Terms of Reference: Communication Consultant – STARS-4 Project

Position Title:Communication Consultant
Duty Station:Monrovia, Montserrado County, Liberia
Position Status/Duration:Short-term Consultancy
Reports to:Project Manager, medica Liberia

Project Background

medica Liberia (mL) formerly medica mondiale Liberia is a non-governmental women’s rights organization working in Liberia since 2006. Our organization offers support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through legal, psychosocial, and sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) services. With a feminist, trauma-sensitive approach, we provide direct support, advocacy, and community engagement to advance women’s rights.

With funding from Irish Aid through the Embassy of Ireland Liberia, mL is implementing the Strengthening Action, Response, and Services for SGBV (STARS 4 SGBV) project in Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Sinoe Counties. This three-year initiative focuses on increasing access to SGBV/SRHR services, improving community engagement, and enhancing institutional responses to violence against women and marginalized groups.

Objective of the Consultancy

The consultant will develop a practical and action-oriented communication plan for 2025, aligned with medica Liberia’s Branding and Marking Plan, to enhance visibility, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy under the STARS-4 SGBV project. The plan should:

• Align with mL’s existing communication framework while tailoring messaging and outreach strategies for STARS-4 SGBV.
• Provide clear, actionable steps for project communications, including key messages, target audiences, and dissemination strategies.
• Enhance visibility and awareness of SGBV/SRHR services and advocacy initiatives.
• Build the capacity of mL staff through practical mentorship in communication planning and implementation.
• Establish an M&E framework to measure the effectiveness of project communications.

Key Deliverables

• Practical Communication Plan for STARS-4 SGBV and similar project in operations at medica Liberia

• A written, actionable communication plan that aligns with the Branding and Marking Plan and Irish Aid priorities.
• Defined key messages, communication objectives, target audiences, and dissemination strategies.
• A clear activity calendar with timelines for implementation.
• Cost-effective, high-impact strategies for reaching rural communities.

• Content and Outreach Strategy

• Templates for communication materials, including press releases, social media posts, community engagement messages, briefs for advocacy and donor reporting
• Recommendations for media engagement to amplify project visibility
• A social media and digital engagement plan tailored to the project.

• Staff Mentorship and Capacity Building

• One-on-one coaching for medica Liberia staff on communication planning and content development.
• A structured training session on implementing the new communication plan, covering
• A simple toolkit for staff on communication best practices.

• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework

• Development of a communications M&E framework, including Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track communication effectiveness; Methods for collecting and analysing communication impact data and Feedback loops for adjusting communication approaches.

Approach and Methodology

Desk Review: Analyse the Branding and Marking Plan, past project communication materials, and Irish Aid requirements.

Stakeholder Consultations: Engage key project staff and partners to ensure the communication plan is practical and relevant.

Iterative Development: Develop the plan in collaboration with mL staff, incorporating feedback.

Training and Mentorship: Conduct hands-on sessions to ensure sustainability of communication efforts.

Pilot Testing: Implement aspects of the plan on a small scale, assess effectiveness, and refine before full rollout.

Expertise and Experience:

The suitable consultant/team should have:

• • A bachelor’s degree in mass communications, social sciences, development studies, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and implementing communication strategies for organizations, consortiums, or projects across different sectors.
  • Proven experience working with women-led advocacy-focused organizations or in campaigns that drive social impact, policy change, or organizational growth
  • Experience working on communication strategies related to gender equality, social justice, human rights, and other advocacy-related themes is valuable

• Being a feminist and/or Women’s rights advocate is an added advantage

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications (CV, cover letter, references, remuneration expectations, and writing samples or previous work) to recruit@medicaliberia.org / copying mbalu.jusu@medicaliberia.organd theresa.martin@medicaliberia.orgUse the reference “Communication Consultant” in the subject line. The deadline for application is March 7, 2025.

Note: Female applicants are encouraged to apply.