Communication Expert Consultancy

Terms of Reference Communication Expert   Duty Station: Home-Based Duration:   15 working days/ 10 December 2015 – 3 January 2016     1.Introduction Oxfam is seeking a Communication Expert for the content development of communication material for the regional “Supporting Women’s Transformative Leadership in Changing Times in Middle East and North Africa (AMAL)” programme which is based in Oxfam Lebanon Gender Justice Programme.   2.Background Oxfam has been working in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for over five decades. Over the past four decades it has been promoting gender equality and supporting women’s right to participate and be represented in governance and decision-making structures and processes.   This focus is complementary to other areas of Oxfam’s work on women’s rights and to the broader goal of Oxfam to contribute to a ‘world without poverty.’ Oxfam is committed to supporting women, men and children, living in poverty, to claim their rights to sustainable livelihoods, to basic social services, to life and security, to be heard, and to an identity.   AMAL is a three-year multi-country programme to be implemented jointly by Oxfam GB, Oxfam Novib, Intermon Oxfam and partners. It is aimed to promote active participation and leadership of women in the MENA region, including the poorest and most marginalised women, in local, national and regional governance structures and decision-making processes. By doing so, the programme aims to ensure that they have a say in formulation and/or their needs and priorities are reflected in socio-economic policies and practice at all levels. The programme is implemented in the OPTs, Morocco, Tunisia and Yemen.   In this framework, the AMAL Innovation Fund (AIF) is an Oxfam granting mechanism that was set up in January 2014 to support Innovative initiatives for promoting women’s leadership in the AMAL programme countries. Grants were disbursed to individual organisations or consortia of organisations (hereafter referred to as “AIF grantees”) based on a competitive process.   The Innovation Fund was set up to support emerging and young organisations in the MENA region to access funds they need to actuate their ideas on the ground given the difficulties that these organisations face to develop and access funding. The fund was therefore set up to extend grants to new and emerging organizations and groups who have innovative ideas that they would like to experiment with. The aim is empowering women- especially those who suffer from poverty or marginalization- to collectively lead on actions that will incur positive change in their lives.   Within the overarching communication strategy of the Regional Gender Justice Programme and that of AMAL programme, the AMAL Innovation Fund communication plan has thus the following objectives: To contribute to change attitudes and beliefs about the poor and marginalised women, particularly among youth by highlighting their leadership in funded projects and their ability to mobilise and bring change to their own communities; To highlight the impact of funding and supporting emerging, grassroots organisations in advancing women rights in the MENA region by raising the profile and visibility of the Innovation fund.   3.Purpose of the assignment The purpose of the assignment is to develop a booklet and a pamphlet in Arabic relaying the Innovation Fund’s process and main achievements and documenting the good practices and approaches adopted within the funded projects.   The specific objectives of this communication product are as follows: Document the process of the Innovation Fund and provide highlights on this initiative (main figures, number of beneficiaries reached, change produced, etc.); Highlight good practices within this model in the specific context of the MENA region through developing case studies of successful approaches and good practices; Increase the visibility of the AIF reflecting the variety of projects that the AIF grantees have developed; Raise awareness on the project values and inspire the public. 4.Tasks and deliverables Under the supervision of the AIF Coordinator, the consultant shall:   DELIVERABLE TASKS DUE DATE 1)   Submit an outline for the booklet based on information provided by Oxfam team -     Conduct introductory meeting with Oxfam staff members -     Review all funded projects’ proposals and documents provided by Oxfam -     Develop an outline for the booklet and pamphlet focusing on highlights on the AIF and case studies -     Develop a template for case studies documentation based on template provided by Oxfam 15 December 2015 2)   Develop the AIF highlights section -     Based on gathered information, compile figures and select content to be included in this section -     Develop content for AIF highlights, including information suitable for later development of infographic. 20 December 2015 3)   Document the case studies collected -     Agree with AIF Coordinator on clear timeframe for interviews with selected grantees -     Conduct interviews and document case studies based on agreed template and submit for Oxfam’s revision 27 December 2015 4)   Present the final product -     Finalise the AIF highlights and case studies documentation based on Oxfam’s comments 3 January 2016     5.Skills and Competencies Oxfam is looking for an expert with sound knowledge of written communication material development and a good understanding of work around women rights.  The consultant should have the following skills and competencies:   Experience in conducting a similar assignment in collection and documentation of case studies. Proven and demonstrable communication experience, with a focus on written communication. Knowledge of the MENA region and familiarity with developmental programmes. Excellent analytical, writing and documentation skills. Excellent fluency in English and Arabic. Adaptability and flexibility, confidentiality, concern for accuracy and quality.   Further information - Participation in meetings The consultant will be expected to coordinate with Oxfam AMAL programme team either in meeting (if residing in Lebanon) or remotely. He/she will be expected to report to the Innovation Fund coordinator during the assignment.   6.Expressions of interest The consultant will be selected through a competitive process. Potential candidates are invited to present an offer that must include:  A Curriculum Vitae and cover letter including suggested fees. Samples of previous similar work.     Offers should be sent to lebanonjobs@oxfam.org.uk. Last deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 4 December 2015 COB.    The expected start date for the assignment is 10 December 2015. Selected candidate will be expected to be available during the implementation period of the assignment and flexible to accommodate its requirements.