Sonke Gender Justice (Sonke) is looking for a consultant to develop a MenEngage Africa (MEA) Communications Strategy. The primary purpose of this communications strategy is to enhance MEA’s visibility and influence in advocating for gender equality. This strategy will provide a framework for consistent messaging, identify key audiences, outline communication channels, and establish metrics for evaluating effectiveness. The Communications strategy will act as a guide for the implementation of all advocacy efforts relating to laws, policies, programmes, and other interventions on MEA’s thematic areas. It is anticipated that the strategy will facilitate effective and results-based deployment of advocacy expertise, assets, and resources towards Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound (SMART) advocacy actions at the national and international level. Successful deployment of this strategy will result in the advancement of gender justice, human rights, and social justice in key thematic areas for the MEA.
Background
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence and to question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 24 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting and in promoting peace on the continent.
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation
The MEA Communications Strategy must be aligned to the MEA Advocacy strategy and MEA Strategic Plan (2024 – 2027) which provides a comprehensive profile of key thematic areas of focus as follows: Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Mental Health, Emergency Situations, Human Rights, and Gender Justice, MenCare Africa, Gender-based Violence, Peace and Security, Climate Justice, Meaningful Youth Participation, and Social and Structural drivers (SSD) approach to advance gender justice.
Objectives
- To develop a communication strategy aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge of MEA.
- To Equip MEA members with tools and resources to communicate effectively within their communities.
Scope of Work
- Surveys & Interviews: Conducting surveys or interviews with key stakeholders to assess current communication practices and gaps.
- Content Creation Workshops: Organising sessions focused on creating impactful content tailored to various platforms.
- Online closure meeting and Next steps: Upon end of the consultancy, a meeting with MEA team and stakeholders to reflect on the consultancy period and way forward with the strategy.
Key Deliverables
- The consultant will work closely with the Communications department at Sonke Gender Justice to ensure completion of the following deliverables.
- An inception report outlining methodology, timeline, proposed strategy structure and delivery dates.
- Aligning Communications strategy with the MEA regional strategy 2023-2027 and the advocacy strategy
- Zero draft of the MEA Communications Strategy for feedback and comments.
- A final clean copy of the MEA Communications Strategy 2024-2027 in both English and French.
- A comprehensive communications strategy document outlining objectives, target audiences, key messages, channels, implementation plans, and evaluation metrics.
- A toolkit for MEA members that includes templates for messaging and guidelines on effective communication practices.
- A report summarising stakeholder feedback gathered during the consultative process
- Media monitoring and tracking strategies (Media report templates)
Timelines
The development process is expected to take approximately 2 (two) months from initiation to final delivery.
Required Expertise
- A university degree, preferably an advanced university degree, in Communications, Journalism, social sciences, law, or any relevant qualifications.
- A strong work profile on similar work with traceable references and samples.
- Expert knowledge and extensive experience in regional and international advocacy on gender equality and gender justice work.
- Proficient English and French language skills.
- Good research, analytical and presentation skills.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with strong demonstrated ability to convey complex ideas in a clear, direct, and lively style.
- Strong understanding of feminist and gender transformative language and approaches.
Consultancy fee and payment
The consultancy is for a period of two months and proposals are expected to highlight their daily rate. Where applicable, Sonke Gender Justice will enter negotiations regarding suggested fees to align with available budget lines. Payment will be in South African rands (ZAR) as follows.
- 20% on submission of an inception report.
- 80% on submission of a final clean copy of strategy
- Procedure for submission of an expression of interest (EOI)
Should you wish to submit an EOI, please send a detailed proposal, remuneration rate, and CV no later than 30 September 2024 to hiring@genderjustice.org.za
