****
Girls' Education and Women's Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project
Zambia
OP****7539
Request for Expression of Interest
Published
MCDSS/SCT/014/24
Individual Consultant Selection
English
Jul 10, 2025 17:00
Jul 10, 2025
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services-SCT
Morris Moono
Office of the Permanent Secretary Community House Sudzu House Private Bag W 252 Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia
Zambia
****902960
Republic of Zambia
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES
(MCDSS)
SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER - PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
CONSULTING SERVICES – Individual Consultant Selection (Open; National)
COUNTRY: ZAMBIA
NAME OF PROJECT: GIRLS' EDUCATION AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOODS FOR HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECT – GEWEL 2
CREDIT NO: ****
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT
REFERENCE NO: MCDSS/SCT/C/2025
The Government of Republic of Zambia, with support from the World Bank and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescent (GFF), is implementing the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project (GEWEL 2) with the main objective of promoting human capital development and productivity among poor and vulnerable girls and women, while strengthening adaptive social protection delivery systems. The project is being implemented across three Government Ministries, namely the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), Ministry of Education (MOE), and Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Gender Division in the Office of the President. The project has four components, (i) the Foundational Social Cash Transfer and Nutrition (SCT) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare at MCDSS and MoH; (ii) Keeping Girls in School and Beyond (KGS) implemented by MOE; (iii) Supporting Women’s Livelihoods for Climate-Smart Productive Inclusion (SWL) implemented by the Department of Community Development at MCDSS; and (iv) the Institutional Strengthening and Systems Building for Cash ‘Plus’ Delivery (ISSB) implemented by the Department of Planning and Information at MCDSS and Gender Division.
Specifically, the Social Cash Transfer Project Implementation Unit (PIU) under the MCDSS will be responsible for implementation of Component 1 of the project which is, the Nutrition – Sensitive Foundational Social Cash Transfer. This component will ensure the continuity of the foundational SCT program for a cash ‘plus’ approach, with complementary activities for improved nutrition outcomes. It will invest in the SCT as the national social assistance program to continue strengthening household food security and resilience to climate and other shocks. It will provide nutrition cash top – ups to select eligible SCT households as part of complementary activities that are layered as a cash ‘plus’ approach for improved nutrition among poor households in the first 1,000 days of a child's life, building on ongoing efforts. Together with MoH, the implementation of this component will follow an integrated approach focusing on both ‘nutrition-sensitive’ and ‘nutrition-specific’ activities for improved purchasing power, as well as demand creation and service provision.
To efficiently and effectively execute the implementation of this component, the SCT PIU seeks the services of a SCT Communications Specialist.
Objective of the Job
The SCT Communications Specialist will be responsible for promoting the programme goals, encouraging community participation and foster a positive impact on SCT programme.
Key Responsibilities
| KEY RESULT AREAS |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES |
|
Implementing the GEWEL 2 Harmonized Communications Strategy
Supporting a targeted approach for the SCT’s nutrition-sensitive aspect (in close collaboration with the MoH on the nutrition-specific aspect)
|
Create and implement a communication plan aligned with GEWEL 2 objectives, target audience, and key messages as outlined in the overall GEWEL 2 Harmonized Communications Strategy
Identify targeted communications approaches to support the implementation of nutrition-sensitive activities of the SCT, including the roll out of the nutrition top-up payments, in close collaboration with MoH implementing the nutrition-specific activities
Implement communications and outreach along three levels of strategic communications, operational communications and beneficiary outreach
Identify the most effective communication channels, including community-based outreach mechanisms to reach diverse audiences. These may include, but are not limited to effective use of social media, mainstream and community media, as well as targeted mobilization of beneficiaries through community-driven sensitization, outreach and interpersonal tools of local communication, etc.)
|
| Content Creation |
Produce content that highlights the impact of GEWEL 2 SCT program, such as success stories, case studies, and testimonials from beneficiaries.
Write reports, articles and blog posts for internal and external stakeholders.
Develop key messages and targeted outreach campaigns for beneficiary awareness
Create content for IEC materials, such as leaflets, posters, FAQs, etc
|
| Media and Public Relations |
Build and maintain relationships with media outlets at national, provincial and district levels to ensure coverage of the GEWEL 2 SCT milestones, component-related activities and events.
