VU15- Communications Specialist

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

Project: Enhancing Adaptation Actions through the National Adaptation Plan of Vanuatu

Duty Station: Port Vila, Vanuatu

Contract Duration: 12 months

Number of Workdays Estimated (internal purpose only): 110 days (deliverable based)

Consultant Level: 5

Total Fees: USD $45,000

The communications and engagement specialist (hereafter referred to as "the Consultant") will provide strategic communication and engagement services to support the broad objectives of GGGI's programs in Vanuatu in general and specifically the Enhancing Adaptation Actions through the National Adaptation Plan of Vanuatu (hereafter referred to as "the NAP Project"). These services will facilitate effective dissemination of information and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, enhancing the visibility and impact of various projects including, but not limited to, climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.

Vanuatu became a member of GGGI in 2014 and GGGI began its operations in Vanuatu in 2015. GGGI’s first projects in Vanuatu in 2015 and 2016 focused on support to the Government to update the National Energy Roadmap 2016-2030, develop the National Green Energy Fund, and plan for implementing its green energy transition. In 2017, GGGI and the Government of Vanuatu launched its first Country Planning Framework (CPF). CPFs are “a five-year country level plan that sets out the priority areas for GGGI interventions and choice of programmatic solutions that contribute to Members’ and partners’ green growth transformation as well as their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and Sustainable Development Goal ambitions and goals”. GGGI launched a second CPF for Vanuatu in 2022, spanning 2022-2026.

GGGI has been actively involved in supporting sustainable development initiatives in Vanuatu. GGGI's focus includes enhancing climate resilience, promoting green growth, and fostering economic sustainability through various projects. Notably, GGGI works closely with the Vanuatu government and local partners to develop green growth policies and strategies aligned with Government of Vanuatu’s climate ambitions and mobilize financing for projects at scale.

GGGI’s current portfolio in Vanuatu reflects a diverse and impactful set of initiatives aimed at advancing climate resilience and sustainable development. Key activities include the installation of solar-powered water pumps in eight rural communities and the provision of renewable energy solutions for 24 rural schools and health centers, supported by the Australian Government under the Renew Pacific program. Under the Low Emissions and Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) Phase II program, supported by NZ MFAT, GGGI is developing Fuel and Vehicle Emissions Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Additional climate finance initiatives include the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) supported by DFAT Australia, and the Climate Finance Access & Absorption program funded by the UK FCDO. GGGI is also collaborating with the NDC Partnership to develop seven pre-feasibility studies aimed at unlocking climate finance for Vanuatu. Furthermore, the portfolio includes a sustainable maritime program funded by the Republic of Korea, and an e-mobility project under GEF-8, contributing to the country’s transition to low-carbon transport solutions. 

The communications and engagement specialist will provide strategic communication and engagement services to support the broad objectives of GGGI's programs in Vanuatu in general and specifically the ‘Enhancing Adaptation Actions through the National Adaptation Plan of Vanuatu’ project. These services will facilitate effective dissemination of information and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, enhancing the visibility and impact of various projects including, but not limited to, climate adaptation and resilience initiatives.

This service contract is timebound for the entire project implementation period with the specific deliverables and the exact timeline is subject to discussion with the successful candidate.

The activities under this assignment are broadly categorized as follows:

A. Inception Report and Workplan

• Participate in an initial meeting with GGGI’s Vanuatu Program team and ‘Enhancing Adaptation Actions through the National Adaptation Plan of Vanuatu’ project team to align on communication goals and expectations.

• Analyze relevant project documents and GGGI communication guidelines provided by GGGI.

• Develop inception report and work plan outlining detailed plan for contract implementation.

B. Stakeholder Mapping, Communication and Engagement Strategy, and Action Plan & Capacity Building Plan for GGGI, local partners and C&E intern

• Identify and categorize key stakeholders and audiences for targeted communication efforts.

• Develop a comprehensive communication strategy that includes stakeholder analysis, messaging, and channel selection tailored to each project's needs as well as provide input into the development of the adaptation planning framework.

• Develop and submit the communication and engagement strategy & action plan for approval to the NAP Project team and revise based on feedback. As well as provide input into the development of the adaptation plan.

• Conduct communications and engagement needs assessment and develop and submit a capacity building plan for GGGI, local partners and C&E intern.

C. Implementation of Communication and Engagement Strategy, Action Plan & Capacity Building

• Provide overall oversight and technical guidance on implementation of the strategy and action plan, including the adaptation planning framework.

