Job vacancy: Communication Specialist

 GOVERNMENT OF SOMALILAND

MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WATER FOR AGRO-PASTORAL PRODUCTIVITY AND RESILIENCE PROJECT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (REOI)

Country:                                      Somaliland

Name of the Project:                  Water for Agro-pastoral productivity and Resilience

Project ID:                                  P167826

Consulting Service:                   Communication Specialist

Individual/Firm:                       Individual

Duty Station:                             Hargeisa

Duration:                                  6 Months

Deadline:                                  27 September 2022

11602. No.                                 SO-MOPND-SL-311175-CS-INDV

1. Background of the Project

Building on the experiences of the Water for Agro-Pastoralist Livelihoods Pilot Project (WALP) implemented by Somaliland government funded by the World Bank in which four sand dams were built and contributing to the National Development Plan. The Ministry of Planning and National Development is implementing the Water for Agro Pastoral Productivity and Resilience Project “Biyoole.” The objective of the Biyoole project is to develop water and agricultural services among agro-pastoralist communities in dry-land areas of Somaliland. The project is framed around the following components and sub-components: - Component 1. Support development of multiple-use water sources, 1.1 construction of new community water points (number) and 1.2 rehabilitation of community water points (number); Component 2. Institutional and Capacity development, 2.1 national and state institutional capacity building and 2.2 community development and demand mobilization; Component 3. Supporting sustainable land management and livelihoods development around water points. 3.1 integrated landscape management and 3.2 Agriculture and livestock support; Component 4. Project management, M&E, knowledge management and learning and contingent emergency response.

The Somaliland Government is establishing a core multi sectorial Project Implementation Unit (PIU) coordinated by the Ministry of Planning. The role of the PIU is to support the management, coordination, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of project activities. The PIU will be staffed with the following positions: - Project Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Finance Management Specialist, Procurement Management Specialist, Social Safeguards/ CDD Specialist, and Environment Specialist.

The Ministry of Planning and National Development intends to apply parts of the proceed for the payment for the services of the Communication Specialist Consultant Position.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the communication specialist will have the following duties and responsibilities: Issue monthly water for agro-pastoral productivity and resilience project bulletin to publicize Biyoole project Activities, milestones, success and plans to the wider community; Review, revise, amend and make necessary changes to the Communication Action Plan and Communication Strategy for the Biyoole project, Manage and implement activities outlines in the Biyoole project communication strategy and action plan, Support the production and dissemination of Biyoole project accomplishments and messaging across government entities and stakeholder groups, including the international community, and will encourage larger dialogue on local level, Facilitate communication activities that bring the messages and accomplishments of Biyoole project beyond the local level to a larger audience. S/he will encourage participation of country-wide officials and stakeholder representatives, Develop and issue updated and comprehensive community engagement strategy including project stakeholders, Carryout communication need assessment for all Biyoole project Stakeholders; Develop user-friendly, country specific and high-quality Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material (such as handouts, posters, brochures, video documentary films and photo documentation, success stories booklet etc.) in Somali and English for communication of the project activities to the public and stake holders, Preparing project success stories to contribute towards the project success; Organize, prepare and facilitate the production of video graphic materials for the project outreach purposes; Working closely with the Biyoole project coordinator and other relevant actors within government, advice on capacity support towards effective communication, Develop and utilize a database of available media houses, reporters or media practitioners available for strategic communications related activities, Support internal communications, situational awareness and other operational aspects of strategic communications within the Biyoole project, Ensure the quality and timely production of all promotional materials, including, but not limited to, brochures, flyers, and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Materials; Liaise with external contractors for the production of promotional materials; Establish, Manage and update the project’s website, Facebook- and Twitter-Account as well as possible other networking platforms; Support administrative and logistics of media workshops, press briefings, report launches, Liaise with the local media outlets and guide them in presenting news and other information about the Biyoole project  to the public and mitigates risks of distortion and misinformation about the project, Develop communication manual and template forms; Produce and edit all external information and communication from the project in digital support; Support the M&E Officer to capture data and to present it in a way that demonstrates progress. S/he will undertake all other specific tasks detailed in the Terms of Reference (TOR) that can be found at the following https://mopnd.govsomaliland.org/articles/tor or can be provided upon submission of application to the address indicated below.  

3. Selection Criteria:

The selection shall be based on qualification, experience and skills of the candidate and followed by an interview. The required qualifications and experience include:

• A minimum Bachelor degree in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences, international relations, development studies or related field;
• A minimum of five years of experience in the relevant field, including communication, media, etc.
• Experience in working with the government, donor institutions, and World Bank, UN,
• Experience and sound knowledge in strategic communications, campaigning training and capacity building
• Experience of project planning, implementation and the monitoring and evaluation of project activities and report writing.
• Have the ability to communicate succinctly and clearly
• Experience of working in similar environment like that of Somaliland is preferable.
•  Be analytical and have a strong written ability and excellent writing and proofing skills
• Fluency in English and Somali
• Proven ability to work with partners, write strategies, and sound evidence-based reports;
• Proven skills in networking, advocacy and negotiation, especially with government counterparts
• Computer skills, including Internet navigation, and various office applications.

4. Timing Duration of Assignment

The Communication Specialist shall be contracted for an initial period of 6 months.

The Ministry of Planning and National Development now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the Services and furnish (i) Curriculum Vitae (CV) with 3 reference persons; (ii) copies of certificates of academic qualifications; and (iii) cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services.

5. Submission requirements

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017 August 2018 and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

6. Mode of submission of application and deadline.

Interested applicants may obtain further information including a detailed Terms of Reference from the Ministry in person or by e-mail to the address given below during office hours from 9.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday.

Deadline: Expressions of interest and Curriculum Vitae (CV) must be delivered to the address below by hand, mail, courier or email on or before October 2, 2022, at 23:30 hours.

Email Address: slbiyoolerecruitment@gmail.com

Address of the Ministry of Planning and National Development: Sha’ab area, Hargeisa, SL

Female applicants are highly encouraged