UNDP Liberia

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/ISSA/2006/004

Date of Issue: 3 April 2006
Closing Date: 8 April 2006
Post Title : Civic Education Strategy Expert

Organization : Governance/(UNDP)

Duty Station : Monrovia, Liberia

Duration : Twenty-one (21) Working Days

Type of Contract : Special Service Agreement

This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.

BACKGROUND:

After 14 years of civil war in Liberia, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Community brokered Peace Agreement on August 18, 2003 in Accra Ghana between the GOL, LURD, MODEL, CSOs and political parties which among other things called for an end to civil war and the ushering in of a Transitional Administration, the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) effective October 14, 2003.

The Accra Peace Agreement termed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) provided the political and substantive framework for Liberia’s post-conflict recovery. It defined the terms of a ceasefire that led to the deployment of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and laid out structure and scope for the NTGL to guide the country towards democratic elections in 2005. The CPA led to the creation of the Electoral Reform Law (2004) that suspended certain provisions of the Constitution of Liberia and amended specific sections of the New Elections Law 1986. The electoral Reform Law also led to the creation of new provisions relating to the budget appropriations of the National Elections Commission. The Presidential and Legislative Elections were held on October 11 2005 as scheduled, and Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was inaugurated the Liberian President on January 16 2006.

In her inaugural speech on January 16 2006, which was again echoed in her address to the UN Security Council and the United States Congress, President Sirleaf enumerated many promises she has to keep and underscored the need for constructive engagement with the civil society. In her address to the United States Congress in March 2006 for example, President Sirleaf observed, “………I was elected through a free and peaceful process, I must preserve freedom and keep the peace. I campaigned against corruption, I must curb it. …I was elected with the massive vote of women, I must assure their needs are met. ……while we seek national unity and reconciliation, we must not sacrifice justice. ………we will demonstrate that democracy can work, even under the most challenging conditions. …”

UNDP, UNMIL, IFES, European Union (EU), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and other partners are supporting the Government in reinvigorating the promotion of democratic governance through among other efforts, support to the promotion of civic engagement through a vibrant civic society in the post conflict reconstruction and development.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRESENT STATUS:
Without doubt, the massive civic and voter education campaign conducted by the CSOs, and the National Elections Commission (NEC) with assistance from NTGL, UNMIL, UNDP, EC, IFES, NDI and other development partners, religious and general population immensely contributed in equipping Liberians with the knowledge and skills that made their participation in both the October 11 2005 Presidential and Legislative Elections, and the subsequent November 8 Presidential Run-off lively and effective.
However, it is worth noting that the civic education campaign began fairly late and also suffered from lack of closer coordination among partners, leading to duplication and in some cases cross funding of implementing partners by different donors. The level of funding too was enormous and may be less sustainable. It is also true that NEC and CSOs, with the support from international partners produced civic education manuals and other materials that supported the dissemination of information ahead of the holding the 2005 elections. As observed by the Steering on the development of a National Civic Education Master Plan (Programme) for Liberia, the process was less consultative and failed to address the local capacity in the process. In addition, some of the materials were not able to effectively address local realities since local ideas were not tapped in the process of their development.
The foregoing resulted into among others, uncoordinated approach in the promotion of civic education, lack of local capacity building in the design and development of civic education materials, and lack of sustainability and ownership of civic education programme. There was also lack of national mapping and needs assessment before the design of civic education programme. Consequently, the efficiency and effectiveness of the plethora of organizations accredited by NEC to conduct civic/voters’ education and undertake other electoral activities were compromised by ad hoc preparation resulting into overlapping and duplication of functions, lack of clarity and uniformity of actions. Wider consultation among partners, assessment of awareness levels and national mapping of implementing partners would have reduced the overlapping and under presentation of implementing agencies witnessed during the implementation of the programme.
Arising from the above observation, a steering committee has been set up to coordinate the development of a National Civic Education Master Plan. The Committee has approached UNDP to support the process, including the holding of a national workshop that is expected to serve as a forum for brainstorming amongst civil society organizations, ECOM and relevant government ministries/departments and other stakeholders for the ultimate development of a National Civic Education Master Plan. It is envisaged that the Master Plan, when developed, would give direction on the development of various civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials.
As pointed out by the Steering Committee in the request and proposal submitted to UNDP, the master plan is expected to focus on key interventions areas such as civic education for schools, rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-combatants, truth and reconciliation processes, corruption and accountability, civil society-state engagement, constitutional and other reform initiatives, civic responsibilities, community empowerment and environmental conservation, issues of gender and human rights, electoral systems and processes, citizens’ participation in decision-making processes, and the issue of the girl child.
UNDP therefore requires the services of an International Consultant to work along with two National Consultant to assist the Civic Education Steering Committee in the development of the proposed Master Plan for civic education.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The overall goal of this assignment is to develop a National Civic Education Master Plan, and give direction on the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials. The specific objectives are:

