Policy Advisor – Strategic Communications at CTG 29 views0 applications

OVERVIEW OF CTG GLOBAL

CTG support and manage humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world. With past performance in 15 countries – from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Central and South America – we offer a holistic fabric of project management, implementation and support. Skilled in emergency response to crises such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, we have the ability to act quickly (crisis response teams can be on the ground in 24 hours) and to establish structured operations in high-risk environments. CTG recruit and manage qualified, skilled teams with extensive experience operating in challenging conditions.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Under the Leadership of the Leadership of the new President and Prime Minister, the Federal Government has set a new tempo for the conduct of government business. Beginning with the formation of the new Cabinet, the government has committed to a new way of doing business. Line Ministers have now committed to a new result oriented approach underpinned by the development of 90- day action plans and performance contracts signed with the Prime Minister rolling out reform to ‘prime’ the government machinery for the implementation of the National Development Plan. This reform effort with require that a capable and competent civil service is in place that is able to either implement or oversee the implementation of the activities, projects and programmes in the NDP. A strong center of government endowed with a solid coordination arrangement within the executive, with parliament and the general public, a Performance Management System that clearly assigns roles and responsibilities and monitors progress against key deliverables, and a communication machinery to effectively communicate with the general public, development actors, and development partners.

In addition, a large number of laws and actions for which the executive will need to seek approval by the legislature, requiring an effective collaboration between the executive and the legislature in order to successfully complete the legislative agenda. This support is mainly focusing on the cabinet and its committees (standing and technical), essential to manage the complexity of the government agenda to prepare policies, legislation and to monitor their implementation.

The Office of the Prime Minister at the federal government level lies at the nexus of all these functions;

• execution of the legislative agenda of government in Parliament (focusing on Cabinet operations and Cabinet – Parliament relations);
• execution of a performance management system for the government that delivers results;
• establishment of an elaborate communication system/framework to ensure buy-in of all stakeholders and communication of development results by the government.
• provide for coherent coordination within the overall development of the federal arrangements in Somalia

In that regard, the CD-SIP project seeks to hire a consultant to support and advise the OPM in the establishment of an elaborate communication system/framework to ensure buy-in of all stakeholders and communication of development results by the government to both internal external stakeholders. This support will also enable the government to develop a realistic narrative and deliver a clear and consistent message.

GENERAL FUNCTIONS

Role objective:

The main objective of this consultancy is to support and advise a team of senior officials in the OPM on establishment of an elaborate communication system/framework to ensure buy-in of all stakeholders and communication of development results by the government within the government machinery, to the Somali population and to the international community.

Expected output:

The consultant will closely interact with the senior leadership of OPM as it seeks to establish an elaborate communication system/framework to ensure buy-in of all stakeholders and communication of development results by the government. Effective Strategic Communications will:

1. Improved communications capacity including cross-departmental coordination and consistency on government narrative and key messages and the capacity to counter obstructionist propaganda.
2. Improved public understanding of government policy and actions to encourage greater public dialogue and debate essential to the development of an informed electorate.
3. Improved international awareness of the situation in Somalia and the successes and challenges facing the government to assist the maintenance of international engagement.

Specifically, the scope of work will include providing support to the senior officials of the OPM to:

• Develop and Launch cross-departmental consultation and coordination to produce government communications strategy, core narrative and key messages.
• Design effective communication networks between the various government ministries, especially between the OPM and the Office of the President and other government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure “one voice – one message” across the entirety of government.
• Work closely with MDAs in the development of a communication system and public relations programmes and materials.
• Design and Establish digital and social media and crisis management strategies and plans and develop communications grid and press rhythm.
• Support the production of press and media products such as press releases, opinion editorials and speeches and draft and edit as necessary.
• Support the development of a mechanism for effective and constructive engagement with public and private media groups, including radios, Television and print media;
• Develop Communications Policy and protocols for the OPM and council of ministers.
• Develop guidelines/communications protocol for MDAs engagement with the media and other stakeholders to ensure consistent and appropriate messaging.
• Identify and monitor emerging critical issues and trends and formulate communication strategies to relay information to the public in a timely manner consistent with the objectives of government.
• Provide training and mentoring to the communications team at the OPM
• Provide (define as necessary the reporting cycle, weekly or monthly) progress reports.
• Any other duties as required and appropriate.

1. Submission and approval of the inception report,
2. A “communications strategy and plan” that prioritizes key priorities of the government and harmonizes all government communications and public relations
3. A concept note on the “Design of effective communication networks within government”.
4. Guidelines for MDAs engagement with the media and other stakeholders
5. Draft Communications policy and protocol for the OPM and Council of Ministers.
6. Copies of written communications, including press releases, briefing notes, speeches and other materials that the consultant significantly contributed to.
7. Submission of final report for the assignment.

Payment will be made upon submission and approval of these deliverables as specified in the last section under these TORs.

Project reporting:

Achievement of Deliverables will be approved by the Permanent Secretary OPM or his designated representative and the OUR CLIENT CD Programme Manager and/or CD-SIP Team Leader

Team management:

N/A

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences, Public Administration.

Work experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrable relevant Public Administration experience.

Geographical experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in Africa with local experience in Mogadishu, Somalia is an advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (essential) and Somali (desirable).

Key competencies:

1. Academic Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in communications, journalism, social sciences, Public Administration, or a related field.

1. Years of experience:

• At least 10 years of experience working with in public relations, media, or communications at a senior level
• Experience of working in post-conflict and crises settings, with dynamically changing conditions on the ground
• Experience in provision of high-level policy advice
• Demonstrable experience working with local and international media, including social media;
• Proficiency in editing and proofreading
• Solid consultative, facilitation and presentation skills
• Experience working in Somalia would be an asset;

III. Competencies:

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to OUR CLIENT’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Accountability

• Mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations;

Planning and organizing

• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner;
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work;
• Ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and handle multiple concurrent activities

Teamwork and respect for diversity

• Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on results for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

1. Language requirements:

• English is the working language for this assignment.
• Knowledge of Somali is an added advantage.

Other relevant information:

• The total number of working days foreseen for this assignment is a maximum of 45 working days over the period October 2017 – December 2017.
• The detailed deployment strategy will consist of 2 missions to be developed in line with the work-load as it arises.
• The assignment is contingent on the security situation, the security situation is volatile and last-minute adaptations to the programme may emerge.

Indicative Payment Plan

33.3% (equivalent to 15 working days) upon:

• Submission and approval of the inception report,
• A “communications strategy and plan” that prioritizes key priorities of the government and harmonizes all.

33.3% (equivalent to 15 working days)) upon

• A concept note on the “Design of effective communication networks within government”.
• Guidelines for MDAs engagement with the media and other stakeholders

33.3% (equivalent to 15 working days)

• Draft Communications policy and protocol for the OPM and Council of Ministers.
• Copies of written communications, including press releases, briefing notes, speeches and other materials that the consultant significantly contributed to.
• Submission of final report for the assignment.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should create a profile and apply on CTG Global careers website (click here). Please refer to the vacancy number: VAC-1053. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.