Terms of Reference for Consultancy to Develop a Communications Strategy for ZANEC

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY TO DEVELOP A COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY FOR ZANEC

1.0        INTRODUCTION

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a network of civil society organizations, officially registered under the Registrar of Societies Act. The organization was established to advance quality and inclusive education for all. With a membership of ninety-five organizations including community-based, faith-based, non-governmental organizations, teacher unions, and student unions, ZANEC represents a diverse coalition dedicated to the achievement of educational excellence. ZANEC operates across five critical education and skills subsectors namely Early Childhood Development (ECD), Basic Education (primary and secondary), Skills and Tertiary Education, Youth and Adult Literacy and Education (YALE), and Gender and Equity.

Our mission is to spearhead coordinated advocacy efforts that promote quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all Zambians. Through rigorous research, strategic advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, we empower our members to address the multifaceted challenges within the education and skills sector. We passionately advocate for ensuring that no individual is left behind in accessing education, with a strong focus on integrating gender considerations into all our initiatives. Together, we strive to create a more equitable educational landscape for every Zambian.

2.0        PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive Communication Strategy aimed at enhancing ZANEC’s visibility, information,  engagement, and advocacy within the education sector. This strategy should align with ZANEC’s mandate of promoting quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all in Zambia. The primary objective of this consultancy is to create a Communication Strategy that effectively conveys ZANEC’s goals, initiatives, advocacy, information sharing efforts to a diverse range of stakeholders, including government entities, member organizations, and the general public. The strategy should also identify and address key communication changes and harness existing opportunities.

2.1        SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

To develop the ZANEC Communications Strategy in alignment with its mandate:

I.        Assess current communication practices and identify any gaps.

II.        Define target audiences and customize communication messages accordingly.

III.        Create a clear and actionable Communication Strategy with specific goals, objectives, actions, channels of communications, tools and timelines.

IV.        Provide guidelines for implementing the strategy, including monitoring and evaluation.

2.2        SCOPE OF WORK

ZANEC wishes to hire a consultant for  Twenty (20) days to come up with a Communication Strategy for the organisation. Specifically, the consultant will be expected to undertake the following tasks:

Conduct a situational analysis of ZANEC’s current communication practices.
Engage with key ZANEC stakeholders to gather their insights and perspectives on the Coalition’s communication interventions.
Develop a draft Communication Strategy.
Facilitate a validation workshop with ZANEC stakeholders to refine the strategy.
Finalize the Communication Strategy based on feedback received during the workshop.

3.0        KEY DELIVERABLES

An inception report outlining the methodology, key deliverables and timelines.
Membership Consultative Meeting to get their views on the communication strategy as well as gaps that could be addressed.
Stakeholder Consultative Meeting to get their views on the communication strategy as well as gaps that could be addressed.
A draft Communication Strategy for review by ZANEC.
Validation of Communication Strategy  by stakeholders.
Final Communication Strategy for ZANEC
A summary PowerPoint presentation of the key components of the strategy.

4.0        REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

A Master’s Degree in Communication, International Development and Public Relations or a related field.
Proven experience in developing communication strategies for NGOs or similar organizations.
Strong analytical, facilitation, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to devote full time towards meeting the assignment deadlines.

5.0     HOW TO APPLY

Interested consultants are invited to submit a comprehensive technical and financial proposal based on the following criteria:

A letter of interest outlining your qualifications for the assignment.
A Technical proposal outlining the relevant competencies, similar assignments undertaken, the proposed methodology and timeline for undertaking the assignment.
A detailed budget that specifies professional fees.
A CV of the professional/s designated for the assignment, highlighting relevant experience and similar projects completed.
At least three references from previous engagements.
Samples of Community Strategy developed and related materials developed.

All expressions of interest must be submitted through email or hand delivered to the address below by Friday, 30th May, 2025.

The Executive Director

Zambia National Education Coalition

125/90A Mufufuma Street, Jesmondine

P.O Box 30774

Lusaka-Zambia

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

infozanec@gmail.com

information@zanec.org.zm