SCT Communications Specialist

Republic of Zambia

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES (MCDSS)

SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES – Individual Consultant Selection (Open; National)

COUNTRY: ZAMBIA

NAME OF PROJECT: GIRLS’ EDUCATION AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOODS FOR HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECT-GEWEL2

CREDIT NO: P181391

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS

REFERENCE NO: MCDSS/SCT/C/2025

The Government of Republic of Zambia, with support from the World Bank and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescent (GFF), is implementing the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project (GEWEL 2) with the main objective of promoting human capital development and productivity among poor and vulnerable girls and women, while strengthening adaptive social protection delivery systems. The project is being implemented across three Government Ministries, namely the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), Ministry of Education (MOE), and Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Gender Division in the Office of the President. The project has four components, (i) the Foundational Social Cash Transfer and Nutrition (SCT) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare at MCDSS and MoH; (ii) Keeping Girls in School and Beyond (KGS) implemented by MOE; (iii) Supporting Women’s Livelihoods for Climate-Smart Productive Inclusion (SWL) implemented by the Department of Community Development at MCDSS; and (iv) the Institutional Strengthening and Systems Building for Cash ‘Plus’ Delivery (ISSB) implemented by the Department of Planning and Information at MCDSS and Gender Division.

Specifically, the Social Cash Transfer Project Implementation Unit (PIU) under the MCDSS will be responsible for implementation of Component 1 of the project which is, the Nutrition- Sensitive Foundational Social Cash Transfer. This component will ensure the continuity of the foundational SCT program for a cash ‘plus’ approach, with complementary activities for improved nutrition outcomes. It will invest in the SCT as the national social assistance program to continue strengthening household food security and resilience to climate and other shocks. It will provide nutrition cash top-ups to select eligible SCT households as part of complementary activities that are layered as a cash ‘plus’ approach for improved nutrition among poor households in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, building on ongoing efforts. Together with MOH, the implementation of this component will follow an integrated approach focusing on both nutrition-sensitive’ and nutrition-specific’ activities for improved purchasing power, as well as demand creation and service provision.

To efficiently and effectively execute the implementation of this component, the SCT PIU seeks
the services of a SCT Communications Specialist.

1.0 SCT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (1)

Objective of the Job

The SCT Communications Specialist will be responsible for promoting the programme goals, encouraging community participation and foster a positive impact on SCT programme.

Key Responsibilities

KEY RESULT AREAS

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

a) Implementing the GEWEL 2 Harmonized Communications Strategy
b) Supporting a targeted approach for the SCT’s nutrition-sensitive aspect (in close collaboration with the MoH on the nutrition-specific aspect)

• Create and implement a communication plan aligned with GEWEL 2 objectives, target audience, and key messages as outlined in the overall GEWEL 2 Harmonized Communications Strategy
• Identify targeted communications approaches to support the implementation of nutrition-sensitive activities of the SCT, including the roll out of the nutrition top-up payments, in close collaboration with MOH implementing the nutrition-specific activities
• Implement communications and outreach along three levels of strategic communications, operational communications and beneficiary outreach
• Identify the most effective communication channels, including community-based outreach mechanisms to reach diverse audiences. These may include, but are not limited to effective use of social media, mainstream and community media, as well as targeted mobilization of beneficiaries through community-driven sensitization, outreach and interpersonal tools of local communication, etc.)

Content Creation

• Produce content that highlights the impact of GEWEL 2 SCT program, such as success stories, case studies, and testimonials from beneficiaries.
• Write reports, articles and blog posts for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop key messages and targeted outreach campaigns for beneficiary awareness
• Create content for IEC materials, such as leaflets, posters, FAQs, etc

Media and Public Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets at national, provincial and district levels to ensure coverage of the GEWEL 2 SCT milestones, component-related activities and events.
• Draft press releases and manage media inquiries.

Branding

• Ensure that all GEWEL 2 SCT program related communication aligns with the branding and messaging guidelines to ensure consistency and recall
• Enhance the visibility of the SCT program by organizing public events, workshops, or campaigns that showcase the progress of programme.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate regularly with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government agencies, NGOs, donors and the local community.
• Facilitate dialogue and feedback sessions to ensure the needs and perspectives of beneficiaries are heard.

Social Media, Website Update and Digital Outreach

•  Manage the SCT program’s social media presence by posting updates, success stories, and upcoming events.
• Monitor digital platforms for feedback, engagement, and to assess the SCT program’s reach.
• Coordinate with Gender Division on maintenance and update of GEWEL 2 website, in close collaboration with the other components and implementing agencies/PIUS

Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and measure the success of communication efforts through engagement metrics, media coverage and feedback.
• Report regularly on the communication strategies, outcomes and suggest improvements.

Advocacy and Campaigns

• Design advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on associated themes and topics to support SCT program implementation.
• Collaborate with partners to advocate for policy changes through communication of impact and results

Internal Communication & Coordination

• Regularly coordinate with communications focal persons from SWL, KGS, MoH, and Gender Division for harmonized communications approach under GEWEL 2
• Participate in GEWEL 2 Communications Working Group meetings
• Keep SCT and other PIU team members and partners updated on key programme developments, milestones and outcomes.
• Coordinate internal newsletters, meetings, or bulletins to ensure transparency and efficient information sharing.

Any other duties

• Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, or Public Relations or related discipline.
• Master’s degree in Communications or Journalism an added advantage
• At least five (5) years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in communications strategy development and implementation, preferably large-scale development programmes led by the GRZ
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines.
• Computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, and related business and communication tools, with working knowledge of Adobe Suite and printing process.
• Content writing experience for all media platforms.
• Proven social media and networking expertise.
• Attention to detail.
• Must possess strong coordination and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage teams and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Duration and Location

• The assignment is expected to last for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and project needs.
• The SCT Communications Specialist will be based at the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Headquarters in Lusaka, with occasional travel to Provincial and district Offices.

Performance Evaluation

• Annual performance evaluation will be conducted at the end of each year using established key performance indicators (KPIs) based targets as set out in the AWPB Project document and individual workplans.
• The consultant will be expected to meet the performance standards as agreed. Failure to meet these standards may result in performance improvement plans or other disciplinary actions.

Reporting

The Communication Specialist will report directly to the SCT Project Coordinator.

Procurement/ Hiring method

The Consultant will be hired and contracted as per the “Individual Consultant (IC)” Selection method of World Bank Procurement Regulation (PR), September 2023,

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (ie. 09:00 to 1700 hours).

The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services
Private Bag W252
Community House
Lusaka.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form (hard copy) by 17:00 hours on 23rd May, 2025.