UNDP Nigeria is recruiting Media Consultants for Training of Politicians on Media Skills.
Job Title: Media Consultants for Training of Politicians on Media Skills
Location : Abuja, NIGERIA
Background
Democratic governance is a concept that emerged from the principles based on the understanding that an effective system of democratic governance is one which is based on representative, equitable (across gender and other categories), transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions; a vibrant, responsible and capable media, and a dynamic civil society which is engaged in the political process. The overall goal of the Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) Project in Nigeria is to help develop the capacity of national and sub-national institutions, networks, and processes, whether governmental or non-governmental, as a contribution to the further entrenchment of democratic governance in Nigeria.
The electoral cycle reinforces national efforts to build the norms, practices, mechanisms, and institutions that can foster active citizenship and stronger democratic accountability, in keeping with the stated objectives of Government policy. The project provides technical assistance to the Electoral Institute of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs). In addition, the project works with civil society and other democratic institutions like media, political parties, and national and state parliaments to help them maximize public participation and confidence in the outcome of elections. The project primarily provides technical assistance and financing for capacity development linked to practical outcomes in a number of areas: legislature, civil society, media, gender equality in politics, and the engagement of youth.
Nigeria’s next general elections are due in April 2011. The Media has a key role to play in ensuring that the citizens participate in the electoral process and that its outcomes are credible and acceptable to the generality of the populace. Traditionally, the media provides information on the candidates, issues, and political parties and therefore provides the basis for the electorate to make informed choices during the elections.
The media also offers the opportunity to the political class to present their manifestos and programme of actions to the people in the bid to secure their votes. The knowledge and skills to engage the media constructively in the electoral process are therefore of crucial importance to the politicians in seeking the mandate of the people. It affords the politicians the opportunity to effectively and clearly communicate with the electorate and promotes constant flow of information between the people and the political class. It is in recognition of this fact that the DGD has identified the training of politicians on electoral processes and image management as one of the key activities towards reinforcing the role of the media in the electoral process. In pursuit of this realization, the DGD plans to conduct two editions of one-day training in the North and South zones for politicians across party lines on electoral processes and image management. The DGD therefore requires the services of three consultants to facilitate the trainings.
Objective of the Training of Politicians
The objective of the training is to improve the capacity and skills of selected politicians in media engagement for effective communication of their manifestos and promote issue-based campaign in the 2011 elections.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of key functions
- To conduct training for 100 politicians across party lines on electoral processes and image management in the North and South zones for the 2011 elections.
Functions/ Expected Results
The facilitators will be responsible for the tasks listed below:
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Conduct two editions of one-day training for 100 politicians across party lines on media engagement skills and image management for the 2011 elections in the North and South zones.
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Develop methodology for the training including formulation of training components, mock interviews, sample media contact lists, feedback and evaluation mechanisms.
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Assist participants to develop issue-based and conflict sensitive campaigns.
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Assist participants to develop media profiles and on-line media support resources.
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Develop and review training materials including powerpoint presentations, case study analysis and international best practices.
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Ensure gender mainstreaming in all training materials in relation to women participation as electorate and as candidates in the electoral process.
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Prepare training materials.
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Prepare a report based on outcomes of the 2 trainings, including feedbacks from participants and recommendations for DGD post election programme support to the media.
Deliverables
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The facilitators shall provide the following:
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Training materials for participants
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Reports on trainings regarding the process, discussions and outcomes.
Supervision
- The Project Director of DGD will provide strategic guidance for the consultant in the discharge of the assignment while monitoring and supervision will be carried out by relevant programme staff members.
Payment Modality
- 15% on signing of contract, 85% after submission of final report
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Election Administration and Assistance
- Solid work experience in media support in relation to elections.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to facilitate meetings and guide discussions towards set goals and objectives.
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
Required Skills and Experience
- A minimum of a Master degree in the field of Communication, Media studies or other social science related subject.
- A minimum of 10 years of functionally related professional experience in Media/Communication for Development.
- Previous experience in facilitating media skills training workshops.
- Knowledge of the key electoral issues, democracy, institutional expectations of media.
- Knowledge of gender dimensions of electoral processes and broader democratic development.
- Strong skills in written communications in English.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Application Deadline
10th february, 2011
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online.
Click here to apply online