* To develop mechanisms for the engagement with government at policy decision level and monitoring of the government implementation of policy;

* To design a national framework for the delivery of civic education in Liberia. The framework should spell out the mechanisms for collaboration with actors in the government and civil society. The framework should also have a targeting strategy and performance monitoring system; and

* To identify the main themes for civic education programme for Liberia and propose a management and funding strategy for the same.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working in close collaboration with two national counterparts (Consultants), the Steering Committee, ECOM, relevant government ministries/departments, CSOs and national and international partners, it is expected that the International Consultant will perform the following tasks:

* Holding relevant consultations with key stakeholders to help determine the nature, location, scope, focus, and to solicit bye-in and general acceptability of the proposed Master Plan and civic education programme;

* Reviewing the existing civic and voter education messages and materials, and reports in the process of the development of the proposed Civic Education Master Plan;

* Facilitating the planned workshop and guide the development of the Master Plan;

* Developing a management and funding strategy for a national civic education programme; and

* Developing a roadmap for the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials.

EXPECTED RESULTS FROM INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT:

* A report of the Workshop on the development of the Master Plan;

* National Civic Education Master Plan;

* Fundraising and management strategy for the implementation of a national civic education programme; and

* A roadmap for the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS;

Inception Report Within 7 calendar days, the consultants will produce an inception report, which will outline progress to date, the consultants’ strategy and any difficulties.

First working drafts: 12 days after assuming duties, the consultants will present draft reports, which should include/cover, a working drafts on the proposed Master Plan.

Final Report/Master Plan: During the last four days of the assignment following feedback and comments on the draft submissions from all relevant stakeholders (including ECOM, Ministry of Education, political parties, Civil Society, UNDP, IFES, European Union, NDI) the consultants will prepare and submit to UNDP the final report on the four deliverables as outlined in the expected results.

THE CONSULTANT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

* Least a Masters Degree in one of the social sciences.

EXPERIENCE:

*Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in similar or related fields;

* Extensive experience in strategy development, communication, creative art, message and materials development and production; and

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

* Excellent working knowledge of MS Office-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet etc;

* Have practical experience in Development of voter and civic education messages and programmes in post conflict environment (A MUST);

* Familiarity with UN procedures preferable;

* Must be a self-starter with excellent demonstrated teamwork skills;

* Must be a Liberian citizen and able to meet strict deadlines; and

* Sound judgment, excellent analytical skills, strong networking and interpersonal skills, ability to plan, organize and coordinate work and to cope with a demanding workload is expected.

LANGUAGES:

* Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of one of the regional languages will be an asset.

Email application to this vacancy should be sent to vacancies.lr@undp.org. Please insert Vacancy Announcement Number in the Subject of the email or written application. Applications without the Vacancy Announcement Number or with the incorrect Vacancy Announcement Number will not be accepted. Attach photocopies of qualifications (i.e. technical certificates and academicals) and a one-page cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the position as well as previous work /institutional profile relevant to this consultancy. An indication of methodology to be adopted, work schedule and a budget must form part of the consultancy bid.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Please forward all written applications to:

Deputy Resident Representative (Operations)
Attention: HR Unit
United Nations Development Programme
Simpson Apartment, Sekou Toure Avenue, Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia

cc: All UN Agencies/ UNDP Projects/Programmes in Liberia

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UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/SSA/2006/006

Date of Issue: 4 April 2006
Closing Date: 14 April 2006

Post Title : Civic Education Strategy Expert (2 posts)

Organization : Governance/(UNDP)

Duty Station : Monrovia, Liberia

Duration : Sixty (60) Working Days

Type of Contract : Special Service Agreement

This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.

BACKGROUND:

After 14 years of civil war in Liberia, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Community brokered Peace Agreement on August 18, 2003 in Accra Ghana between the GOL, LURD, MODEL, CSOs and political parties which among other things called for an end to civil war and the ushering in of a Transitional Administration, the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) effective October 14, 2003.

