Local Communications Expert: Terms of Reference

Location:  Malawi

Reporting to: Renee Kantelberg (Team Leader)

Contract Type: Associate Consultant

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications: Monday, 19th May 2025

 

Background and Context

The Malawi Anti-Corruption Civil Society Support (MACCSS) programme (August 2024-March 2026) is a FCDO and programme led by Adam Smith International (ASI), aiming to enhance accountability and transparency for better service delivery. The programme will engage civil society, private sector, media, and state agencies to co-develop interventions that strengthen accountability systems and empower citizens in the democratic process.

To achieve its aims, MACCSS will focus on creating a broad-based coalition with actors across the government, civil society, media and private sector. Through a combination of strategic capacity building activities, civic awareness, and advocacy interventions, MACCSS will improve compliance with and strengthen Malawi’s anti-corruption framework. In addition, MACCSS will coordinate with other international donors and partners to ensure the project’s activities are complementary, non-duplicative and leverages opportunities to engage with other programmes and maximise impact.

The programme aims to deliver its actions flexibly and adaptively, ensuring interventions are demand-driven, gender sensitive, context-responsive, and adaptive to emerging opportunities.

Role

The Supporting Local Communications Expert will MACCSS leadership in implementing and executing the communications strategy which engages key stakeholders. The expert will support efforts to ensure the project operates in a politically smart manner, helping to navigate sensitivities and leverage opportunities to maximise impact.

Responsibilities

Strategy Implementation

• Assist in implementing the targeted, short-term communications strategy aligned with MACCSS objectives and FCDO requirements.

• As and when required work to support the communications of our sister programme TSOC

• Help execute the flexible communication plan, adapting to the changing political landscape and emerging opportunities in Malawi’s anti-corruption efforts.

• Support the delivery of key messages through various channels for different stakeholder groups.

• Contribute to capacity-building activities for MACCSS staff and partners, including assisting with training sessions and developing resources.

• Work in collaboration with the TSOC CJE (continuing journalist education) mentors as when the need arises.

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Support the maintenance of relationships with FCDO and other key donors, helping to prepare regular updates on project progress and impact.

• Assist in creating tailored communication materials for different stakeholders, such as donor briefs, civil society engagement plans, and media toolkits.

• Help facilitate communication between the MACCSS team and local partners to ensure alignment and collaborative efforts in anti-corruption initiatives.

Political Sensitivity and Risk Management

• Support the implementation of strategies to keep MACCSS as an under-the-radar programme while building an anti-corruption movement with implementing partners.

• Assist in implementing the crisis communication response plan when addressing potential controversies or sensitive issues.

• Support the project team in navigating complex political dynamics during engagements with government officials and other influential stakeholders.

Media & Public Relations

• Help maintain relationships with key media outlets and journalists covering governance and anti-corruption issues in Malawi.

• Assist in organising and executing strategic media interventions, such as press conferences, interviews, or op-eds.

• Support the implementation of the social media sub-strategy to amplify implementing partner project activities and engage younger demographics.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Help track and report on KPIs for communication activities.

• Assist in gathering feedback to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.

• Contribute to the preparation of reports on communication activities and their impact.

   

 Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a communications role, preferably within an international development context.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing communications strategies.

• Strong understanding of the political landscape in Malawi and the UK.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

• Experience working with donors, government agencies, and media organisations.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Reporting

The Local Communications Expert will work closely with the entire MACCSS and TSOC teams and will report to the Team Leader. Regular updates on strategy implementation, stakeholder engagement, and media activities will be required.

 

Deadline for applications is Monday, 19th May 2025.