Header

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Transport Sector Development Project (TSDP) Project ID No. P092837

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO UGANDA NATIONAL ROADS AUTHORITY (UNRA): COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (1 No.)

Procurement Reference No. UNRA/Services/2010-11/00020/05/01

1. Introduction
This request for Expression of Interest follows the General Procurement Notice for the TSDP Project that was published online on the UNDB and the Development Gateway Market websites on 17th July 2010.

The Government of the Republic of Uganda has received financing from the World Bank and DFID towards the cost of the Transport Sector Development Project (TSDP), and it intends to apply part of the proceeds to payments for the provision of Technical Assistance for Capacity Building to UNRA.

2. Objectives of the Assignment
This service aims to develop and increase institutional capacity of UNRA in the area of Strategic Communications by preparing and implementing a robust and innovative communications strategy aimed at promoting public awareness of UNRA’s activities and results; and building a solid reputation for the authority as an efficient public service delivery entity in Uganda.

3. Terms of Reference and Scope of Services
The Specialists’ scope of work shall include: -
a) Under the general guidance of the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), responsible for the conceptualization, planning, development, execution, monitoring and evaluation of an organization branding, advocacy and communication strategy to promote the Authority’s image, activities and programmes both in Uganda and abroad; Formulation of the Communications Strategy shall include undertaking of communications audit, a stakeholder mapping and desk review. The consultant shall also establish a communications baseline either through previous strategies or researches carried out in the sector addressing public perceptions of the roads sector or a media content analysis covering the last two years.

b) Maintain a media profile for all relevant issues and support follow-up on Special Issues of Public Interest such as Road Safety, Road Sector HIV Awareness, Environmental Conservation, Resettlement of Roads Project Affected Persons, Gender Mainstreaming, Good Governance and
Accountability, etc;

c) Manages media activities such as organizing visits to project sites, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, radio interviews and special events, and utilizes both web-based and traditional media when appropriate to generate and maintain public interest on National Roads issues, and tell the story of UNRA’s contribution to national economic development.

d) Develops a strategy to get National Roads issues into the public domain, and strengthen political will in support of UNRA’s mission and objectives, (including communication assessment and analysis, development of a communication plan, strategic use of resources and involvement in key programme processes, especially situation analysis, reviews and evaluations);

e) In coordination with the Executive Director, UNRA, participates in global advocacy activities by planning visits to International Forums and/or workshops, including preparation of information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and necessary logistic arrangements;

f) Advises the Executive Director and the UNRA Corporate Communications team on the effective use of tools of mass communication, including press briefings and conferences and media interviews, to achieve organizational objectives;

g) Adapts and disseminates advocacy materials to identified target audiences, arranging translations into local language(s), as necessary. Identifies the need for additional materials/activities, such as radio and television programmes, publications, photographs, websites, etc., to advocate and promote organizational goals within the country, and manage their production and distribution to the target audiences;

h) Adequately assist in standardizing the Authority’s management reports, press releases, speeches and briefing notes (for the Executive Director) including coordination of the drafting of the Authority’s reports to external stakeholders;

i) Ensure quality of reports, project proposals and other written material. This includes standard layout, translations, branding, coherence with proposal / report guidelines, statistics and budget review.

j) Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Executive Director.

4. Reporting
The Communications Specialist will report to the Executive Director. The Specialist shall also work closely with the UNRA Corporate Communications Manager and the Project Coordinator.

5
. Key Results / Outputs

Key Tasks Expected Outputs
1. Design a phased, budgeted and consultative communications strategy for the Roads Sector in Uganda.

2. Ensure quality materials of UNRA for media / development partners / stakeholders / public for in-country and international advocacy and resource mobilization purposes.

3. Provide timely and quality material in support of UNRA activities for internal and external use.

4. Assist UNRA in standardizing reports and publications

5. Ensure quality assurance

6. Preparation and submission of quarterly reports as part of the quarterly reports to the World Bank within 45 days from the end of the quarter.

Expected Outputs

1. Communications strategy for the Roads Sector to be submitted within two months of the commencement of the Specialist’s services.

2. UNRA branding, advocacy and communication strategy to be submitted within two months of the commencement of the Specialist’s services.

3. Press releases, speeches, briefing notes, fact sheets throughout the duration of the contract.

4. UNRA reports and proposals ready for submission to donors throughout the duration of the contract.

5. Quality assured for all type of reports, proposals, concept papers and management reports throughout the duration of the contract.

6. Quarterly reports on Communications Activities in UNRA are submitted throughout the duration of the contract.

6. Required Qualifications and Experience
a) Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area combined with advanced university degree in a related discipline;

b) At least ten (10) years progressively responsible professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media and programme monitoring and evaluation, of which two years should be in developing countries. Working experience with a large organization like UNRA will be an added advantage. The Specialist shall also be experienced in designing and implementing development communications strategies.

c) Advanced ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written form; specific skills in writing press releases, speeches, articles / stories for traditional and electronic media, report writing and editing;

d) Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and teaching skills;
e) Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media, government officials, the general public and Development partners;

f) Strong working knowledge of computer systems and applications including DTP, specifically interactive digital media and Red Dot;

g) Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team;

h) Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment;

i) Excellent team player;

j) High organizational capability;

k) Fluency in English.

7. Service Time
The assignment shall be for a period of Two (2) years including a 6 month probation period.

8. Selection of Applicants
Applicants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines:
Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (current edition).

9. Applicants may obtain further information at the address below from Monday to Friday 0800 to
1700 hours.
The Head,
Procurement and Disposal Unit,
Uganda National Roads Authority
Ground Floor, Room No. GA2
Plot 5, Lourdel Road
Kampala, UGANDA.
Tel: +256 312 233 100
E-mail: procurement@unra.go.ug


10. Conditions for Application
Expressions of Interest, in English and in sealed envelope clearly marked “Expression of Interest for the Position of Communications Specialist”, accompanied by (i) a capability statement detailing the applicant’s general qualifications, adequacy for the post and illustrated personal experience; (ii)
copies of testimonials; (iii) detailed curriculum vitae showing previous positions held and (vi) postal addresses and day telephone contacts of applicants should be submitted to the address below before
or on 7th March 2011 by 10:00 Hrs.
Procurement and Disposal Unit,
Uganda National Roads Authority,
Plot 5, Lourdel Road
Ground Floor, Room No. GA 2
P.O. Box 28487, Kampala, UGANDA.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR