key audiences (government ministries, policy makers, donors, media, civil society and the general public);
• create brand recognition and lift media profile of the SDCSL and its activities;
• introduce intervention instruments, highlight individual projects to different audiences and mobilize partners, stakeholders, and the general public to advocate on the SDG acceleration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Communications and Engagement Analyst and the SDG Integration Specialist, the Communications Consultant will be responsible for the following functions:

• Conduct a communication needs assessment for the SDCSL taking into account existing projects and activities, corporate requirements etc. and propose specific and costed options that respond to the needs assessment;
• Plan and design internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focused on impact and results, transparency, advocacy, partner engagement and other corporate priorities;
• Draft, summarize and edit succinct communications pieces of varying length for different internal and external audiences in close cooperation with the Director General of the SDCSL;
• Support the substantive revision of content aimed at media outreach in coordination with the author(s), and communications focal points within SDCSL;
• Under the guidance of the Director General of the SDCSL and authors/specialists support the drafting and/or editing of publications to ensure clarity, consistency and readability of the text for the intended audience;
• Support and advise on the design and layout of knowledge products (e.g. reports, posters, infographics, images, dynamic presentations, etc.) for internal and external audiences, and for presentation, print and online use;
• Prepare materials for printing in line with UNDP editorial and visual guidelines, advising on print solutions, coordinating with printers and ensuring delivery of final error-free agreed materials;
• Work with relevant SDCSL staff to draft media advisories and press releases;
• Work with relevant SDCSL staff on revamping and content development for SDCSL website
• Liaise with media for press releases and events, establish media connections and aim to get maximum media attention for press releases, special events, press interview either through broadcast or print media;
• Monitor social media trends for outreach purposes and appropriately apply that knowledge to increasing the use of social media at UNDP;
• Create and design infographics and manage Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts;
• Oversee the production of quality videos;
• Assist in curating and posting stories, blogs, photos and videos on SDCSL channels;
• Throughout the period of the assignment, train and build the capacity of SDCSL communications staff through workshops and mentoring.

The consultant should submit all reports/deliverables for clearance to the Director General, Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka and subsequent approval to be obtained from the UNDP Communications and Engagement Analyst and SDG Integration Specialist.

DELIVERABLES

1. Submit a detailed work plan for completion of the consultancy.
2. Submit draft communications strategy for the SDCSL to UNDP and the DG, SDCSL for comments.
3. Finalize and submit final communications strategy for the SDCSL.
4. Complete at least 2 communications capacity building workshops for SDCSL staff as identified in the initial work plan and continue to mentor and support communication capacity building within the SDCSL.
5. Knowledge products and communications material developed for the use of SDCSL.
6. Submit final completion report detailing activities completed at the end of the consultancy.

TIMEFRAME

The envisaged timeframe of the consultancy for a period of 60 days within a period of 6 months from signing of contract.

Competencies

• Storytelling Skills;
• Language – Excellent English language skills in addition to Sinhala/ Tamil.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field;
• At least 5 years of experience in generating communications, communication strategies, media operations and advocacy material via various media (i.e. print, video, websites);
• Experience in development communication issues and demonstrated experience in communicating climate change work tailored to different audiences is a distinct advantage;
• Experience in UN related communications an asset;
• Proficiency and experience with media and social media software, applications and communication tools;
• Experience in Storytelling Skills;
• Language – Excellent English language skills in addition to Sinhala/ Tamil.

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive cost : LKR (

Amount in words: Rs.

Lump Sum fee (equivalent to daily fee x no. of days)

Please use the link Offerors Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability to furnish the financial proposal.

Number of days refers to actual days that the consultant works in order to produce deliverables as required by the ToR, NOT the number of days covering the whole period of consultancy

1. Submit a detailed work plan for completion of the consultancy - 4 days
2. Submit draft communications strategy for the SDCSL to UNDP and the DG, SDCSL for comments - 10 days
3. Finalize and submit final communications strategy for the SDCSL - 3 days
4. Support the development of knowledge products and communication material for the use of the SDCSL - 25 days
5. Complete at least 2 communications capacity building workshops for SDCSL staff as identified in the initial work plan, and continue to mentor and support communication capacity building within the SDCSL - 14 days
6. Submit final completion report detailing activities completed at the end of the consultancy - 4 days

Financial proposals to be submitted by the consultant via email to consultants.lk@undp.org

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Daily Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (local and international - economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per diem and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments for this consultancy will be based on the achievement of each deliverable and certification that each has been satisfactorily completed. Payments will be based on the number of days worked in correlation to the completion of each stated deliverable within the indicated timeframes. Payments will be made upon submission of deliverables with an approval of the SDG Integration Specialist at UNDP Sri Lanka. An IC Time Sheet must be submitted by the Contractor, duly approved by the Individual Contractor’s supervisor, which shall serve as the basis for the payment of fees.

Payment for services shall be on the completion of the following key milestones:

Deliverable and Target Submission Date

1. Submit a detailed work plan for completion of the consultancy - 05/03/2021
2. Submit draft communications strategy for the SDCSL to UNDP and the DG, SDCSL for comments - 18/03/2021
3. Finalize and submit final communications strategy for the SDCSL - 05/04/2021
4. Support the implementation of the communications strategy and complete at least 2 communications capacity building workshops for SDCSL staff as identified in the initial work plan. Mentor and support communication capacity building within the SDCSL - 20/08/2021
5. Submit final completion report detailing activities completed at the end of the consultancy - 25/08/2021