Job: Consultancy - Advocacy & Communications Support

Location: Nairobi
Closing Date: Monday, 18 November 2013

Terms of Reference Consultancy – Advocacy & Communications support

Organization: Adeso : African Development Solutions www.adesoafrica.org

Position Title: Consultant, Advocacy & Communications support

Reporting to : Communications & Advocacy Manager

Working with Program/ Duty station : Communications & Advocacy Department, Executive Director, Programs team

Duration: Nairobi

Starting date : Up to 15 days 1st December 2013

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy. For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. At present, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan. Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this consultancy is two-fold. On the one hand, the consultant or firm will be expected to work with Adeso to develop a three-year advocacy strategy for the organization, including indicators and measurement tools, in order to guide Adeso's advocacy efforts in Africa, the US, and UK. The consultant will also be expected to advise Adeso on potential funding for advocacy work. At the same time, the consultant or firm will be expected to analyze the current structure of Adeso's communications and advocacy department, and advise the organization on a potential restructuring over the next three years.

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be expected to:

a. Review Adeso's past and current projects, as well as advocacy initiatives and identify potential priorities and areas of focus;

b. Organize a one- or two-day workshop in Nairobi to consult with staff and identify priority areas for advocacy over the next three years. The workshop will rely on participatory methods, including brainstorming sessions;

c. Carry-out bilateral consultations with board members in the US, UK and Kenya, as well as with staff in Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, the UK and US. Note that much of these consultations will be done remotely via phone, Skype and/or email;

d. Carry-out consultations with some of Adeso's current and past advocacy partners to identify areas for potential collaborations;

e. Develop a complete advocacy strategy, outlining clear objectives, targets, activities, allies, deliverables and indicators, as well as an implementation plan for the first year and advice on funding opportunities for such work;

f. Review the current structure, workload and focus of Adeso's communication & advocacy department and carry out a SWOT analysis;

g. Produce a report on the current structure of the communications & advocacy department (SWOT analysis) and provide recommendations on potential structure and focus over the coming three years.

CONSULTANCY PERIOD

The consultancy should require no more than 15 days.

DELIVERABLES

a. Inception report, outlining the proposed methodology and timeline;

b. Draft interview guide for bilateral consultations;

c. Draft advocacy strategy for feedback and comments of Adeso;

d. Draft report on communications and advocacy department structure and focus, for feedback and comments of Adeso;

e. A final strategy in English, including implementation plan for the first year;

f. A final report in English, including short and long term recommendations for the structure and focus of the communications & advocacy department.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Post graduate degree in a social science field (political science, sociology, anthropology, etc.);
• Extensive work experience and proven record in advocacy, policy, campaigns, strategic management with International NGO's and/or UN agencies;
• Excellent and proven analytical and writing skills, ideally in advocacy strategy development;

Familiarity with development and humanitarian issues; Regional experience; Familiarity with the US and UK policy environments; Creative thinking and ability to take initiative; Cultural awareness and sensitivity to gender issues; Excellent command of oral and written English;

APPLICATION PROCESS

This is a challenging opportunity for a firm or a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you are interested in this consultancy, please submit your application to consultancy@adesoafrica.org, quoting the position in the email subject matter, by 18th November 2013.

Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager and include the following:

• An updated CV (maximum 3 pages), including daily fee; An application letter which should include remuneration requirements (daily rate) and contact information for three work-related referees.

Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer.

More Info and Application