Recruitment of Communication Officer (Part-time) — Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-Djibouti

Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project

Grant No: IDA- IDA-E1670

Project ID No: (P176181)

Assignment Title: Recruitment of Communication and Outreach Officer

Reference No.: DJ-IGAD-375296-CS-INDV

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has received financing in the amount of US$ 10 Million equivalent from the World Bank/IDA toward the cost of Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for consulting services.

Background

The regional Series of Projects (SOP) development objective is to promote the expansion of an integrated digital market across Eastern Africa by increasing cross-border broadband connectivity, data flows and digital trade in the region. The Phase I development objective of the SOP is to advance digital market integration in the Eastern Africa region by increasing affordable access to regional broadband connectivity and strengthening the enabling environment for cross-border digital services.

To achieve this objective and to deliver the mandate of the project, IGAD seeks the services of Communication and Outreach Officer.

IGAD now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services of Communication and Outreach Officer (i.e., updated CVs with description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills. Interested Individuals should send their applications in PDF format enclosed with a cover letter, CVs, academic documents, with three reference persons including the last employer.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 3.14 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers "Procurement in Investment Project Financing, Goods, Works, Non-Consulting, and Consulting Services,” Fourth Edition, November 2020; the World Bank’s “Guidelines on Preventing and Combatting Fraud and Corruption” revised July 1, 2016.

• Objectives of the Position The Communication and Outreach Officer will lead communication and outreach efforts in support of the implementation of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project. This position entails planning, coordinating, and executing various communication and outreach activities for the project. Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the Communication and Outreach Officer will be responsible for coordinating all communication functions related to the overall project implementation. The officer will ensure the effective implementation of communication strategies in line with the project's objectives and relevant IGAD policies. He/she will also play a key role in monitoring and guiding stakeholders involved in the project across different locations.

• Scope of Work The Communication and Outreach Officer will be expected to implement various tasks including, but not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to promote the project's objectives and activities.
• Coordinate the creation and dissemination of project-related communication materials such as press releases, newsletters, reports, and social media content.
• Manage the project's online presence, including the official website and social media platforms, to enhance visibility and engage stakeholders.
• Organize and facilitate public events, workshops, and conferences to foster knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement.
• Support the implementation of the project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), in collaboration with the project’s safeguard officer.
• Establish and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to maximize project exposure.
• Monitor media coverage and public perception of the project, providing regular reports and recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in preparing project progress reports and other relevant documentation as required.
• Conduct evaluations to assess the impact and effectiveness of communication and outreach activities and suggest improvements.
• Stay updated on emerging communication trends and tools and recommend innovative approaches to enhance project communication strategies.
• Any other duties assigned by the management, as required.

• Required Qualifications and Experience: The applicant should possess a combination of general, leadership and technical competencies, including:

General Competencies

• A minimum of a university master’s degree in communication, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing or any other discipline related to the field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in outreach and communications work, with specialized knowledge on working with media and social media.
• Proven experience in working in the Greater Horn of Africa region and ability and experience in management of partner funded projects such as United Nations and multilateral development projects.
• Familiarity with IGAD and the Horn of Africa Initiative
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Ability to effectively convey information and ideas through various communication channels, including written materials, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.
• Exceptional writing and editing abilities, fluency in English along with knowledge of French, and the skill to effectively communicate complex ideas in a creative, clear, concise, and engaging manner.
• Digital communication proficiency: Familiarity with digital communication platforms, social media management, and online content creation to effectively engage audiences and promote project objectives.
• Excellent prioritization skills, ability to thrive under pressure, and adeptness in managing multiple tasks within tight deadlines. Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including the utilization of standard software packages such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe, etc.

• Duration of the assignment The Communication and Outreach Officer shall be contracted for an initial one-year period, with possibility for extension for additional 4 years based on performance and Project needs.

• Location of the assignment This is a part time and homebased assignment. The selected candidate will work from his/her home with travels to the Project Implementation Unit based in Djibouti as well as travels within the Horn of Africa region. IGAD will facilitate the travels at its own costs.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office working hours from 09:00 am to 16:00 pm, Monday-Friday, EAT. Expressions of interest must be delivered by e-mail on or before 27th August 2023 to the address below:

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

Osman Mohammed Babikir (Ph.D.)

IGAD Secretariat-Djibouti

P.O Box 2653, Djibouti, Ave. Georges Clemenceau

Tel: +253-21312716 M + +253-77161510 Fax: + (253)-21356994

E-mail address: [email protected] , cc [email protected] with subject line ‘EARDIP Communication and Outreach Officer - Djibouti’