Child Nutrition and Social Protection Project

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES)

INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG)

Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG)

Child Nutrition and Social Protection Project (CNSP)

Loan No./Credit No: 7072

Assignment Title: Communication Specialist

Reference No.: PG-DJAG-451400-CS-INDV  

The Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea has received financing from the World Bank, in the amount of US$90 million for the Child Nutrition and Social Protection Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

 

The consulting services (“the Services”) include the engagement of a Communication Specialist to amplify the outcome expected through to Component 3 by working intensely with the project teams in Component 1 and 2 to facilitate dialogue and establish information sharing protocols at the coordination level and provide integrated communication messages shared through the different mediums and communication platform.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained at the address given below.

The Department of Justice and Attorney General now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process.

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in communication, journalism, public relations, social sciences, or international relations;
2. At least 10 years’ experience in a position with similar responsibilities;
3. At least 5 years of experience with projects funded by international donors (WB, ADB, EU, DFAT, etc.);
4. Fluent in English and excellent writing skills and ability to prepare clear, concise reports.

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” (5th Edition) September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

The Terms of Reference are provided below for reference.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (by e-mail) by December 06, 2024, at 16:00 hours PNG Time.

 

Department of Justice & Attorney General

Attn: Project Manager

Waigani, Port Moresby

Papua New Guinea

Phone: +675 7674 1997

E-mail: ken.siminji@gmail.com with a copy to: pkalumba@kisaassociates.com

 

===========================================

 

Terms of Reference

Communication Specialist

 

Project	Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project
Position/Expertise	Communication Specialist (Component 3)
Office Assignment/ Location	Department of Justice & Attorney General Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Contract Duration	An initial 24 months, with possible extension subject to performance assessment and budget availability. The Project closing date is December 30, 2027.
Expected Start Date	January 2025

 

1. Background

Papua New Guinea has one of the highest child stunting rates in the world and stunting imposes heavy individual and societal costs. The Government of PNG (GoPNG) requested financing from the World Bank, in the amount of US$90 million for the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project. The Project aims to improve utilization of priority nutrition interventions and purchasing power of first 1,000-day households i.e., pregnant women and children from 0-2 years old, in selected districts in PNG. The success of the Project will be measured through progress on main results indicators, inlcuding proportion of first 1,000-day households receiving child nutrition grant and share of female child nutrition grant beneficiaries who are first-time owners of an account (bank account or mobile wallet).

 

The Department for Justice and Attorney General (DJAG), is the lead agency for the implementation of activities for Component 3 of the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) project. The Department is seeking the services of a suitably qualified and experienced Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist (CSES) to plan, develop, and implement an effective communications strategy for the project. The CSES will work with internal project stakeholders and external audiences through facilitating dialogue and information exchange to successfully implement the CNSP project.  The CSES will be responsible for assisting DJAG in developing communications strategy and stakeholder mapping plan while also supporting component 1 and 2 planning and implementation of stakeholder engagement protocols implementation, and monitoring of all aspects of Component 3 of the CNSP project.  It is anticipated that inputs from the CSES will be needed on a full-time basis. Based on satisfactory performance and availability of financing, the contract may be extended annually until the Project’s expected ending period.

 

1. Project Description

 

The Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project is comprised of three components:

Component 1: aims to support the implementation of a multi-sectoral community-based stunting reduction and early childhood development approach – the PNG Community-based Approach to Reduce and End Stunting (PNG CARES) including community mobilization and advocacy to create demand for and change behaviors relevant to nutrition and converge nutrition-sensitive water and sanitation and dietary diversification interventions; strengthening health systems to deliver nutrition-specific services and inter-personal social behavior communication change (SBCC) activities; and promoting early childhood stimulation and positive parenting [implemented by NDOH]; Component 2: aims to support the implementation of a nutrition-sensitive child grant targeting the first 1,000 days of life [implemented by DfCDR]; and Component 3: aims to support national level advocacy and coordination of multi-sectoral nutrition interventions delivery, in addition to institutional strengthening and project management (DJAG).

 

Phase One of project will be rolled out and implemented in four districts.  These districts are Kundiawa-Gembogl district in Simbu Province, North Fly district in Western Province, Gazelle district in East New Britain Province, and Madang district in Madang Province. Phase Two of the project is anticipated to be implemented in four new provinces.  The project will be gradually rolled out in 8 provinces and 19 districts in a phased approach.

 

1. Project Management

 

The Department for Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) established a Component Management Unit (CMU) to manage activities of Component 3 of the CNSP project, and also ensures that the World Bank’s fiduciary, safeguards and reporting requirements, including monitoring and evaluation, are met throughout the project implementation period.

 

1. Objective

 

The objective of this assignment is to amplify the outcome expected through to Component 3 by working intensely with the project teams in Component 1 and 2 to facilitate dialogue and establish information sharing protocols at the coordination level and provide integrated communication messages shared through the different mediums and communication platform.  

