DocuSign Envelope ID: 8A656DF3-EB3C-4898-99EF-7793F3BD5665

TERMS OF REFERENCE

General Information
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Communications Consultant for the LEAPS Project
UNDP Philippines
Cotabato City, Philippines
120 man-days spread over 6-months
(September 25, 2020 – March 25, 2021)
Individual Consultant
Filipino, English

Project Description
Consistent with its mandate to prioritize the acquisition, adoption, innovation, and application of
science and technology for development and its pursuit of competence, excellence and service
innovation as provided in both the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (BARMM) and the Revised Transition Plan 2019-2022 for the Bangsamoro Transition
Authority, the Bangsamoro Government, through the Ministry of Interior and Local Government
(MILG), forged a partnership with UNDP that seeks to apply, where possible, the strategic
framework and principles of the UNDP-supported Access to Information (a2i) program to the
specific social, cultural and economic contexts of BARMM.

The Localizing e-Government for Accelerated Provision of Services (LEAPS) will build on the a2i
experience towards the transformation in local governance in BARMM by significantly accelerating
connectivity in communities and opening up governance by enabling citizens to capitalize on the
benefits of connectivity, such as through improved access to services and information, community
enterprise development, assisted rural e-commerce, and skills development. The LEAPS Project is a
way to overcome the dependencies on archaic, paper-based and manual processes within and
among the local government units (LGUs). This project will also maximize the use of MILG’s limited
manpower and resources to effectively and efficiently deliver and monitor frontline services.

The UNDP Philippines requires the services of a Communications Consultant who shall provide
overall technical support on communication-related works of projects under the Institutions and
Partnerships Programme Team in the Bangsamoro Administrative Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Primarily, the Communication Consultant shall support the Localizing e-Government for Accelerated
Provision of Services (LEAPS) Project but is also expected to perform communication related
support to other projects in BARMM such as the Kedu Lab, DevLIVE+, and BARMM Socio-economic
Impact Assessment of COVID-19.

Scope of Work and Expected Outputs and Deliverables

The Communications Consultant shall:
• Develop, improve and finalize the Project’s branding and behavioral change communication
plan for the target project stakeholders;
• Manage consistent and impact-driven communications online campaign by creating and
managing content, including writing/editing impact stories, that can be regularly
disseminated through various communication channels (i.e. social media, website and e-
mail) and in coordination with the communication platforms of MILG and/or UNDP;
• Translate project materials and data into communicable and relevant pieces of information
in the form of infographics, infomercials, motion graphics, and ensure that project results
are profiled and communicated;
• Document, consolidate, and package key reports into a standard form (basic layouting for
mass production of IEC) on a monthly basis or as necessary in the project duration;
• Undertake and prepare the needed communication for project activities/events including
preparation of minutes of the meeting, background notes, information materials, media
relations, photos/videos, speechwriting/talking points, project updates, monitoring reports,
invitations, and press releases;
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• Establish a media directory for regional and national journalists with specialized coverage on
topics related to the project;
• Create and manage an online repository of multimedia materials and communications (raw
and processed photos and videos) assets;
• Implement the communications strategies and ensure extensive multimedia outreach and
information campaign to local and national government agencies;
• Closely liaise with the CO Communications Unit for clearance of communication materials to
ensure allegiance to UNDP branding guidelines; and
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Deliverables/ Estimated Review and Approvals

Outputs Duration to Required
Complete

I&P Team Leader

• Branding guidelines and a detailed
communications plan and strategy and/or
(including the key results area in
5 man-days
several components: marketing, Programme Analyst/s
behavioral change communication)
and a timeline based on the LEAPS and/or
Project’s existing plan;
LEAPS Project Manager

• Portfolio of templates for key I&P Team Leader

documents and files (i.e. project
letters, PowerPoint presentation, and/or
reports, email newsletter etc.) and 5 man-days
media materials template (media Programme Analyst/s
advisory, press release, media
mailing list) for advocacy and/or
campaigns;
LEAPS Project Manager
• Monthly portfolio capturing the
following expected outputs:
1) Creation and daily
management of social media
and web content for LEAPS
including at least two (2)
I&P Team Leader
impact stories per month and
one (1) monthly newsletter;
and/or
and at least (1) impact story
100 man-days
per month for other BARMM-
Programme Analyst/s
based projects;
2) Preparation and provision of
and/or
communication needs to
events and activities
LEAPS Project Manager
(photos/video, minutes of
meeting, draft invitation,
activity proposals, talking
points, information materials,
press release, etc.);
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3) Coordination with partners on

relevant issues, events and
other communication
strategies;
4) Create and manage an online
repository of multimedia
materials and communication
assets including photos and
videos from activities and
events and LEAPS brochure
for various stakeholders and
audiences (riding public,
LGUs, private sector);
5) Strengthen and develop media
network for including MILG
and UNDP communications
team.
• Integrated communications report
on the assigned projects, including: I&P Team Leader
1) Highlights of the monthly
portfolio; and/or
2) Documentation and
10 man-days
attendance to meetings, Programme Analyst/s
technical discussions, FGDs,
workshops; and/or
3) Key lessons learned and
recommendations for future LEAPS Project Manager
roll-out of similar project.