Draft press releases and manage media inquiries.
|
| Branding |
Ensure that all GEWEL 2 SCT program related communication aligns with the branding and messaging guidelines to ensure consistency and recall
Enhance the visibility of the SCT program by organizing public events, workshops, or campaigns that showcase the progress of programme.
|
| Stakeholder Engagement |
Communicate regularly with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government agencies, NGOs, donors and the local community.
Facilitate dialogue and feedback sessions to ensure the needs and perspectives of beneficiaries are heard.
|
| Social Media, Website Update and Digital Outreach |
Manage the SCT program’s social media presence by posting updates, success stories, and upcoming events.
Monitor digital platforms for feedback, engagement, and to assess the SCT program’s reach.
Coordinate with Gender Division on maintenance and update of GEWEL 2 website, in close collaboration with the other components and implementing agencies/PIUs
|
| Monitoring and ing |
Track and measure the success of communication efforts through engagement metrics, media coverage and feedback.
regularly on the communication strategies' outcomes and suggest improvements.
|
| Advocacy and Campaigns |
Design advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on associated themes and topics to support SCT program implementation.
Collaborate with partners to advocate for policy changes through communication of impact and results
|
| Internal Communication Coordination |
Regularly coordinate with communications focal persons from SWL, KGS, MoH, and Gender Division for harmonized communications approach under GEWEL 2
Participate in GEWEL 2 Communications Working Group meetings
Keep SCT and other PIU team members and partners updated on key programme developments, milestones and outcomes.
Coordinate internal newsletters, meetings, or bulletins to ensure transparency and efficient information sharing.
|
| Any other duties |
Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
|
Qualifications and Experience
Duration and Location
Performance Evaluation
ing
The Communication Specialist will directly to the SCT Project Coordinator.
Procurement/ Hiring method
The Consultant will be hired and contracted as per the “Individual Consultant (IC)” Selection method of World Bank Procurement Regulation (PR), September 2023.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (i.e. 09:00 to 1700 hours).
The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services
Private Bag W252
Community House
Lusaka.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form (hard copy) by 17:00 hours on 20th June, 2025.
Republic of Zambia
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES
(MCDSS)
SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER - PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
CONSULTING SERVICES – Individual Consultant Selection (Open; National)
COUNTRY: ZAMBIA
NAME OF PROJECT: GIRLS' EDUCATION AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND LIVELIHOODS FOR HUMAN CAPITAL PROJECT – GEWEL 2
CREDIT NO: ****
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: SELECTION OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT
REFERENCE NO: MCDSS/SCT/C/2025
The Government of Republic of Zambia, with support from the World Bank and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescent (GFF), is implementing the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods for Human Capital Project (GEWEL 2) with the main objective of promoting human capital development and productivity among poor and vulnerable girls and women, while strengthening adaptive social protection delivery systems. The project is being implemented across three Government Ministries, namely the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), Ministry of Education (MOE), and Ministry of Health (MOH), as well as the Gender Division in the Office of the President. The project has four components, (i) the Foundational Social Cash Transfer and Nutrition (SCT) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare at MCDSS and MoH; (ii) Keeping Girls in School and Beyond (KGS) implemented by MOE; (iii) Supporting Women’s Livelihoods for Climate-Smart Productive Inclusion (SWL) implemented by the Department of Community Development at MCDSS; and (iv) the Institutional Strengthening and Systems Building for Cash ‘Plus’ Delivery (ISSB) implemented by the Department of Planning and Information at MCDSS and Gender Division.
Specifically, the Social Cash Transfer Project Implementation Unit (PIU) under the MCDSS will be responsible for implementation of Component 1 of the project which is, the Nutrition – Sensitive Foundational Social Cash Transfer. This component will ensure the continuity of the foundational SCT program for a cash ‘plus’ approach, with complementary activities for improved nutrition outcomes. It will invest in the SCT as the national social assistance program to continue strengthening household food security and resilience to climate and other shocks. It will provide nutrition cash top – ups to select eligible SCT households as part of complementary activities that are layered as a cash ‘plus’ approach for improved nutrition among poor households in the first 1,000 days of a child's life, building on ongoing efforts. Together with MoH, the implementation of this component will follow an integrated approach focusing on both ‘nutrition-sensitive’ and ‘nutrition-specific’ activities for improved purchasing power, as well as demand creation and service provision.
