Call for Expression of Interest for Strategic Communications Consultant
Background and Purpose:
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a multilateral financing mechanism established to support climate action in the Caribbean and, by extension, developing countries. In fulfilling its mandate, the GCF responds to climate change through strategic investments in actions that will result in low-emission and climate-resilient development. These strategic investments will limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries and help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. Several windows for financing and technical support for a programmatic approach are available to engage the GCF for the implementation of climate actions. These include funding windows for mitigation and adaptation, the Private Sector Facility, the Readiness and Preparatory Support Program, a REDD+ results-based payment program, and an Enhanced Direct Access Program designed to enhance funding access by sub-national, national, regional, public, and private entities.
In 2018, the GCF accredited the Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) as a national Direct Access Entity. This role requires PACT to take on several responsibilities associated with the delivery of impactful projects within the priorities of the Fund, of PACT, and of Belize’s National Climate Change Policy & Plan, and related frameworks. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), Belize’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF, PACT has received approval for financing under a Readiness and Preparatory Support Project titled, “Strengthening technical and institutional capacities of Galen University, BLPA, PACT, BNPAS and the Government of Belize to access Climate Finance.”
This project is to be executed over an 18-month implementation period. This project will contribute to reducing the vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in Belize by facilitating the coherent integration of climate change adaptation into the public sector, programs, and projects within the country. Belize will create partnerships with the public sector to build resilient livelihoods and minimize climate vulnerabilities of communities; and conserve and increase the resilience of the agriculture sector, academia, NGOs, Government, and within Belize in general.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication is essential for organizational success. To enhance the capabilities of PACT’s employees, there is a recognized need for a comprehensive training program focused on both internal and external communications. This Terms of Reference (TOR) aims to delineate the scope of work, deliverables, and expectations for a Strategic Communications Specialist tasked with designing and implementing this training program. The program will include the development of clear communication guidelines that establish expectations for messaging across various platforms, ensuring consistency and alignment between internal teams and external stakeholders. By fostering improved communication strategies, the organization can better achieve its objectives and enhance overall effectiveness.
Scope of Work
The Strategic Communications Specialist will be responsible for the following:
1. Assessing the current situation, understanding available resources, developing a Work Plan: Outline the approach, methodology, and timeline for the training program.
2. Developing communications guidelines and training materials: Design presentations, handouts, activity sheets, and assessment tools tailored to internal and external communications. Conduct validation workshop.
3. Conducting Training Sessions: Deliver training to staff on effective communication practices.
4. Providing Ongoing Support: Offer guidance and support during the implementation of learned skills.
5. Preparing a Consultancy Closure Report: Summarize the training outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for future training.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal consultant must possess the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field from an accredited institution with five (5) years of relevant professional experience.
- Proven experience in developing internal and external communication strategies and plans and in multimedia content creation.
- Experience in building public information capacities of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and media partners.
- Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively convey complex information and tailor language, tone, style, and format to align with target audience, including the media.
- Experience in training delivery related to effective communication.
- Ability to create engaging and informative training materials.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
- Additionally, familiarity with child-friendly and gender-sensitive communication techniques would be an asset.
Expression of Interest
Candidates should present a signed expression of interest that responds to the requirements of these Terms of Reference, accompanied by a Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic certificates, current police record and a list of two recent professional references (names and contact information only) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 24th January 2025. The package should be addressed to:
Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Re: Expression of Interest – Strategic Communications Consultant
Soft Copies should be sent via email to:
procurementofficer@pactbelize.org and projectcoordinator@pactbelize.org
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PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).
PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in submission of their application.