The Accra Peace Agreement termed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) provided the political and substantive framework for Liberia’s post-conflict recovery. It defined the terms of a ceasefire that led to the deployment of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and laid out structure and scope for the NTGL to guide the country towards democratic elections in 2005. The CPA led to the creation of the Electoral Reform Law (2004) that suspended certain provisions of the Constitution of Liberia and amended specific sections of the New Elections Law 1986. The electoral Reform Law also led to the creation of new provisions relating to the budget appropriations of the National Elections Commission. The Presidential and Legislative Elections were held on October 11 2005 as scheduled, and Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was inaugurated the Liberian President on January 16 2006.

In her inaugural speech on January 16 2006, which was again echoed in her address to the UN Security Council and the United States Congress, President Sirleaf enumerated many promises she has to keep and underscored the need for constructive engagement with the civil society. In her address to the United States Congress in March 2006 for example, President Sirleaf observed, “………I was elected through a free and peaceful process, I must preserve freedom and keep the peace. I campaigned against corruption, I must curb it. …I was elected with the massive vote of women, I must assure their needs are met. ……while we seek national unity and reconciliation, we must not sacrifice justice. ………we will demonstrate that democracy can work, even under the most challenging conditions. …”

UNDP, UNMIL, IFES, European Union (EU), National Democratic Institute (NDI) and other partners are supporting the Government in reinvigorating the promotion of democratic governance through among other efforts, support to the promotion of civic engagement through a vibrant civic society in the post conflict reconstruction and development.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRESENT STATUS:
Without doubt, the massive civic and voter education campaign conducted by the CSOs, and the National Elections Commission (NEC) with assistance from NTGL, UNMIL, UNDP, EC, IFES, NDI and other development partners, religious and general population immensely contributed in equipping Liberians with the knowledge and skills that made their participation in both the October 11 2005 Presidential and Legislative Elections, and the subsequent November 8 Presidential Run-off lively and effective.
However, it is worth noting that the civic education campaign began fairly late and also suffered from lack of closer coordination among partners, leading to duplication and in some cases cross funding of implementing partners by different donors. The level of funding too was enormous and may be less sustainable. It is also true that NEC and CSOs, with the support from international partners produced civic education manuals and other materials that supported the dissemination of information ahead of the holding the 2005 elections. As observed by the Steering on the development of a National Civic Education Master Plan (Programme) for Liberia, the process was less consultative and failed to address the local capacity in the process. In addition, some of the materials were not able to effectively address local realities since local ideas were not tapped in the process of their development.
The foregoing resulted into among others, uncoordinated approach in the promotion of civic education, lack of local capacity building in the design and development of civic education materials, and lack of sustainability and ownership of civic education programme. There was also lack of national mapping and needs assessment before the design of civic education programme. Consequently, the efficiency and effectiveness of the plethora of organizations accredited by NEC to conduct civic/voters’ education and undertake other electoral activities were compromised by ad hoc preparation resulting into overlapping and duplication of functions, lack of clarity and uniformity of actions. Wider consultation among partners, assessment of awareness levels and national mapping of implementing partners would have reduced the overlapping and under presentation of implementing agencies witnessed during the implementation of the programme.
Arising from the above observation, a steering committee has been set up to coordinate the development of a National Civic Education Master Plan. The Committee has approached UNDP to support the process, including the holding of a national workshop that is expected to serve as a forum for brainstorming amongst civil society organizations, ECOM and relevant government ministries/departments and other stakeholders for the ultimate development of a National Civic Education Master Plan. It is envisaged that the Master Plan, when developed, would give direction on the development of various civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials.
As pointed out by the Steering Committee in the request and proposal submitted to UNDP, the master plan is expected to focus on key interventions areas such as civic education for schools, rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-combatants, truth and reconciliation processes, corruption and accountability, civil society-state engagement, constitutional and other reform initiatives, civic responsibilities, community empowerment and environmental conservation, issues of gender and human rights, electoral systems and processes, citizens’ participation in decision-making processes, and the issue of the girl child.
UNDP therefore requires the services of two National Consultants to work along with an International Consultant to assist the Civic Education Steering Committee in the development of the proposed Master Plan for civic education.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The overall goal of this assignment is to develop a National Civic Education Master Plan, and give direction on the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials. The specific objectives are:

* To develop mechanisms for the engagement with government at policy decision level and monitoring of the government implementation of policy;

* To design a national framework for the delivery of civic education in Liberia. The framework should spell out the mechanisms for collaboration with actors in the government and civil society. The framework should also have a targeting strategy and performance monitoring system; and

* To identify the main themes for civic education programme for Liberia and propose a management and funding strategy for the same.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working in close collaboration with the Steering Committee, ECOM, relevant government ministries/departments, CSOs and national and international partners, it is expected that the National Consultants will perform the following tasks:

* Assist International Consultant in holding relevant consultations with key stakeholders to help determine the nature, location, scope, focus, and to solicit bye-in and general acceptability of the proposed Master Plan and civic education programme,

* Support International Consultant in reviewing the existing civic and voter education messages and materials, and reports in the process of the development of the proposed Civic Education Master Plan,

* Support International Consultant in facilitating the planned workshop and guide the development of the Master Plan,

* Support International Consultant in developing a management and funding strategy for a national civic education programme,

* Work closely with International Consultant in developing a roadmap for the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials, and

*Develop civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials.