Institutional Arrangements
For the duration of the contract, the Consultant shall report to the LEAPS Project Manager in the
delivery of the terms of reference. The consultant should also closely coordinate with UNDP CO
Communications Team. Reporting is output-based, and all deliverables must be submitted to UNDP-
Institutions & Partnerships Programme Team. Similarly, the final outputs should be formally accepted
by the Team Lead of I&P, UNDP Philippines, before any payment is made.

Duration of Work, Duty Station, and Travel

To undertake the tasks, procedures, and expected outputs, the Communications Consultant shall be
engaged for 120 man-days spread over six (6) months. Effectivity of the engagement will be upon
signing of the contract and will be valid until all outputs have been delivered and accepted. The
target date for start of work is 25 September 2020 and the expected completion date is 25 March
2021.

The position will be based in Cotabato City to allow accessibility and availability for discussions and
reporting on progress of activities as may be required. Though the consultant will not be required to
report regularly at the UNDP Cotabato Office, but shall agree with the LEAPS Project Manager on a
regular schedule to report on status and provide feedback on the outputs.

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, all work of the Consultant shall be done within the guidelines
and protocols set by the regional and local governments in BARMM. During strict implementation of
community quarantine, coordination/meetings shall be done through phone or online
scommunication until such time that the quarantine is lifted, during which this will be STRICTLY a
HOME-BASED assignment; NO TRAVEL is required.
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Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Applications from qualified candidates will be desk reviewed by the UNDP Philippines’ selection
panel. Only those who will obtain 70 out of 100 obtainable points will be considered qualified and
shortlisted for the post. Please make sure your CV indicates compliance with EACH of the following
minimum criteria.

Qualifications Points Obtainable

(100)
Education

The position requires a university degree in Communications,

Journalism, Mass Communication, Development Communication or any
related field. A master’s degree or PhD degree is an advantage. 40

o 30 points for University degree in relevant field

o Additional 5 points for additional degrees

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in the communication-related roles

preferably in public sector
30
o 21 points for 5 years of experience in communication
related roles
o Additional point per additional year

• At least 5 years of experience in collaborating with management,

inquiries from the public and media, and/or external relations
roles;
o 17 points for 5 years of experience in management 20
inquiries
o Additional point per additional year

• At least 5 years of experience in workshop facilitation, training,

and/or coordination of promotional events;
o 7 points for 5 years of experience in workshop facilitation, 10
trainings and/or coordination of promotional events
o Additional point per additional year

TOTAL 100

Scope of Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

The Consultant should send a financial proposal based on a lump-sum amount for the delivery of the
outputs identified below. The total amount quoted shall include all costs components required to
deliver the goods and services identified above, including professional fees, equipment expenses (e.g
graphic design applications), and any other applicable costs (i.e. communications expenses,
excluding travel and supplies expenses) to be incurred by the Consultant in completing the
assignment.

Medical/health insurance must be purchased by the individual at his/her own expense, and upon
award of contract, the Consultant must be ready to submit proof of insurance valid during contract
duration.

The contract price will be fixed output-based price. Any deviations from the outputs and timelines
will need to be agreed upon between the Consultant and UNDP.
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Payments will be done upon satisfactory completion of the deliverables by target due dates. Outputs
will be reviewed and certified by the LEAPS Project Manager and endorsed to I&P Team Lead, prior
to release of payments.

Deliverables Duration Tranche

Payment
(% of Total
Contract
Amount)
Submission and acceptance of
communications plan and the portfolio of
templates for key documents and files and 07 October 2020 30
media materials template for advocacy
campaigns.
Submission and acceptance of monthly
deliverables based on stated duties and
responsibilities.
25 September to
Submission of portfolio report detailing 30
07 December 2020
expected outputs and documents on a
monthly basis shall be discussed and
approved by the Project
Manager/Coordinator.
Submission and acceptance of monthly
deliverables based on stated duties and
responsibilities.

Submission of portfolio report detailing

expected outputs and documents on a
monthly basis shall be discussed and
approved by the Project 08 December to 25 March
40
Manager/Coordinator. 2021

Submission and acceptance of integrated

communications report on the assigned
projects.

Note: All raw files need to be turned over to

UNDP after the contract.

Recommended Presentation of Offer

For purposes of generating Offers whose contents are uniformly presented and to facilitate their
comparative analysis, it is best to recommend the preferred contents and presentation of the Offer
to be submitted, as well as the format/sequencing of their presentation. The following documents
may be requested:

a) Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the

template provided by UNDP;
b) Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experiences from similar projects, as well as
the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three
(3) professional references;
c) Sample Portfolio of Works which includes proof of news reports, image building
initiatives, social media/web postings
d) Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price, supported
by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. If an Offeror is employed by an
organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a
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management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan
Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs
are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Applications from qualified candidates will be desk reviewed by the UNDP Philippines’ selection
panel.

Assessment of best offer will be via Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications will be
weighed a maximum of 50 percent, sample portfolio weighed a maximum of 20 percent, and
combined with the price offer which will be weighed a maximum of 30 percent. Criteria for
technical part was shown above while financial criteria will be based on the financial proposal.

This TOR is approved by:

Signature: _____________________________
Name and Designation: Maria Luisa Isabel Jolongbayan,
Team Lead, Institutions and Partnerships
UNDP Philippines 15-Sep-2020
Date of Signing: ______________________________________