UNICEF Zimbabwe is inviting proposals from individual International consultants for theDevelopment of Resource Mobilization Toolkit.

Background

Communicating the UNICEF country programme with partners, donors, and the general public lies at the heart of UNICEF’s communication and public advocacy work. It is critical that these audiences are familiar with UNICEF’s work across the entire spectrum of UNICEF programming and are conversant with the impact of these programmes. Information is also critical to dispelling myths and wrong facts about what UNICEF does and does not do.

But public communication also plays an equally important role in resource mobilization and fundraising. Often, it is awareness and familiarity with a programme that directly leads to resource mobilization. Donors are less likely to contribute to a programme that they know the least about, and vice-versa.

The current UNICEF Zimbabwe country programme is now in its first year of implementation. It is critical that a resource mobilization toolkit be developed to reflect the new programme, the changed programming realities, achievements, and challenges, and funding needs. It is equally important that the toolkit be accompanied by a country kit that explains UNICEF actions in Zimbabwe.

Objectives

The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a resource mobilization toolkit for the UNICEF Zimbabwe 2016-2020 country programme.

Methodology and Expected Outputs

Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication, the Consultant shall perform the following activities:-

• Carry out desk review of country programme documents and annual reports to determine input into the toolkit. Also review investment cases done elsewhere for best practice and relevant Government of Zimbabwe and ZUNDAF documents. Submit a production schedule, from writing, editing, designing and printing.
• Undertake informant interviews with programme staff to gain an understanding of programme goals, strategies, achievements, the programming environment, and funding needs.
• Submit a concept for the toolkit for clearance by UNICEF. The concept should include editorial content, layout and design, which will capture the objectives of the toolkit and tailored for its target audiences.
• Undertake field visits to selected project sites to research stories for the human interest angle.
• Draft text and submit to UNICEF for review and final clearance.
• Engage a creative designer and submit print-ready files to UNICEF.
• The consultant will work with a professional photographer who will be directly engaged by UNICEF.

Major tasks and Deliverables

Task: Conduct desk review. Submit a production schedule that includes writing, editing, designing and printing.

Deliverable: Production schedule.

Task: Undertake informant interviews with programme staff to gain an understanding of programme goals, strategies, achievements and the programming environment.

Task: Submit a concept for toolkit. The concept should include key themes, content structure, and sketch of the layout and design.

Deliverable: Concept

Task: Undertake field visits to selected project sites to research stories for the human interest angle of the toolkit.

Deliverable: Field trip report

Task: Draft text and submit to UNICEF for review and sign-off.

Deliverable: Submitted text

Task: Engage a creative designer and submit a print-ready file to UNICEF, including relevant specifications.

Deliverable: Print-ready file & specifications

All deliverables will have to meet expected quality as assessed by the supervisor of the assignment.

Timeframe

The consultancy will start in January 2016 and run for 60 working days.

Consultancy Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree in communication, development studies, social sciences or other relevant discipline

Work Experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in communication, development, or any related social science field;
• Strong communication and writing skills;
• Strong understanding of data, interpretation, analytical and critical thinking skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality of work;
• Computer literacy and knowledge of standard PC software packages.
• Knowledge of development issues facing women and children, human rights, social inclusion and social change, gender equality, and inclusive development.
• Experience in researching and writing on similar projects, with a demonstrated ability to complete a project of this nature.