1.0 BACKGROUND
The East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) is an Institution of the East African Community (EAC) established by the 5th Extra-Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State on 18th June 2007, with a mandate of coordinating and facilitating the activities of the Partner States and national science and technology institutions (including the relevant national Commissions/Councils) to promote the development and application of science, technology and innovation in all its aspects, including i) policy development, ii) program development and implementation, iii) knowledge and skills development, iv) research and development, v) technology acquisition, adaptation and utilization, vi) resource mobilization and utilization.
The overall objective of EASTECO is to promote and coordinate the development, management and application of Science & Technology to support regional integration & socio-economic development. EASTECO as part of a consortium of 4 other institutions has received funds from The BioInnovate Africa Programme to develop Regional Innovation-Led Bio-economy strategy for Eastern Africa (BiSEA).
The overall development objective of the proposed project is to develop, in close consultation with Science and Technology Councils/Commission and relevant ministries and stakeholders in all six BioInnovate countries, a regional innovation driven bioeconomy strategy and a policy agenda shared by the countries in the eastern Africa region. The regional bioeconomy strategy is expected to inspire and catalyze the development of national bioeconomy strategies and subsequent policy development and interventions that are able to create new jobs and a sustainable biobased and inclusive economic growth in theregion.
In order to achieve the project objectives, the EASTECO as the lead Institution of this consortium is inviting applications from qualified persons for the following position:
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Consultant –Communication and Outreach Specialist
Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified citizens of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and Burundi for the Consultancy of Communication and Outreach Specialist which is available at the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).
2.0 Nature of Consultancy
Consultant: COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST.
Reports to: EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Organ/Institution: EAST AFRICAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION
Duration of the Contract : 6 Months
Station: EASTECO Secretariat Headquarters, Kigali, Rwanda
2.1 Purpose of the Consultancy
The main purpose of the Consultancy is to carry out the functions of Communications and Outreach to ensure that all communication and visibility of the BiSEA Project activities and EASTECO are timely and successfully implemented.
2.2 Terms of Reference
I. In consultation with the relevant EASTECO staff and Project Partners, draft appropriate fact sheets to support bioeconomy strategy development and policy agendas at the national and regional levels.
II. Proactively develop cutting-edge media materials for the BiSEA Project, including videos and social media products.
III. Prepare and write press topics and releases, speeches, and talking points as required from time to time.
IV. Collect and organize content for the website and social media in coordination with EASTECO staff and implementing partners.
V. Draft content about BiSEA for EASTECO’s and Partners websites, making regular updates and offering recommendations for useful technical and/or informational modifications, and coordinating these with staff at EASTECO.
VI. Facilitate high media interviews – for TV, newspapers and other communication media related to Project events.
VII. Monitor and ensure a regular supply of current outreach materials.
VIII. Support the BiSEA Team in the production of meetings, conferences reports and proceedings, and documenting project success stories.
IX. Take a lead role in the development and implementation of the strategic communication plan for EASTECO
X. Produce high quality policy briefs and a number of short technical briefs for influencing the mainstreaming of the bioeconomy strategies and policies into national and regional development processes.
XI. Actively support the bioeconomy forum and platform linked to the BioInnovate Webpage for generating knowledge and insights that could assist countries to formulate and implement strategies and policies in support of further development of the bioeconomy in the eastern Africa Region.
XII. Support the creation of network to foster strategic dialogue with policy makers, private sector, civil society and scientists throughout the region.
XIII. Assist in the development of the BiSEA platform (Observatory) that will be an avenue for publishing a number of special reports and briefs on the bioeconomy.
XIV. Assist in organisation of the regional bioeconomy workshop and ministerial conference with exhibition.
XV. Carryout any other related duties assigned to you from time to time.
3.0 Qualifications and experience
A Bachelor’s Degree in the field of communications, public relations, marketing or a related area is a must. Masters level education in the related fields of journalism, communications, marketing or public relations is an added advantage.
At least 6 years of relevant work experience in the field of public relations, corporate communications and Marketing demonstrating increasing responsibilities and knowledge.
3.1 Skills and competencies of the Consultant
i. Knowledge of MS Office suite is required. Experience using Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (especially for organizational outreach) is advantageous;
ii. Verifiable experience in science communication;
iii. Must be capable of crafting information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, video, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences;
iv. Must have working knowledge of and experience in media relations, publishing and events management;
v. Excellent written and oral English communication skills and Interpersonal skills are required;
vi. Strong organizational skills, analytical abilities and initiative to prioritize and complete tasks and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
vii. Ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts, and to use sound judgment in presenting development programs to the press, media and external audiences.
4.0 Evaluation criteria
4.1 Preliminary/mandatory evaluation criteria:
4.1.1. Signed and dated application with the consultancy’s subject and reference
provided above.
4.1.2. Submission of a C.V. with relevant information.
4.1.3. Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates and testimonials.
4.1.4. Names, addresses, emails and contacts of three relevant Referees.
4.1.5. Applications lacking any of the above items shall not be considered further.
4.2 Technical evaluation criteria:
4.2.1. Relevant Bachelor’s degree required above – 15 marks.
4.2.2. Possession of the above relevant Master’s degree – additional 10 marks.
4.2.3. At least 6 years relevant work experience required – 35 marks.
4.2.4 More than 6 years’ experience – additional 10 marks.
4.2.5 More than 10 years’ experience – additional 10 marks.
4.2.6 Demonstrable possession the skills and competencies Nos. i, ii, iii & iv under
3.1 above – 5 marks each, total 20 marks.
4.2.7 Total possible marks = 100 marks.
4.2.8 The Minimum qualifying score shall be 75 marks out of the 100 marks.
4.2.9 The highest technical Scorer shall be awarded the contract upon appropriate negotiations.
5.0 Remuneration
The candidate will receive 2,000 USD (net) monthly without any other extra benefits.
6.0 SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
The bids should contain a signed application letter, Curriculum Vitae, copies of both academic and professional certificates and testimonials, name, address, contacts and emails of three referees and day time telephone contact of the Consultant.
Interested candidates may submit their bids through the e-mail provided below
(procurement@easteco.org) and not any other. The bid should bear a PASSWORD to safeguard its integrity and prevent access until the opening date (Friday, 28TH June 2019 by 12.05 p.m. East African Time (i.e. 11.05 a.m. Rwandan time), when the Consultant shall send the said password to the same email open their bid.
OR submit by registered mail, courier service, or dispatch in a plain envelope with consultancy’s subject and reference addressed to:
The Senior Procurement Officer (Secretary, Procurement Committee),
East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)
Telecom House, 2nd Floor, Kigali-Rwanda.
Webpage: www.easteco.org
Email: procurement@easteco.org
Tel: +250 789 44 77 81
To be received not later than Friday, 28TH June 2019 at 12 p.m. East African Time (i.e. 11 a.m. Rwandan time). Opening of the applications shall be on the same day at 12.40 p.m. East African Time (i.e. 11.40 a.m. Rwandan time at the EASTECO offices indicated.
For more information,please visit https://easteco.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/INDIVIDUAL-CONSULTANT-FOR-COMMUNICATION-AND-OUTREACH-SPECIALIST.pdf