Support to the Sustainable Commercialisation of Zambia's Smallholder Farmers

The overall objective of the programme Support to the Sustainable Commercialisation of Zambia's Smallholder Farmers (thereafter called the Programme; EUR 92,000,000) is “to support the Government of Zambia (GRZ)'s policy objectives to reduce rural poverty and malnutrition and to improve rural livelihoods”. The specific objective is “to increase smallholder farmers' productivity, income and employment opportunities, with a gender-sensitive approach”.

The actions funded under the Programme focuses on:

• Insufficient agricultural diversification.
• Insufficient access to improved inputs and technology.
• Weak research and extension linkages.
• Irrigation structures.
• Limited access to extension and agribusiness development services.
• Insufficient access to seasonal agricultural credit.
• Limited marketing opportunities.
• Land degradation, unsustainable use of natural resources and climate change.
• High prevalence of under-nutrition.
• Gender inequalities.

The Programme is aligned with the European Green Deal. The European Green Deal calls for international partnerships and Green Alliances across the world. The EU in Zambia is currently in the process of supporting the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The results and lessons learned of the programme Support to the Sustainable Commercialisation of Zambia's Smallholder Farmers will be instrumental to support the shaping of the EU-Zambia partnership for the period 2021-2027, in close consultation with the Government, development partners and civil society, including the private sector as key stakeholder for future investments.

The present assignment will primarily work on the communication and visibility related this Programme and to the actions funded under it.

Under the 11th EDF, the EU sector portfolio in Zambia includes the additional actions listed below. The assignment should take into account also the achievements of these projects while planning the information, communication and visibility (ICV) activities.

• (FED/2016/379-595) Performance Enhancement Programme for the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for Better Service Delivery to Farmers (EUR 5,750,000)
• (FED/2016/378-217) Technical Assistance to Support the Performance Enhancement Programme (PEP) for the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for Better Service Delivery to Farmers, Lusaka, Zambia (EUR 2,550,625)
• (FED/2020/408-834) Technical Assistance to the Climate Change and Natural Resources Management Department at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in Zambia (EUR 331,980)

In addition to project specific communication and visibility plans, the EU Delegation in Zambia finances the following communication and visibility service contracts:

• Information, Communication and Visibility Activities for the EU Delegation in Zambia.
• Communication and Visibility Support for the Energy Cooperation Portfolio in Zambia.
• Communication and Visibility Support for EU funded Trade Facilitation and Private Sector Development under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The assignment will have to liaise, collaborate and work in synergy with the contractors of the above service contracts in order to maximize opportunities for an impact of integrated information, communication and visibility of the EU in Zambia.

The global objective of this assignment is to enhance the information, visibility and communication of all European Union funded action under the Programme, including in relation to the EU political priorities. The information, communication and visibility support shall also take into consideration cross-cutting objectives of EU funded actions such as environment and climate change, rights based approach and gender equality.

There are 3 specific objectives, as follows:

• Specific Objective 1: To develop and implement an overarching information, visibility and communication strategy and annual plan of action (ICVAP) covering the Programme in order to enhance EU communication and visibility in Zambia.
• Specific Objective 2: To provide inclusive, efficient and effective information, communication and visibility support for the promotion of the actions funded under the Programme.
• Specific Objective 3: To raise awareness on the convergence of EU policies along Zambia’s priorities at national and international levels, as to disseminate information, create visibility and instil appreciation and confidence in the EU funded partnership, and to support the EU – Zambia policy dialogue.

The scope of work for the services to be provided under this assignment aims at achieving the above mentioned objectives and is divided in the following three, intertwined work packages:

A. Set up a framework for cohesion and synergies between existing and future information, communication and visibility (ICV) actions

B. Implementation of the annual ICVAPs

C. Overall Coordination, Project Management and M&E of the ICVAPs

The Team Leader will provide the overall strategic vision and will be responsible for the implementation of the project, including coordination of the work of the other expert and delivery of high quality products. S/he will work closely with the EU Delegation, the Programme’s implementing partners, media, target groups, including authorities, public institutions and the private sector.

• At least a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in the fields of public relations, communication, journalism, advertising, marketing and/or a related area, or in its absence, relevant general professional experience of 5 years in addition to the years set out in first bullet under the Required Experience plus a relevant Bachelor's Degree, or an equivalent technical or professional qualification in one of the aforementioned fields (minimum requirement).
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, equivalent to C1 level (minimum requirement).

• At least 6 years of experience in the field of communication and media, public relations, and/or events management, or related field (minimum requirement).
• Previous experience in the field of coordinating and implementing EU funded communication and visibility projects (desirable).
• At least 2 years of experience in designing and implementing at least two communication and visibility campaigns, across various media including event organisation and the production of promotional publications and videos (minimum requirement).
• At least 2 years of practical experience in wide range of communications approaches, tools and methodologies related to planning, executing, and monitoring communication work (minimum requirement).

Normal place of posting of the specific assignment: Lusaka, Zambia.

Mission(s) outside the normal place of posting and duration(s): Short-term missions to areas covered by the Actions as agreed in advance with the European Union Delegation. On average, 6 missions/year (4 working-days/mission/expert) are foreseen.

The Communication Expert will support the Team Leader in the strategic development, implementation and organisation of communication and visibility activities.

• At least a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in the fields of public relations, communication, journalism, advertising, marketing and/or a related area, or in its absence, relevant general professional experience of 5 years in addition to the years set out under the Required Experience plus a relevant Bachelor's Degree or equivalent technical or professional qualification in one of the aforementioned fields (minimum requirement).
• Fully versatile in social media applications, image editing, communication and publication software (desirable).
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, equivalent to C1 level (minimum requirement).

• At least 6 years of experience in the field of communication and media, and/or events management, and/or public relations, and/or related fields (minimum requirement).
• At least 2 year of experience in developing and/or managing communication and visibility campaigns and the production of promotional publications (minimum requirement).
• Experience in managing social media campaigns (desirable).
• Good knowledge of the media environment in Zambia (desirable).

Normal place of posting of the specific assignment: Lusaka, Zambia.

Mission(s) outside the normal place of posting and duration(s): Short-term missions to areas covered by the Actions as agreed in advance with the European Union Delegation. On average, 6 missions/year (4 working-days/mission/expert) are foreseen.