CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: United Nations
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Closing date: 01 Mar 2015

TERMS OF REFERENCE

RADIO OKAPI CONSULTANT

BACKGROUND

Launched in 2001, Radio Okapi – the United Nations radio station in the DRC, is a product of MONUSCO’s (formerly MONUC’s) partnership with the Swiss non-governmental organization Fondation Hirondelle supporting news media in conflict, post-conflict and crisis zones (FH).

MONUSCO is currently planning to make Radio Okapi sustainable as an independent and reliable radio station, in the process of the so-called “*perennisation*” of Radio Okapi, in preparation for the forthcoming electoral cycle and the eventual withdrawal of MONUSCO from the DRC.

Following the closure of the partnership with FH, the process of “*perennisation*” of Radio Okapi will be piloted by MONUSCO, with the donors being called on to help prepare the ground for making the radio station fully sustainable over the period of the next three to five years.

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of the consultancy is to prepare a road map of actions and activities that will guide the development of Radio Okapi after the cessation of cooperation with FH over the next three to five years toward a fully autonomous and independent radio. The Radio Okapi Consultant (“the Consultant”) will be expected to provide high quality, technical assistance in the process.

Timeframe

The anticipated duration for the contract is 6 months from 1^st March 2015, with possible extension pending availability of funding and performance.

The Consultant will be expected to finalize the above-mentioned tasks within the above-mentioned timeframe.

Work Place

The consultant will be based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo and will report directly to the Special Representative to the Secretary-General in the DRC.

Additional provisions

In carrying out the work, the Consultant will be expected and entitled to consult the Head of PID, the Head of Radio Okapi, and other Radio Okapi staff members, on all matters pertinent to the realization of the above-mentioned tasks.

MAIN ASSUMPTIONS AND OBJECTIVES

· Radio Okapi should remain a reliable, credible, nationwide and independent source of information in the DR Congo.

· Radio Okapi will continue to contribute to the development of free and independent media in the DR Congo.

· Following MONUSCO exit from the DR Congo, Radio Okapi will become fully autonomous (with or without the UN umbrella).

· MONUSCO will be leading and facilitating the process of making Radio Okapi sustainable, looking for new partners that will help to maintain the broadcaster’s existing news philosophy.

· Radio Okapi will aim to establish partnerships with international media outlets, particularly radio stations, offering them audio materials produced by its staff on current affairs subjects. Those partnerships will have, among others, financial and training dimensions.

· MONUSCO will establish a dedicated trust fund to receive and manage financial contributions from donors. Funds from donors will complement and then supersede the budget allocated to Radio Okapi by MONUSCO.

· Radio Okapi is expected to increase and diversify its income-generating activities over the next years.

· Radio Okapi plans to create a Training Academy that will foster quality, professionalism, and integrity by training local journalists from all media outlets.

MAIN DELIVERABLES

Under the general supervision of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General – Head of MONUSCO, the incumbent shall carry out the following functions:

· Design a three to five year strategy, including a detailed roadmap and the future structure of the Radio, leading to the creation of an autonomous, independent and financially sustainable Congolese Radio Station (*Timeframe – Day 30*).

· Coordinate the creation of MONUSCO Trust Fund for Radio Okapi (*Timeframe – Day 30*)

· Make a concrete proposal for Radio Okapi’s modernization (more coverage, more broadcasting platforms, more regional broadcasts for local news) and increased versatility (*polyvalence*) of its journalists (*Timeframe – Day 60*)

· Liaise with UN Agencies, funds and programmes as well as donors to present the strategy and raise sufficient funds to implement this strategy (*Timeframe – Day 100*)

· Develop a set of concrete proposals for Radio Okapi’s new income-generating activities, such as e.g. institutional communication spots, commercials, and sponsored advertising, with the primary objective of making Radio Okapi financially sustainable to the greatest possible extent, without compromising its position as the nation’s top news broadcaster, and with due account being taken of the necessity to maintain the plurality of the broadcasting landscape in the DR Congo (*Timeframe – Day 120*)

· Detail the specifications and initiate a tender for a new Radio Okapi Website (*Timeframe – Day 180*)

· Prepare a clear roadmap for the creation and operationalization of the Radio Okapi Training Academy, defining its aims, targets and proposing a timeline for implementation as well as a detailed and budget plan (*Timeframe – Day 180*)

· Provide the SRSG with detailed, expert advice on the implementation of the above-mentioned tasks

QUALIFICATIONS

a.Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) from a recognized university with a background in communication, journalism, public relations, or management. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

b.Prior Work Experience:

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible work experience and/ or significant programming and/or technical experience in broadcast media. Prior working experience in the UN or with other international organizations is an asset. A good understanding of and experience in the Great Lakes region will be considered an asset.

c.Language Proficiency:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written English and French is required.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism

Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

· Job Knowledge

Excellent knowledge of working with media projects and a thorough understanding of managing radio/TV broadcasting projects.

· Skills and Abilities

The Consultant will be expected to demonstrate:

o Creativity and problem solving skills

o Change management skills

o Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary in order to effectively communicate with a wide variety of partners

o Multi-media skills appropriate for product development through radio

o Strong interpersonal skills

o Drive for results

o Capacity for teamwork

o Ability to be flexible with time and work schedule

o Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

o Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity.

Planning and Organizing

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

Communication

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

How to apply:

Please send your application to Susan King Email: king3@un.org