Communication Officer

SHIRE VALLEY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME (SVTP)
Request for Expressions of Interest for Individual Consultants

Introduction
The Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank is implementing the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP). The program development objective (PDO) for the SVP is to increase agricultural productivity and commercialization for targeted households in the Shire Valley; and to improve the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources.

The SVP is a 14-year program (2018-2031) which is being implemented in three sequential but partially overlapping phases, which involve the following key activities: (1) irrigation service provision: (2) land tenure and natural resources management support; (3) agricultural development and commercialization; and (4) project management and coordination. The SVP targets the development of 43,370 ha abstracting water from the Shire River at Kapichira and conveying it by gravity to the irrigable area (in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts) mainly through canals. It is structured around three coordinated pillars:

• Providing reliable, professionally managed and sustainably financed irrigation service to irrigators in a phased construction of the scheme and providing multiple services including water supply.
• Support farmer organization within a comprehensive land use plan; supporting land tenure strengthening and consolidation; as well as natural resources management; and
• Establishment of smallholder owned commercial farm enterprises transitioning into commercial agriculture from subsistence farming and integrating them into commercial value chains.

The Ministry of Agriculture now invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following positions which are part of a larger Project Management and Coordination Team, which comprises the Programme Coordinator and other Specialists:

3.0 COMMUNICATION OFFICER (CO)

i. The Position
The main objectives of the position of the communication officer will be to:

• Lead in the execution of the SVP knowledge management and visibility plan.
• Manage media relations and development of multimedia products.
• Assist in program operational management and documentation of results stories.
• Control quality of SVP documentation.

ii Tasks and Responsibilities
Overall, the CO will be responsible for developing and implementing the SVP communication strategy and
help the technical team manage all other stakeholder relations. This will be done with the support of short-term consultants that can be hired for specific activities, as needed

Specific tasks and responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Lead in the execution of the SVP knowledge management and visibility plan:

• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge resource centre with an online equivalent;
• Proactively provide accurate information and respond to enquiries packaged in a way suitable to the type of stakeholder – community members, project committees, NGOs, general public, etc.;
• Promote an early understanding of the SVP by carrying out intensive information and education activities in support of SVTP; and
• Design and develop sets of standard training materials to be used when needed.

Manage media relations and development of multimedia products:

• In liaison with the technical team, identify and develop content for various channels the project might determine as appropriate;
• Coordinate media project site visits, and PMT engagement with the media;
• Facilitate photo and video footage collection and usage by media houses as appropriate;
• Manage and maintain the SVTP website, ensuring up-to-date content;
• Assist in the design and updating of content of the SVTP intranet; And
• Manage any social media accounts the project might establish

Assist in program operational management and documentation of results stories

• Assist with the preparation of annual work plans, budgets, and quarterly activity plans;
• Establish and maintain a database for all SVP so that schedules can be developed for the timely monitoring and evaluation of critical activities;
• In liaison with the operational teams, document result/ success stories of the project at various intervals in written, video, and photo formats;
• Assist in the implementation of SVP meetings, workshops, campaigns, and disseminate information on these activities; and
• Assist the PMT with other related tasks as required.

Control quality of SVP documentation

• Provide technical advice and support to Project
• Coordinator and other staff in planning and developing relevant information and communications products;
• Provide input to all major documents, including
  strategies, reports and other technical documents, to ensure they are well written and clearly communicating the messages; and
• Contribute to the compilation and finalization of monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

iii. Performance Assessment Criteria

• Timely implementation of planned activities
• Structured communication updates, in liaison with other specialists, to inform external stakeholders on progress is developed;
• Timely periodic provision of a synthesis of progress against planned actions, key challenges and proposed management solutions
• Media documentaries on project implementation

iv. Reporting
The CO will report to the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for his/her everyday responsibilities.

v. Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of BSc degree in Journalism/Communication/Education or related field with at least 7 years’ experience;
• Experience in development/project communication a preferred advantage.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Presentation, instruction and training skills.
• A high level of use of computer applications: MS office, design programs, and photo-editing suites.
• High level of independent judgement, self-motivated, professional, devoted, honest and discreet.
• High level of written and spoken proficiency in both Chichewa and English.

vi. Location of Employment

The CO will be based in Blantyre, but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project area (Chikhwawa & Nsanje) and work closely with an inter-ministerial Task Force in Lilongwe to ensure that progress follows project plans and that appropriate support is provided for project activities.

vii. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is for an initial period of 12 months and the appointment will be on a contract basis. Subject to satisfactory performance the contract can be renewed on an annual basis.

viii. Services and facilities to be provided by the client

The client will provide the following services and facilities to the consultant

• Office space
• Office squipment
• Communication facilities
• Logistics for field work

CONTACT INFORMATION

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays.

Applications including detailed updated Curriculum Vitae and copies of academic qualifications must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 11th December, 2025.

The Director of Irrigation Services,
Department of Irrigation,
Off Paul Kagame Road,
P.O. Box 30797,
Lilongwe
Malawi.
(Attention: The Principal Human Resources Management Officer

Alternatively, applications may be emailed to: enakoma@yahoo.com cc: mwalabu2005@yahoo.co.uk