Strategic Communications

BACKGROUND

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through the implementation of the National Health Strategic Plan 2016-2020 with the vision of Healthy, Happy, and Productive Solomon Islanders has embarked on an ambitious agenda of improvements to the health system. The success of important organizational reforms will rely significantly on strategic communications, to effectively engage and raise awareness amongst staff, communities, development partners and other stakeholders.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The MHMS does not have internal capacity in this area so the purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support on a broad range of communications work.

The consultant will provide strategic communications advice on the change management associated with the National Health Strategic Plan, and associated reform agenda including the Role Delineation Policy (RDP). Support will be provided for capacity building within the MHMS, and communications advice and support will also be provided to enhance the effectiveness of implementing the WHO/MHMS Country Cooperation Strategy.   Technical assistance will also support programmatic areas through MHMS and WHO communications outreach and visibility.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The consultant will be expected to deliver in four key areas: change management communications, programmatic communications, supporting SWAp activities, and outreach communications to promote awareness and understanding of WHO SI programmes and activities.

Change Management Communications:

1. Support the MHMS in the development of strategic communications framework, and advise on the options available for developing capacity within the Ministry for a corporate communications function to utilize the framework in the future.
2. Revise the RDP communications and engagement strategy to align with the direction and priorities of new MHMS leadership, and the governance of the implementation of the RDP.
3. Provide strategic communications planning support for key areas of RDP work, including human resources for health, infrastructure, equipment, service integration, and HIS.
4. Provide assistance in communicating other change management initiatives associated with the reform agenda.

Programmatic communications:

1. Provide technical communications support for CRVS and MHMS to implement the second phase of the Birth and Death Registration Campaign, including implementing an audience survey to assess reach and impact.
2. Provide technical assistance and advice to programmatic areas in the scoping of communications activities including where appropriate mass media, marketing and communication strategies to support policy and legislative efforts, and public awareness raising.
3. Support the public health division strategic health communication manual to guide the work of health promotion services.
4. Provide training support to the staff of the MHMS Policy & Planning Division for the collation and editing of material for the production of MHMS Annual Report for 2018 and planning of 2019.

SWAp :

1. Document systems and processes with updated materials and templates to facilitate planning of sector wide approach (SWAp) meetings, and develop a transition plan for elements of SWAp secretariat functions to be supported by MHMS.

   MHMS / WHO outreach and visibility:

2. Update SI Country Office Communication Plan to be consistent with the WPC Strategic Communications Framework, and align with the CCS priorities.
3. Produce content on major MHMS/WHO initiatives for key SI media.
4. Support MHMS to plan and implement activities for selected “World Days”, including where appropriate WHO’s national and regional visibility in these events
5. Draft regular feature stories on WHO’s work with MHMS in SI for publication on WHO online platforms and where appropriate through MHMS platforms.
6. Monitor media daily
7. Produce photographs, press releases and social media content where required.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Assessment of requirements of MHMS and WHO SI office, through desk review of existing documents and plans, and stakeholder consultations. Pro-active production of resulting work.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Qualifications required:   

Honours Degree, with Post graduate degree an advantage, preferably in communications, international development or a related subject.

Experience required:

10 years’ experience in strategic communications, with a track record in communications planning and delivery. Writing and editing skills and the ability to work as part of a team are essential. Exposure to a Pacific Island setting is an advantage.

Skills/ Technical skills and knowledge 

High level of competence in communications methodologies and strategies, production of professional documents and reports, and writing for online media. Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

Language requirements:

Expert level language proficiency in English.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work
• The Consultant may be requested to undertake duty travel. The costs of these travels will be borne by WR Office

DUTY STATION: Honiara, Solomon Island
ORGANIZATION:  WHO Western Pacific Regional Office
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Short Term Consultant
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8 May 2019
STARTING DATE: 13 May 2019
DURATION OF CONTRACT:  7 months (until December 2019)

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications}, Expression of Interest {cover letter} and offer sheet on a monthly and daily rate in USD to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 8 May 2019

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. WPRO/2019-04/SLB_HSD/TN89458/vrs as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.