Rapporteur Consultant at UNICEF

Job description

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Background and Justification

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Communications and information management is critical to highlighting issues faced by children and to better understanding and showcasing the work being done by UNICEF and partners. The UNICEF Africa Services Unit, based in Johannesburg, is updating its 2017 database of communications consultants with experience in subject matter such as child protection, education, child survival, HIV and Aids, and emergencies.

Scope of Work

The Rapporteur, under the supervision of the chief of communication at the Africa Services Unit, will assist in the planning, documenting, analysis and report writing of content discussed at UNICEF meetings with partners. The rapporteur should have experience working with NGOs, UN agencies, and governments and be skilled in documenting, analysing and consolidating concepts relating to topics such as health, education, child protection, HIV and Aids and emergencies.

The material will be compiled following the UNICEF technical and ethical guidelines.

Outputs / Deliverables

• Briefing with ASU and relevant country, regional or HQ teams regarding project
• Provide UNICEF with project timeline and management system
• Briefing with team
• Recording minutes at meetings/conferences/events, ensuring proceedings and outcomes are clearly documented, and producing a summary of meeting discussions capturing all relevant information in accordance with UNICEF technical and ethical guidelines, covering topics such as humanitarian emergencies, HIV and AIDS, child survival and health, child protection, and education.
• All material provided to UNICEF ASU
• All paperwork forms provided to UNICEF ASU

Payment Schedule

• Specify services available and rates thereof with a rate card
• Payments will be made against all deliverables
• Any deliverable submitted and not meeting the specifications must be reworked and resubmitted at no additional cost

Desired Competencies, Technical Background And Experience

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent/relevant professional experience combined with a university degree in a related field
• A minimum of five years’ relevant professional work experience as a writer
• Proven experience as a professional rapporteur
• General ability to draft ideas and concepts, clearly and concisely, in written and oral form
• Proven ability to research, analyse, evaluate and synthesize information
• Strong planning and organisational skills
• Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives, government officials and other UNICEF partners
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and have a strong understanding of UNICEF programmes
• Knowledge of relevant software, internet navigation and various office applications
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization
• Knowledge of French, Portuguese is an asset

Conditions

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.
As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.
Travel, may be necessary

Risks

Under-utilization of key communication opportunities hampers overall UNICEF communication efforts and reduces programme effectiveness.

Administrative issues

• The consultancy is based in Johannesburg South Africa and the consultant will work remotely
• The candidate must be legally able to work in South Africa
• Any cost incurred to enable the consultant successfully carry out the assignment, such as landline/office phone, computer and internet, will be covered by the consultant.
• The drafts and final documents, as well related data, will be the property of UNICEF after completion and will be handed to the Government of South Africa with full title rights. The contractor will be acknowledged for the work done in the draft documents as well as the final document, accept if the document is published as official policy or document of the Government of South Africa, then the discretion to do this lies solely with the Government of South Africa in accordance with its policies and procedures.
• Travel expenses, including DSA, will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs, by the consultant and reimbursed against actuals.
• The contractor’s budget shall be inclusive of all local (national) travel associated with the execution of this assignment. In extraordinary circumstances where UNICEF deems it necessary for the contractor to travel outside the ambit of the contractual agreement (and outside Gauteng) air transport and airport transfers (where applicable) will be covered in accordance with UNICEF’s rules and tariffs. Flight costs will be covered at economy class rate as per UNICEF policies.