Job Description

Background
Zimbabwe Health Interventions (ZHI) is a not-for-profit human development organization which is registered as a Private Voluntary Organization (PVO 17/22). ZHI’s mission is to develop and deliver innovative and sustainable high-impact, integrated health interventions to the communities we serve, while working with and strengthening existing institutions. As part of its strategic objectives, ZHI recognizes the importance of effective communication in achieving its mission and engaging stakeholders. To ensure the alignment of communication efforts with organizational goals and strategy, ZHI seeks the expertise of a consultant to review and update its Communications Strategy.

Purpose of Assignment
ZHI seeks to engage the services a consultant to review and update the ZHI communications strategy. Under the overall guidance of the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, the Consultant will review and update the Communication strategy.

Objectives
The primary objectives of this consultancy are as follows:
• Conduct a comprehensive review of ZHI's current communication strategy, including its goals, target audiences, key messages, channels, and evaluation methods.
• Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) associated with the existing communication strategy.
• Develop a revised communication strategy that aligns with ZHI's mission, vision, and strategic objectives for the next five years.
• Provide recommendations for integrating innovative communication approaches, emerging technologies, and best practices relevant to ZHI's sector.
• Outline a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the updated communication strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
• Conduct an initial desk review of ZHI's existing communication materials, including internal and external documents, reports, and relevant data.
• Conduct interviews or focus group discussions (as necessary) with key stakeholders, such as ZHI's senior management team, staff members, to gather insights and perspectives on the current communication strategy.
• Analyze the current communication strategy, including its goals, target audiences, key messages, and channels, and compare them against industry best practices and benchmarks.
• Identify gaps and areas of improvement in the current strategy and provide recommendations for addressing them.
• Develop a revised communication strategy that includes clear goals, target audiences, key messages, channels, and activities for the next five years.
• Provide guidance on integrating innovative communication approaches, emerging technologies, and digital platforms into ZHI's communication efforts.
• Design a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure effectiveness of the updated communication strategy.
• Present findings, recommendations, and the updated communication strategy to ZHI's management team and incorporate their feedback.

Qualifications and Experience

Consultant Qualifications
The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:
• A minimum of a Masters degree in, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, Business Administration, social sciences or another related field,
• PhD in relevant field is an added advantage.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in developing strategic plans for similar organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and reviewing communication strategies for organizations in the development sector, and samples of similar work
• Strong knowledge of best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in communication and marketing.
• Familiarity with the development sector specific communication challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and incorporate their input and feedback.
• Previous experience in monitoring and evaluation of communication strategies is desirable.
• Well-informed of the national (Zimbabwe) and Southern Africa regional context with previous experiences working in different countries in the SADC region.
Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Advisor at ZHI. Regular coordination meetings with ZHI Senior Management Team (SMT) will be scheduled to review progress, provide feedback, and ensure successful completion of the consultancy.

How to Apply

No paper applications will be accepted. Individual(s)/organization with the experience, skills and expertise in the above assignment should submit a proposal, CVs and evidence of previous work done related to these activities to ZHI on [email protected] by 24 June 2024 at 1700hrs. Please indicate the title of this consultancy in the email subject line, “Reviewing and Updating ZHI Communication Strategy”.

Please click the link below to access the full consultancy document.

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