Consultancy for Field Engagement and Monitoring Services 179 views

*Please note that the position is contingent upon contract award*

BACKGROUND:

Search for Common Ground (Search) seeks to implement a rapid-response 15-month action that will support an effective, conflict-sensitive response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a way that prevents further deterioration of social cohesion in refugee camps in Northern Uganda (Nyumanzi, Ayilo, Agojo, Olwa and Boroli camps; Palabek camp, Bidi-bidi camp; and Morobi and Parolinya settlements). This will be done by mitigating the negative impact of the crisis on social cohesion and preventing it from exacerbating existing conflict dynamics. The proposed action has been designed in the context of an unprecedented global health crisis that has so far directly affected more than 2.5 million people, claimed the lives of over 200,000 around the world, and overwhelmed the capacity of medical and social support systems in dozens of countries.

PURPOSE:

The Consultant will be based in Northern Uganda and will support the implementation of activities under the programme responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Uganda. S/he will liaise with community stakeholders and partners in the area, including local authorities, local radio stations, community groups, and others. S/he will regularly communicate with Search’s Juba office, providing updates on the broadcast of the project’s radio programming, listener feedback, and community information that is relevant for the development of subsequent activities.

Assignment Description

• Support reliable information management and dissemination of credible information about the pandemic and the response tactics; in the target communities, including marginalized groups;
• Coordinate information management among communicators, including public health officials, media, and other key influencers and foster trust between citizens and emergency health responders;
• Provide ongoing contextual information from the targeted area to the Juba-based production team to ensure that programming is relevant and responsive to local needs, interests and dynamics;
• Deliver the project activities in accordance with the work plan, especially training and media activities, ensuring that work is conducted in a timely manner, holds high quality, and responds to the needs of the targeted areas, offering input and feedback as needed;
• Create an enabling environment for media and radio activities, dialogue, information sharing and cooperation between government structures and target communities;
• Track the performance of the project activities and outputs against expected results and adjust implementation processes to ensure the project is progressing towards the intended outcomes;
• Coordinate with targeted communities in Northern Uganda and liaise with local stakeholders (such as radio groups, media, local authorities) to make sure that the project activities are implemented in accordance with the context, needs and administrative requirements;
• Coordinate with Juba-based Project Coordinator, Kampala-based Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Consultant, the Brussels-based Programme Manager, Regional Programme and Finance Team, Regional DME and regional finance to support smooth and timely implementation activities and achieve the project objectives in accordance with organizational and donor accountability standards;
• Contribute to report writing and data collection by providing reliable information and data from the target communities;
• Promote learning by documentation of best-practices. Share this information to support decision-making processes.

An exact description of the assignment including a list of deliverables is contingent upon contract award.

Terms

Search will:

• Provide technical and logistical support including a local transport and communication allowance.
• Disburse the Consultant professional fee upon completion of agreed upon deliverables.

Timeframe:

• The project activities will be implemented over the course of 12 months, and the last three months will be dedicated to close-out protocols and the final evaluation.
• Consultancy will be for an initial period of 3 – 6 months and renewed based on completion of agreed upon deliverables and mutual satisfaction of the two parties.

Required Expertise And Qualifications

• At least three years experience in direct program implementation, preferably in community mobilization, training, media production, or similar roles;
• Experience with a peacebuilding or conflict resolution organization strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience working with South Sudanese refugee populations and host communities;
• Existing networks within the refugee and host communities, including with local organizations and local authorities;
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with local administrative requirements, including approvals, reporting requirements, etc;
• Excellent English communication skills required; proficiency in Juba Arabic and/or at least one South Sudanese language strongly preferred;
• Ability to work under remote supervision, with independence and reliability;
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in social science or media, such as media studies, social work or peace and conflict studies would be an asset.

How to apply

To apply for this, please submit your CV, a cover letter demonstrating your capacity and experience in doing similar work and your proposed fee. Note that the Consultant is expected to be based in Northern Uganda. Relocation related support such as travel and accommodation will not be provided.

Deadline for submission of your application is 15 June 2020.

Note: Search for Common Ground retains the right to amend the Terms of Reference, in discussion with the selected candidate.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.