• Develop the training plan and provide training and mentoring to GGGI staff, intern and local partners including but not limited to the Ministry of Climate Change and Adaptation (MCCA), Department of Climate Change (DoCC), sectoral and provincial stakeholders in communication best practices, and digital management and engagement.

• Produce engaging and informative content across multiple platforms, including social media, newsletters, press releases and websites, not below 60 posts [AD1] [FT2] [AD3] for the entire contract duration for each media platform. For example, a post related to an event or document launch will be posted across all media platforms and will be considered as one.

D. Facilitation of Stakeholder Engagement Sessions and Workshops

• Organize and facilitate stakeholder sessions, public forums, workshops, and meetings to enhance stakeholder involvement and buy-in. Travel to a minimum of three provincial adaptation workshops in the provinces; TORBA, PENAMA, SANMA, MALAMPA, TAFEA and SHEFA, and develop 3-5 minute videos on the adaptation challenges faced by the provinces due to the impact of climate change. This includes conducting video interviews, capturing images and b-rolls documenting the adaptation challenges and solutions.

• Keeping stakeholders informed throughout the NAP project implementation, particularly for activity. This includes validation workshops, launch activities, training programs, exhibitions, coordination meetings, Project Steering Committee and Technical Working group meetings, media broadcasts, and community events.

E. Communication Materials

• The consultant is expected to support the project team in peer review and graphic design of the communication materials that will be developed under the project. Project fact sheets, flyers, posters and infographics etc.

• Write, review and edit maximum 12 documents reports (not exceeding 100 pages of A4 size maximum each document, total not exceeding 1200 pages).

• Create videos, reels and stories

• Produce two NAP project videos not exceeding five minutes each including script, editing and development.

• Peer-review of project material such as Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment, National Adaptation Plan, 6 Provincial Adaptation Plans etc.

F. Develop at least three success stories of the NAP implementation in project areas

Write three success stories about the NAP project implementation in Vanuatu. The stories will highlight how the project achieved its goals, its value to the community and stakeholders and the positive impacts it will have on project areas.

G. Project closing report on communication and engagement activities

Develop a closing report on all communication and engagement activities at the end of the contract. The report will outline all the deliverables achieved, workshop and training outcomes, and lessons learned and make future recommendations. All relevant technical papers, reports, and other documents prepared from the start to the end of the assignment shall be attached to the report or handed over at the end of the contract.

This assignment is expected to be completed within 12 months from the start date, which is defined as the contract signature date, with a timeline as follows:

Reporting Arrangements

Monthly Progress Reports and Regular Meetings: Regularly update the Project Manager on the status of communication activities, including successes and areas for improvement in agreed frequency of meetings and monthly reporting.

Footage Submission: At the end of the contract period, compile and submit all files and folders containing pictures, videos and footage. Ensure that all media is provided in JPEG / JPG, PNG, RAW and other editable formats.

Notes:

• The consultant will use their own resources to produce all deliverables.

• All deliverables must be submitted in English.

• Any data and information collected as part of this consultancy must be submitted to GGGI.

• Electronic versions of deliverables must be compatible with Microsoft Office applications and adhere to GGGI's font and style guidelines.

• The professional fee outlined in the Payment Schedule includes local travel within the duty station. If the individual consultant is required to travel outside the duty station for official business, such travel will be covered by GGGI upon written approval, in accordance with GGGI’s Travel Policy and guidelines.

• This opportunity is open to both national and international individual consultants. However, for international consultants, GGGI prefers candidates who reside within the duty station (Port Vila) and hold a valid business or work permit. Please note that GGGI does not cover costs related to accommodation, daily allowances, work permits, or similar expenses.

The expertise required for this role:

• Master's degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, international relations or related field.

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in sustainable development, public policy, communications, public relations, or journalism in private companies, NGOs, or the media.

• Have a communications network with the government and NGOs, media, academia, and international institutions.

• Proven track record of implementing communication and engagement strategies with project management skills and the ability to deliver.

• Strong skills in content creation, adaptable to multiple platforms (e.g., social media, newsletters, press releases) and proficiency in graphic design of reports, flyers and infographics.

• Experience providing technical guidance and conducting workshops and training sessions. Competence in monitoring the effectiveness of communication strategies and making data-driven adjustments.

Interested consultants shall submit the following documentation: Portfolio of Past Projects: Examples of previous work that demonstrate the consultant’s capabilities in managing similar projects.

1. A cover letter demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements

2. Detailed resume/ CV outlining relevant experience and skills maximum of four pages

3. All the above information must be included in the application package to be considered complete. Applications must be submitted in English.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.