Terms of Reference for a Communications Consultant

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Immeuble CCIA, Abidjan, Côte d Ivoire African Natural Resources Center M.HARRATHI@AFDB.ORG Telephone: Department issuing the request: African Natural Resources Center Position: Terms of Reference for a Communications Consultant Place of assignment: Abidjan Duration of the assignment: 12 Months Tentative Date of commencement: 1 st October 2018 Deadline for applications: 19 th August Applications to be submitted to : Maali Harrathi (M.HARRATHI@AFDB.ORG) PS: Application must include the name of the Consultant Position that you are applying for Any questions and requests for clarifications may be sent to: Maali Harrathi (M.HARRATHI@AFDB.ORG), TERMS OF REFERENCE AFRICAN NATURAL RESOURCES CENTRE Terms of Reference for a Communications Consultant 1. Rationale, Objective and the Scope of the Assignment Strong communications services are needed to support the African Natural Resources Centre s outreach and knowledge output of the African Development Bank s African Natural Resources Centre of the African Development Bank. The Centre supports policy design through facts, based on case studies and policy analytics. These are its main conduits for increasing knowledge. To influence policy direction, the Centre conducts periodic knowledge seminars and public policy briefs, case studies, and produces a bi-annual flagship report. These activities place advocacy, information dissemination, editorial work, publishing and event management at the core of its operating framework. The resources and architecture require a robust communications strategy and a significant

2 level of communications expertise. This is critical for the success of the Centre s strategy to be recognised as a leading knowledge source on natural resources management. In light of its wide scope of strategic objectives, the Centre is looking to retain the services of a Communications Consultant to implement day-to-day tasks of its strategic communications programme. The Communications Consultant will be required to carry out a variety of tasks under the joint supervision of the Director of the Centre and a Senior Strategic Communications Adviser. The focus of the strategy and of the consultant s work will be on reputation management, knowledge dissemination and advocacy. Under the supervision of the Senior Strategic Communications Adviser, the consultant will work on key priority areas that will include: developing strategic communications campaigns; knowledge management, including desktop publishing of knowledge products and promotional materials; organising events for/by the Centre, including its monthly internal seminars; supporting the Senior Strategic Communications Adviser with editing tasks; and ensuring that the Centre has an active and upto-date digital and social media presence. He or she will also measure the Centre s communications effectiveness. 2. Scope of work Under the direct and overall supervision of the Senior Communications Consultant and the Centre s Director, respectively, the Communications Consultant will support the design and implementation of the Centre s internal and external outreach programme. This will entail engagement with target audiences using the most effective tactics, tools and channels to disseminate key messages and stories, in order to increase awareness, position the Centre prominently, and build strong and productive relationships with partners, donors and stakeholders. In addition to the foregoing, specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Communications Plans: The consultant will support the creation of robust communication plans for the Centre. In addition to the annual communications work plan, the consultant will also design detailed implementation-oriented communications plans for the Centre s specific initiatives, publications and events. These communications plans will spell out the objectives of communications activities and how they will be achieved. Outreach campaigns: Under the supervision of the Senior Strategic Communications Adviser, the consultant will work with the Centre s management to design and implement outreach campaigns targeting specific stakeholders and key audiences. He/She will use the tools available such as digital platforms, social media, print and broadcast media as well as innovative visual campaigns to engage audiences with captivating stories and strategic messages. Knowledge landscape presence: The consultant will liaise with the Bank s Communications and External Relations Department (PCER) to support the Centre s growing presence in the global knowledge partnership landscape. He/She will position the Centre as a key partner and a major player in 2

3 research, knowledge and expertise on Africa through regular web news items and stories, social media engagement and media releases. Web content maintenance: The consultant will support the Centre in ensuring that the content of the Bank website concerning the Centre and its activities are consistently up to date and relevant. Newsletter: The consultant will develop content for the production of a regular newsletter aimed at keeping Bank staff and the public at large abreast of the Centre s latest activities, such as knowledge products, research and partnerships. Media relations: Under the supervision of the Senior Strategic Communications Adviser, and in liaison with PCER s Media Relations team, the consultant will ensure that the Centre has a prominent presence in the media. He or she may also be required to coordinate some aspects of media outreach activities, such as arranging media interviews and getting articles published in trade magazines, newspapers and other publications. Knowledge management and desktop publication: The consultant will support the editorial, publication and digital management of the Centre s knowledge products. Where necessary, this may include the knowledge products of other departments associated with the Centre. He/she will work with third party companies as well as editors and designers to ensure that the production and dissemination of all knowledge materials are of excellent quality. The consultant will make sure that outsourced design and layout conforms with the Bank s graphic charter. He/She will consult PCER before final validation. 3. Preferred Methodology The assignment will be conducted from the Centre s offices in Abidjan, Côte d Ivoire. As earlier indicated, the consultant will engage with PCER where necessary. 4. Profile of the Consultant 4.1. Required Academic Qualification A post graduate degree in communications, journalism or business or development with a communication major, or related field At least seven years of post-graduate work experience Hands-on experience in dealing with all aspects of corporate communications Excellent writing skills in English and a good knowledge of French. 3

4 4.2. Competencies Required In addition to the above qualifications the incumbent must demonstrate competencies in the following areas: Design and delivery of internal and external communication plans and tools Experience in writing media releases, media advisories, copy for web content and as well as other corporate communications content Management of relations with service providers Knowledge of the work of international organisations Proficiency and experience in using desktop publishing tools and design tools is a plus 4.3. Selection Criteria The following criteria with the corresponding weights shall be considered in the selection of the candidate: Criteria Weight (total 100%) General qualification and suitability for the task to be performed 15% Experience in the specific assignment described in the Terms of Reference Demonstrated experience in managing the editing, design and production of high-quality reports Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of multi-faceted communication strategies and plans. Demonstrated experience in effectively using social media tools and platforms in communications campaigns. Demonstrated experience in using Content Management Systems (CMS) to manage websites or web platforms 60% 10% 10% Experience with international donors 5% Language capacity: outstanding writing skills in English, with a good working knowledge of French Total 100% 4

5 5. Reporting Line The incumbent reports directly to the Senior Strategic Communications Adviser, and ultimately to the Centre s Director. However, it is expected that he/she will work closely with task managers and experts on specific assignments under the guidance of the Director. 6. Duration The consultancy is for twelve months, starting on the 1 st October 2018, with a possibility of renewal. 5