The United Nations Development System in Eswatini requires the services of a competent person/company with the necessary expertise to draft a UN Joint Communications & Advocacy Strategy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCF 2021-2025) which came into effect on the 1st of January 2021. The consultant will also be expected to facilitate a strategy development workshop comprising members of the UN Communications Group (UNCG), including programme and technical teams.
In October 2020, the Government of Eswatini and the United Nations Development System signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021-2025). The UNSDCF defines how the UN system will support the implementation of the country’s priorities with the overall goal being to support “a prosperous, just and resilient Eswatini where no one is left behind.”
Communications and advocacy run through all the work and activities for UN agencies, Funds and Programmes who are supporting the Government and the people of Eswatini. Through the UNSDCF 2021-2025, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) has identified opportunities for strengthening communication and advocacy efforts to achieve better results for the next five-year cycle. The UN Communications Group (UNCG) in Eswatini is currently chaired by Dr. Cornelia Atsyor as delegated by the Resident Coordinator, Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh. The UNCG is represented by communications focal points of all AFPs operating in Eswatini and plays a vital role in promoting the principle of Communicating as One. The UNCG, with guidance from the UNCT, pursues a communication strategy that is based on supporting communication on national development priorities, the UNSDCF and other joint programming documents. Through the Resident Coordinator System, the UNCG is responsible for identifying new and innovative ways to demonstrate how UN programmes are delivering results; promoting coherent communication; serving as an advisory board to UNCT on strategic media and communication matters; and facilitating the communication of UN strategic policy decisions taken. The group’s annual priorities are greatly influenced by the UNCT and UNSDCF annual programming priorities. The United Nations Global Communications Strategy sets out how the UN is changing its approach to communications – moving away from being messengers of danger and disasters and position the Organization as conveyors of hope and solutions.
Objective of the Assignment
The main objective of the consultancy is to produce a well-articulated Joint UN Communications & Advocacy Strategy that is in line with the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. The consultant is also expected to facilitate the drafting of costed UNCG joint annual work plans for the period 2022 and 2023.