Recruitment of a Communication and stakeholders Engagement Specialist

Dear Moritz

I hope this message finds you well

I hereby on behalf of the project coordinator share the REOI for the recruitment of communication and stakeholders engagement specialist for your information

Kind regards

Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West and Central Africa sop1 (HISWACA)

Project Implementation Unit (PIU),

C/o Gambia Bureau of Statistics, Kanifing Institutional Layout

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Country: The Gambia

Project: Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West and Central Africa

Grant No.: IDA E1750-GM

Project ID: P178497

Assignment Title: Consultancy for Recruitment of a Communication and Stakeholders Engagement Specialist

• Background

The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS), with support from the World Bank (IDA), is implementing the HISWACA-SOP1 Project to modernise the National Statistical System, improve data quality, and strengthen the use of statistics for evidence-based policy making.

The HISWACA Communications Plan (2025–2027) identifies several communication constraints, including limited internal communication capacity, low public awareness of statistical products, inconsistent messaging, weak digital presence, and the risk of misinformation. A SWOT and BEEM analysis highlight the need to strengthen visibility, improve statistical literacy, enhance media engagement, mitigate misinformation risks, and support the uptake of official statistics.

To address these challenges, GBoS seeks to recruit a Communications & Stakeholders Engagement Specialist to lead communication efforts and strengthen the dissemination of statistical products. This position will not assume responsibilities for stakeholder engagement, which remain under the Social and Environmental Specialists (ESS10). Instead, the Specialist will support stakeholder engagement indirectly, through communication products, sensitization content, visibility tools, and knowledge dissemination

• Objectives of the Assignment

• The objective of this assignment is to strengthen HISWACA’s communication system by:

• Increasing visibility of project activities nationwide;

• Improving public awareness, understanding, and utilisation of statistical products;

• Enhancing internal and external communication within the PIU and GBoS;

• Producing communication materials that support ESS10-led engagement activities;

• Supporting the dissemination of survey results and analytical outputs;

• Enhancing digital communication and media relations;

• Documenting project progress, achievements, and lessons learned.

• Scope of Work

The Specialist shall undertake the following duties:

A. Strategic Communication & Visibility

• Implement the HISWACA Communication Plan in line with SWOT and BEEM recommendations.

• Maintain HISWACA’s visibility, branding, and messaging guidelines.

• Prepare communication products including brochures, fact sheets, press releases, infographics, banners, and social media cards.

• Manage content for GBoS/HISWACA website pages and social media platforms.

• Coordinate media outreach, including press conferences, interviews, and media briefings.

• Monitor public perception and support proactive reputation management.

B. Knowledge Management & Dissemination

• Support the preparation of statistical dissemination materials such as highlights, summaries, infographics, and key findings.

• Translate complex statistical information into accessible, user-friendly language.

• Document project activities, case studies, success stories, and lessons learned.

• Support dissemination events, user–producer dialogues, and policy engagement workshops.

• Produce knowledge products showcasing HISWACA’s results and impact.

C. Digital Communication & Public Awareness

• Strengthen GBoS and HISWACA’s digital presence through consistent, engaging, and accurate content.

• Develop multimedia materials, including short videos, audio messages, and digital flyers.

• Monitor online conversations to identify and counter misinformation.

• Support public awareness campaigns for major surveys and statistical activities.

D. Indirect Support to Stakeholder Engagement (No ESS10 Overlap)

The Specialist shall not undertake direct stakeholder engagement; this remains the role of the Social and Environmental Specialists.

The Specialist will support ESS10 processes by:

• Preparing communication materials for GRM awareness, complaints handling, and toll-free lines.

• Designing sensitisation messages for enumerators, community radio, and public outreach.

• Supporting visibility for citizen engagement activities.

• Ensuring communication outputs are accessible to women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities.

• Supporting clear and consistent messaging to reduce survey refusal rates and survey fatigue.

E. Internal Communication

• Prepare internal updates, newsletters, and briefing notes for the PIU and GBoS management.

• Establish and maintain internal communication templates and reporting formats.

• Strengthen communication coordination between GBoS divisions and the PIU.

• Deliverables

• Inception report and annual communication workplan;

• Quarterly communication and visibility reports;

• Communication content packages (digital, print, audio–visual);

• Media kits, press releases, talking points, and briefing notes;

• Statistical dissemination support packages;

• Communication materials for GRM and ESS10;

• Documentation reports, success stories, and case studies;

• Annual communication performance report.

• Reporting and Supervision

The Specialist will report directly to the Project Coordinator of the HISWACA project.

The Specialist will also work in close collaboration with:

• The Environmental and Social Risk Management Specialists;

• The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist; and

• Relevant World Bank Task Team members.

• Duration and Location

The assignment contract will be for an intial period of one (1) year renewable on the basis of a performance evaluation deemed satisfactory by the Project Coordination . A probationary period of six (6) months is required.

The post will be based in GBoS Building, Kanifing Institutional Layout, Kanifing.

• Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Educational Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related discipline from a recognised university.

Professional Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience in communications, media relations, or stakeholder engagement within development or public sector projects.

• Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of communication and visibility strategies.

• Previous experience working on World Bank-funded or other international development projects is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with statistical systems, data dissemination, or ICT-based communication would be an advantage.

• Proven record of organising public events, consultations, or campaigns engaging multiple stakeholder groups.

Technical and Core Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of one or more local Gambian languages is an asset.

• Strong media engagement and digital communication skills, including social media management and basic content creation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and experience with basic design tools (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Canva) is desirable.

• Ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.

• Demonstrated organisational and coordination skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining effective teamwork.

• High standards of integrity, professionalism, accountability and confidentiality.

• Ability to accurately interpret basic statistical findings will be an added asset.

• Facilities and Support

The PIU will provide:

• Office space, IT and communication facilities;

• Access to relevant project documentation and materials;

• Logistical support for meetings, field missions and official travel.

• Ethical Standards

The Specialist shall uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity and impartiality, in line with GBoS and World Bank values. All communication outputs must adhere to the principles of accuracy, transparency, inclusiveness and accessibility.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual consultant’s selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from Monday-Thursday 09:00am to 1600 pm, Friday 09:00 to 12:00pm Gambian time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by Close of business on or before 21st April 2026.

Projects Implementation Unit (PIU)

Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS)

Attn: Mr. Mohammed L. Janneh--- Project Coordinator

C/o Gambia Bureau of Statistics Kanifing Institutional Layout

Tel: 7296325, 9824270 or 2827526

E-mail:[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]