The Local Consultants are therefore expected to:

* Lead message development process for print materials,
* Lead message development workshop
* Lead technical review workshop
* Offer creative direction to the artist
* Lead the development of story boards for radio and TV spots,
* Assist in identifying radio and TV spots concepts,
* Develop media brief for advertising agency.
* Lead the design of Radio Serial Drama (RSD)
* Problem identification
* Development of RSD milestones
* Assist the Scriptwriters for RSD in development of characters and settings
* Assist the monitoring and evaluation officer in coming up with indicators
* Lead the process of developing the promotional materials for the RSD
* Lead in designing sentinel listening groups for the RSD.
* Provide leadership in the recording and direction of the RSD.
*Assist in developing spin offs from the radio as will be agreed
* Assist the artist by giving creative direction in imputing pre-test results
* Lead in the development and pre-test of the clarion call.

EXPECTED RESULTS FROM NATIONAL CONSULTANTS:

The Local Consultants will be expected to package and use themes identified and captured in the proposed civic education Master Plan for Liberia in the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials. The Local Consultants will also be expected to consult and work closely with other media consultants and producers and make recommendations on the best possible media strategy to be adopted in the dissemination of civic education messages and materials. More specifically, the following will be deliverable from the Local Consultants: -

*Civic Education Curriculum for Schools,
* National Civic and Voter Education Curriculum,
* National Civic and Voter Education Training Manual
* Civic and Voter Education Messages and materials

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS;

The National Consultants will be expected to support the International Consultant in the report process.

Inception Report Within 7 calendar days, the National Consultants will assist the International counterpart in producing an inception report, which will outline progress to date, the consultants’ strategy and any difficulties.

First working drafts: 12 days after assuming duties, the consultants will present draft reports, which should include/cover, a working drafts on the proposed Master Plan.

Final Report/Master Plan: During the last four days of the assignment following feedback and comments on the draft submissions from all relevant stakeholders (including ECOM, Ministry of Education, political parties, Civil Society, UNDP, IFES, European Union, NDI) the consultants will prepare and submit to UNDP the final report on the four deliverables as outlined in the expected results.

Upon completion of the Civic Education Master Plan, the Steering Committee and Local Consultants will agree on a roadmap for the development of civic education curriculums, manuals, messages and materials.

THE CONSULTANT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

* Least a Masters Degree in one of the social sciences.

EXPERIENCE:

* Minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in similar or related fields;

* Extensive experience in strategy development, communication, creative art, message and materials development and production; and

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

*Excellent working knowledge of MS Office-Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet etc;

* Have practical experience in Development of voter and civic education messages and programmes in post conflict environment (A MUST);

* Familiarity with UN procedures preferable;

* Must be a self-starter with excellent demonstrated teamwork skills;

* Must be a Liberian citizen and able to meet strict deadlines; and

* Sound judgment, excellent analytical skills, strong networking and interpersonal skills, ability to plan, organize and coordinate work and to cope with a demanding workload is expected.

LANGUAGES:

*Fluency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of one of the regional languages will be an asset.

Email application to this vacancy should be sent to vacancies.lr@undp.org. Please insert Vacancy Announcement Number in the Subject of the email or written application. Applications without the Vacancy Announcement Number or with the incorrect Vacancy Announcement Number will not be accepted. Attach photocopies of qualifications (i.e. technical certificates and academicals) and a one-page cover letter indicating your interest and suitability for the position as well as previous work /institutional profile relevant to this consultancy. An indication of methodology to be adopted, work schedule and a budget must form part of the consultancy bid..

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Please forward all written applications to:

Deputy Resident Representative (Operations)
Attention: HR Unit
United Nations Development Programme
Simpson Apartment, Sekou Toure Avenue, Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia

cc: All UN Agencies/ UNDP Projects/Programmes in Liberia

 

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Note: All applications/queries must be addressed to: vacancies.lr@undp.org
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.