To efficiently and effectively execute the implementation of this component, the SCT PIU seeks the services of a SCT Communications Specialist.
Objective of the Job
The SCT Communications Specialist will be responsible for promoting the programme goals, encouraging community participation and foster a positive impact on SCT programme.
Key Responsibilities
| KEY RESULT AREAS |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES |
|
Implementing the GEWEL 2 Harmonized Communications Strategy
Supporting a targeted approach for the SCT’s nutrition-sensitive aspect (in close collaboration with the MoH on the nutrition-specific aspect)
|
Create and implement a communication plan aligned with GEWEL 2 objectives, target audience, and key messages as outlined in the overall GEWEL 2 Harmonized Communications Strategy
Identify targeted communications approaches to support the implementation of nutrition-sensitive activities of the SCT, including the roll out of the nutrition top-up payments, in close collaboration with MoH implementing the nutrition-specific activities
Implement communications and outreach along three levels of strategic communications, operational communications and beneficiary outreach
Identify the most effective communication channels, including community-based outreach mechanisms to reach diverse audiences. These may include, but are not limited to effective use of social media, mainstream and community media, as well as targeted mobilization of beneficiaries through community-driven sensitization, outreach and interpersonal tools of local communication, etc.)
|
| Content Creation |
Produce content that highlights the impact of GEWEL 2 SCT program, such as success stories, case studies, and testimonials from beneficiaries.
Write reports, articles and blog posts for internal and external stakeholders.
Develop key messages and targeted outreach campaigns for beneficiary awareness
Create content for IEC materials, such as leaflets, posters, FAQs, etc
|
| Media and Public Relations |
Build and maintain relationships with media outlets at national, provincial and district levels to ensure coverage of the GEWEL 2 SCT milestones, component-related activities and events.
Draft press releases and manage media inquiries.
|
| Branding |
Ensure that all GEWEL 2 SCT program related communication aligns with the branding and messaging guidelines to ensure consistency and recall
Enhance the visibility of the SCT program by organizing public events, workshops, or campaigns that showcase the progress of programme.
|
| Stakeholder Engagement |
Communicate regularly with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government agencies, NGOs, donors and the local community.
Facilitate dialogue and feedback sessions to ensure the needs and perspectives of beneficiaries are heard.
|
| Social Media, Website Update and Digital Outreach |
Manage the SCT program’s social media presence by posting updates, success stories, and upcoming events.
Monitor digital platforms for feedback, engagement, and to assess the SCT program’s reach.
Coordinate with Gender Division on maintenance and update of GEWEL 2 website, in close collaboration with the other components and implementing agencies/PIUs
|
| Monitoring and ing |
Track and measure the success of communication efforts through engagement metrics, media coverage and feedback.
regularly on the communication strategies' outcomes and suggest improvements.
|
| Advocacy and Campaigns |
Design advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on associated themes and topics to support SCT program implementation.
Collaborate with partners to advocate for policy changes through communication of impact and results
|
| Internal Communication Coordination |
Regularly coordinate with communications focal persons from SWL, KGS, MoH, and Gender Division for harmonized communications approach under GEWEL 2
Participate in GEWEL 2 Communications Working Group meetings
Keep SCT and other PIU team members and partners updated on key programme developments, milestones and outcomes.
Coordinate internal newsletters, meetings, or bulletins to ensure transparency and efficient information sharing.
|
| Any other duties |
Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
|
Qualifications and Experience
Duration and Location
Performance Evaluation
ing
The Communication Specialist will directly to the SCT Project Coordinator.
Procurement/ Hiring method
The Consultant will be hired and contracted as per the “Individual Consultant (IC)” Selection method of World Bank Procurement Regulation (PR), September 2023.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (i.e. 09:00 to 1700 hours).
The Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services
Private Bag W252
Community House
Lusaka.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form (hard copy) by 17:00 hours on 20th June, 2025.