 

1. Key Responsibilities

 

1. Internal Communications

1. Develop and execute the implementation of the overall Communication Strategy for the DJAG CMU and the CNSP Project under the guidance of the Component Manager and Deputy Secretary of DJAG or his designate.
2. Roll out the internal communications strategy in support of project objectives, and millstones as expected by members of the PSC and PMU Team
3. Coordinate with the Knowledge Management, Capability Development, and Project Manager.

 

1. External Communications

1. Contribute to and assist with the implementation of the external communications strategy in support of project objectives.
2. Amplify key messages of the CNSP Project tailored to target audiences
3. Develop an integrated communication messages for the Nutrition Summit and ensure the implementation of the communications strategy.
4. Draft and produce media releases, brochures, media kits, and other product and resource materials, including supervision of their distribution to provinces.

1. Communication Strategy and Plan for the Nutrition Summit

1. Develop a comprehensive communication strategy for the Nutrition Summit that includes pre-event, during-event, and post-event communication plans.
2. Ensure consistent messaging that aligns with the objectives of the CNSP Project and resonates with target audiences.
3. Coordinate with event organizers, speakers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth communication flow and timely dissemination of information.
4. Manage media relations and ensure positive media coverage of the Nutrition Summit.
5. Develop and distribute promotional materials, press releases, and social media content to raise awareness and engagement.
6. Create platform to capture experiences, stories, and highlights of the Summit.
7. Share experience of the whole of government collaboration under the CNSP Project and make recommendations to improve and maximize outcomes.
8. Lead FTI advocacy work including national summits communications and other activities at the province and district level.
9. Review and update the Project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan with a focus on the strategy for consultation and for information disclosure during project implementation, and incorporating communication aspects and ensuring the plan is operationalized.

 

1. Development of CNSP Brand Strategy:

1. Create a compelling CNSP brand strategy that includes the development of a mascot to drive the nutritional message to the target audience.
2. Ensure the mascot embodies the values and objectives of the CNSP Project and appeals to children and families.
3. Develop branding guidelines to ensure consistency in all communication materials and activities.
4. Coordinate the creation of branded materials such as posters, flyers, merchandise, and digital content featuring the mascot.

 

1. Key Message Development and Consistency:

1. Develop key messages that underpins the CNSP Project and ensure they are clear, consistent, and culturally sensitive.
2. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure messages align with the project’s objectives and avoid potential grievances.
3. Collaborate with C1 and C2 Teams to train partners on key messages to ensure consistent communication across all platforms and interactions.
4. Provide communication protocols and training on key messages to the district/provincial administration and the Provincial Liaison Officers to be hired under the Project.
5. Monitor feedback and adjust messaging as needed to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

 

1. Content Development and Management:

1. Ensure or enhance the quality, consistency, and appropriateness of regional communication materials, activities, processes, and messages.
2. Prepare material for the project website and coordinate outreach activities through social media.
3. Develop the Communication protocols, Message Blueprints, Training Manuals, and other publications on the CNSP Project for wider circulation.
4. Collaborate with Human Resources for Information Sharing platforms, Knowledge Management and Capability Development for the PMU
5. Develop Communication Booklet and Media Kit for the Nutrition Summit to amplify learnings of the Pilot Projects and draw attention to the CNSP Project.
6. Identify and target opportunities that can strengthen the capacity of partners through advocacy and training, access to information and office supplies.
7. Develop Communication Handbook for regional implementation and maintain a Post Project Document on experiences and lessons learned.

 

 

 

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:

1. Present work activities and results to Component 1 and 2 and partners to reinforce positive behavior and address capacity issues.
2. Provide effective and efficient communications strategic guide to ensure the smooth running of all Project component activities within the context of a national and provincial/district response in targeted areas including those supported by other partners.
3. Proactively manage dialogue and engage with CNSP project staffs from component 1 and 2 and collect project related stories, videos and photos depicting highlights and success to share with wider stakeholders and audiences.
4. Provide communication protocols and training on key messages to the district/provincial administration and the Provincial Liaison Officers to be hired under the Project.
5. Conduct dialogue with PSC and PPCC members to set agendas and develop program for national and sub-national initiatives to foster shared ownership.
6. Accompany mission trips with the project component officers to engage with provincial stakeholders and collate stories of CNSP activities and publish on project website.  And the print media publicity
7. Foster dialogue with C1 and C2 about whole of government presentations to the PSC, SLOS WG and committees and other stakeholders when required.

