CENTRE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE (CEDEP)

 CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO DEVELOP A COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

 Terms of Reference (ToRs) for Developing the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) Mfulu Project Communications Strategy

 INTRODUCTION

Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) is an established human rights organization registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act of 1962. Its core function is to address the needs and challenges of LGBTIQ+ community, including other minority groups whose rights are often neglected. CEDEP is currently looking for an experienced consultant to design, plan, and present a communication strategy for the rganization’s Mfulu Project. The project is being piloted in six districts—Blantyre, Mangochi, Phalombe, Balaka, Lilongwe and Mzimba North—where CEDEP, together with its partners, aims to, among others, raise awareness on the promotion and protection of human rights of LGBTIQ+ persons.

BACKGROUND

 CEDEP, through the “Peer Solutions for Epidemic Control” (PROTECT), is implementing the Mfulu Project that aims to specifically improve access to justice and human rights among LGBTIQ+ persons  in Malawi.  Since the inception of PROTECT, the project continues to report gender-based violence against KPs and other human rights violations in the country. Through the Mfulu Project, CEDEP will focus on the following outcomes: improving safety and well-being, strengthening the capacity of local KP-led organizations and human rights defenders, enhancing legal protections of LGBTIQ persons. The project will also support towards engaging the government to urgently work on reviewing policies to ensure  LGBTIQ+ persons are able to access justice services.

 PURPOSE AND OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The purpose of the consultancy is to engage an expert to develop a comprehensive communication strategy and messaging aimed at increasing awareness around the promotion and protection of human rights for LGBTIQ+ persons in Malawi.

 SCOPE OF WORK

• Set the communication goals and objectives of the Mfulu Project
• Develop key messages that effectively speak to the various target audiences and identify means of communicating key messages
• Identify target audiences
• Identify effective communication techniques and tools with beneficiaries and different stakeholders
• Plan available communication resources
• Non-disclosure of sensitive information
• Develop a communication strategy document to be submitted to CEDEP
• Organize orientation  workshop for CEDEP staff and its implementing partners on the developed communication strategy

REQUIRED SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES

• Work plan for developing the Communication Strategy, including strategy of work and methodologies, as well as  quality assurance plan
• Final report on the implementation of the tasks after finishing the development of communication strategy
• Communication strategy document
• Training workshop for CEDEP staff and its implementing partners

CONSULTANT COMPETENCIES, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Preferably advanced degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or other relevant fields
• Strong experience track record of development and delivery of creative internal and external communications and advocacy work
• Extensive experience (at least 5 years) experience in developing, designing, production and publishing of communication and advocacy products
• Knowledge of communications and marketing targeting various audiences, including high-level opinion leaders
• Demonstrated a high level of professionalism and an ability to work independently, under high-pressure situations and under tight deadlines
• Excellent communication and written skills in English

 DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

CEDEP invites interested individuals or firms  to submit the following documents:

• Expression of interest (EoI) outlining how the expert meets the selection criteria and their understanding of the ToRs.
• A technical proposal describing the scope of work and the intended methodology to be used. The technical proposal should also include a tentative work plan, activities and time frames.
• Names and contacts of three recent professional referees (previous clients) for whom similar work has been conducted.
• An example of similar pieces of work completed recently.
• Curriculum vitae outlining relevant qualifications and experience
• An itemized financial proposal.

 DURATION AND TIME FRAME

The communication strategy shall be expected to be completed within 10 days beginning as soon as possible. After the signing of the contract, the expert will have to provide CEDEP with an inception report that will articulate the overall requirements of the ToRs, including a proposed methodology, and a work plan with clear timelines.

SELECTION PROCESS

This application is open to experts who are specialized in developing, designing, production and publishing of communication and advocacy products. The selected consultant will be responsible for designing and executing all the activities described in this TORs in close collaboration with CEDEP Communications Officer, Advocacy Coordinator and the Executive Director.

SUBMITTING THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

 All interested individuals should submit their applications by 20^th May, 2024  to the following address:

The Chairperson

CEDEP Procurement Committee

Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP)
Area 47/3 Ng’ombe Kwawa Avenue
P.O. Box 3251
Lilongwe, Malawi

Email: rectruitment@cedepmwi.org