International Consultant-Communication Specialist, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Hiring Office: UNFPA Cameroon

 

Purpose of Consultancy:

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen the CCO communication unit's capacity to effectively deliver on its mandate.  The expert will provide support service to UNFPA Country Office Cameroon on communication for a duration of 3 months. 

Scope of work:

UNFPA is seeking a highly qualified Communication Specialist to provide short-term technical assistance to the Cameroon Country Office (CCO). The CCO communication unit plays a critical role in supporting program implementation and advocacy efforts across the UNFPA country programme in Cameroon (2022-2026) and its five output (family planning, maternal health, youth empowerment, gender and GBV, demographic intelligence) and the “three UNFPA zeros” (Zero unmet need for family planning, Zero preventable maternal deaths and Zero gender-based violence). The unit currently consists of four members: one graphic designer and three communication officers. The unit's work spans across UNFPA program, which has units organized around each of the 5 output of the country programme (family planning, maternal health, adolescents and youth, GBV and population data for development)  as well as interdivisional ones such as communication, humanitarian and operations team which support throughout the programme output. 

The specialist will work closely with the existing communication team and CCO leadership to assess current capabilities, recommend a revised structure for greater efficiency and implement initial steps towards a communication model, more precisely the consultancy will follow 4 areas of work:

• Diagnosis and Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current communication unit structure, workflows, outputs, and the use of tools (including innovative tools like AI-powered content generation or data analysis platforms).
• Lessons Learnt and Recommendations: Develop a detailed plan for restructuring the communication unit, incorporating the use of innovative tools and platforms for greater efficiency, with specific elements on digital communication and social media management. Lessons learning during the consultancy period shall also be documented, and included in the final report with recommendations for ongoing improvement.
• Implementation Support and Capacity Building: Provide hands-on guidance and on-the-job training to implement initial phases of the restructuring plan, including the adoption of new tools and technologies. Deliver training workshops or mentoring sessions to enhance the skills and knowledge of communication team members, but also to other CCO colleagues, with a particular focus on social media strategies and engagement.
• Partnership Communication Advise: Analyse and advise on the networking and liaison structure, including with internal partners and collaborators (Regional and Headquarters. Provide coordination and other guidance to help leverage CO’s relationships, to increase visibility.  

The work could be organized as follows: 

• Phase 1: Assessment (Weeks 1-2) : Review relevant documents (e.g., job descriptions, project work plans, communication materials). Conduct interviews with communication unit staff, program leads, and country leadership, analyse current communication channels and their effectiveness, including social media presence. Assess the current use of communication tools and identify potential for innovation (e.g., AI, automation, data analytics)
• Phase 2: Recommendations (Weeks 3-4) : Develop a detailed draft restructuring plan, incorporating recommendations for innovative tools and technologies. Include clear social media strategies and tactics for enhanced engagement and impact. 
• Phase 3: Implementation Support (Weeks 5-8). Assist in on boarding new tools and technologies, providing training and support as needed with a focus on the job-training. Deliver training workshops on social media best practices, content creation, and community management. Develop a capacity building plan. 

Phase 4: Finalization (Weeks 9-12) Document lessons learned and recommendations for ongoing improvement, including the continued use of innovative tools and social media strategies. Submit a final report summarizing the final restructuring plan, including the consultancy's findings, activities, and outcomes. 

 

Duration: 3 months

 

Place where services will be delivered:

Remote plus travels within Cameroon to UNFPA field offices

 

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

Work will be done on digital format, delivery dates depends on the 

Week 1 

• Short inception report outlining the methodology and work plan 

Weeks 4 

• Restructuring plan/organogram of the new for the communication unit 
• Updated ToR for each communication unit member 
• List of recommendation and timeframe (Gantt-chart format) 

Weeks 8

• Capacity building plan 

During the whole consultancy period 

• Training materials and workshop reports (as needed)

Week 14 (2 weeks after the end of the consulting period) 

• Final report summarizing findings, activities, and outcomes. 

 

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

Progress shall be reported towards regularly updates to office senior management towards meetings, the Deputy Representative will monitor the work of the consultant and completion of deliverables that will be 

Two weeks after the end of the consultancy a final report summarizing findings, activities, and outcomes will be expected by UNFPA. All deliverables during consultancies shall be in annexes. 

 

Supervisory arrangements:

The Communication Specialist will be supervised by the Resident Representative

 

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:

• 7 years of professional experience in strategic communication, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Prior experience working for UN Agencies, particularly UNFPA, within the contexts of West and Central Africa Region and Cameroon, is an advantage.
• Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field experience in drafting reports and carry out researches OR Bachelor's Degree and +9 year(s) experience in related fields / A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with +9 (nine) years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master Degree.
• Proven experience in leading and managing communication teams. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Fluency in English and French.
• Experience with innovative communication tools and platforms, including AI-powered solutions is a plus 
• Demonstrated expertise in social media strategy and execution

 

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable: 

• UNFPA will take care of travel fees and DSA 
• UNFPA will make available the meeting room and office space when needed. 
• UNFPA will make available a phone number and an UNFPA email. 
• UNFPA will ensure logistics and procurement for events organized. 
   

Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:

The strengthening of the Country Office communication unit capacity will be carried out under emergency, as the Country Office needs to speed up its interventions on resource mobilisation to bridge the gap in program financing; and on social and behavioral change to achieve the targets set for the 8th CPD (2022-2026).