 

1. Monitoring and Evaluation:

1. Collaborate with the M&E officer for insights to project outcomes and make comparative analysis comments, and stories on project milestones in the light of overall PDO
2. Assess the effectiveness of communications programs and activities through appropriate surveys and feedback mechanisms.
3. Provide summary reports on the progress of technical activities at the national level. This is mandatory for the PIP quarterly updates.
4. Support the development/refinement of project social accountability measures (newsletters, report cards, quarterly reporting on project activities  expenditure).

 

1. Knowledge Sharing and Documentation:

1. In consultation with the PMU, plan, design, and implement the learning and knowledge-sharing aspects of the project.
2. Prepare documentation of experiences and lessons learned under the project for regional-level activities.
3. Work proactively with the PMU to identify opportunities for capturing and sharing knowledge, and disseminating information about major progress, results, and lessons learned.
4. Ensure that the strategic plan and the related implementation activities are consistent with the project design and Financing Agreement
5. Identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of partners through advocacy and communication training, access to information, supplies, and equipment, and knowledge sharing.

 

1. Support to Broader Publicity Programs:
   1. Contribute to communications activities for broader publicity programs across different platforms and partners, ensuring sustainable programs and activities to amplify the overall objective of the CNSP Project.
   2. Work in collaboration with the ICT officer in DJAG to publish good stories, news, and blogs on the project website/social media account to promote awareness of CNSP activities, to Project stakeholders and the public at large
   3. Prepare content and maintain the webpage for regional activities.
   4. Assume responsibility as the focal point to receive and manage misinformation related to CNSP project speculated from social media, print or media sources.
   5. Represent the CMU and participate in talkback shows or interviews if requested by external stakeholders to promote and showcase CNSP.
   6. Be a focal point for project advocacy materials, banners, and merchandise to ensure adherence of project branding guidelines.
   7. Leverage the provincial stakeholder interest in CNSP Project to visit the local NBC Radio to inform listeners of the Project, highlight provincial partnerships through the PPCC and importance of ownership by everyone. 
   8. Lead resolution of C3 related grievances and support resolution of grievances relating to C1 and C2 activities and mitigate perception.
   9. Maximize awareness of the Project so that ownership and drive for ongoing sustainability of the Project rests with the people.

 

VI         Specific Key Deliverables

• Development of a detailed communication strategy and plan within the first 60 days, outlining both internal and external communication objectives, key audiences, channels, and messaging.
• Creation of a "Key Messages" document that establishes clear, concise, and consistent messaging tailored to each target audience, completed within the first month. This document should serve as a guide for all project communications.
• Regular publication of newsletters, with monthly internal updates for team members and quarterly external updates for stakeholders. These newsletters should include project milestones, success stories, and upcoming activities to keep all parties informed.
• Complete communication and promotional plan for key events like the Nutrition Summit, including pre-event outreach, media engagement, event coverage, and post-event reporting. This involves coordination of materials, media relations, and event-specific messaging.
• Development and management of a content calendar, with weekly updates for social media and project website. Content should include progress updates, infographics, success stories, and multimedia interactions with the public.
• Creation of a stakeholder engagement plan within the first two months, with subsequent coordination of at least one quarterly stakeholder workshop, focus group, or training. This plan should aim to build relationships, share insights, and gather feedback from key stakeholders.
• Quarterly N&E Reports analyzing communication metrics (engagement rates, reach, stakeholder feedback) to measure the impact of communication activities. These reports should inform any needed adjustments to the strategy and showcase the value of the communication efforts.

 

VII Location

This is a full-time position based in Port Moresby, expected for the life of the Project.

VIII Reporting protocol

The Communications Specialist will report to the CMU3 Project Component Manager. The Communication Specialist will work closely with the M&E and ICT Officer in DJAG and engage with other relevant Officers at DfCDR and NDOH for effective collaboration and advocacy for the CNSP Project.

 

IX Facilities and services to be provided to the Communication Specialist.

The DJAG will provide the Communications Specialist with the Project Appraisal Document and reports and materials related to CNSP. The DJAG PCU will provide office space, access to IT equipment, stationery, internet, communications (phone) and all related utilities.

 

X Experience and Qualification Requirements

 

• 1. Mandatory:
• A Bachelor’s Degree in communication, journalism, public relations, social sciences, or international relations;
• At least 10 years’ experience in a position with similar responsibilities;
• At least 5 years of experience with projects funded by international donors (WB, ADB, EU, DFAT, etc.);
• Fluent in English and excellent writing skills and ability to prepare clear, concise reports.

 

• 1. Desirable:
• Demonstrated ability to nurture and maintain relationships and communications with critical internal and external constituencies and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellent proficiency to write and edit complex communications products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and logical, persuasive presentation. 
• Have a strong track record of development and delivery of high-quality creative communications content using social media and other platforms to stimulate conversations, develop strategies to position across websites, blogs and other channels.
• Good understanding of PNG context and social protection;
• Experience in organizing events.