Communications Officer for World Bank-Funded Education Project in Eswatini

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) - CONSULTING SERVICES COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER FOR THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING - WORLD BANK-FUNDED PROJECT - INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION Assignment Title: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER FOR THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & TRAINING - WORLD BANK - FUNDED PROJECT Reference No: SZ-MOET-519558-CS-INDV

• BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The Ministry of Education & Training (MOET) has entered into a loan agreement with the World Bank towards the cost of Strengthening Basic Education Support to Human Capital Development in Eswatini, Project: P173151 and intends to apply part of the proceeds for strengthening the Project Implementation Unit Team.

• BACKGROUND OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Communications Officer will play a pivotal role in strengthening the visibility and outreach of the project. Specifically, the officer will be responsible for:

• Managing public relations activities, including drafting and disseminating press releases, responding to media requests, and ensuring accurate and timely flow of information.
• Coordinating the development and delivery of information outputs, including newsletters, brochures, reports, and digital content, to highlight project milestones and achievements.
• Overseeing and managing the project’s social media platforms and advertising campaigns to increase engagement, enhance transparency, and promote the project’s objectives.
• Acting as the primary liaison between the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the Senior Management Team of the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), the public, and the media, ensuring effective communication and consistent messaging.
• Showcasing the results, impacts, and success stories of the project to beneficiaries, stakeholders, and development partners, thereby strengthening accountability and support .
• INVITATION TO CONSULTANTS

The Ministry of Education & Training now invites eligible consultants to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services as stipulated in the Terms of References below: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and Implement Communication Strategy: Collaborate with the Project Management Team to develop, implement, and monitor an effective communication strategy that enhances the visibility and impact of the project.
• Content Development and Dissemination: Work with the PIU and Senior Management of the Ministry to develop health-related messages and materials. Write, edit, and disseminate content including publications, press releases, website updates, social media posts, and other marketing materials to communicate project activities, products, and services.
• Developing/setting up a regular project bulletin through which project updates (at least quarterly) are regularly shared through the MoET website for transparent communication with the public.
• Media Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries from the public and media, in collaboration with the Project Coordinator, and act as a spokesperson for the project when necessary.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of media coverage, public responses, and communication outcomes, ensuring timely reporting to the Project Coordinators.
• Reputation and Risk Management: Identify, manage, and escalate emerging issues and reputational risks to the Project Coordinators to safeguard the project’s image.
• Support Strategic Communication Initiatives: Provide support in the planning and execution of events, campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at increasing stakeholder engagement and showcasing the project’s results and impact.

DELIVERABLES: The Communications Officer will be expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Communication Strategy: Develop and submit a comprehensive project communication strategy within one month of engagement, outlining approaches for stakeholder engagement, media relations, and information dissemination.
• Media Coverage Reports: Produce periodic reports on media coverage and communication activities, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and the impact of communication initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Diploma in Journalism or related field, with experience as Communications officer or equivalent experience in a similar role is strongly desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in working with a media or in a communications role in relevant private, public sectors, or NGOs
• Knowledge of desktop publishing (InDesign/Photoshop).
• Excellent command of the language with good verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, content management systems and social media platforms
• Proficient with local languages (SiSwati and English).

DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

• The duration of the assignment shall be for a period of Seventeen (17) months full time.

REPORTING

• The communications officer shall report directly to the Project Coordinator and liaise and collaborate with PIU officers, MoET officers and stakeholders

LOCATION

• The duty station is Ministry of Education, Mbabane, with field visits as required.

REMUNERATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• In accordance with relevant Kingdom of Eswatini guidelines
• CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 3.14 to 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers dated July 2016, revised in November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023 setting forth the World Bank’s Policy on Conflict of Interest. The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Consultant Guidelines.

• SUBMISSIONS:

Expressions of Interests must be submitted in a written form, with all documents in one folder to this Email address: procurement@ moet-wbproject.org.sz not later than 18th December 2025 09:00 AM local time. For Further information, contact the Procurement Specialist on the email address. procurement@ moet-wbproject.org.sz 5.1 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SUBMISSION:

• Expression of Interest
• Curriculum Vitae (Updated CV)
• Qualifications (Certified Certificates)
• National ID (Certified)
• Copy of Driver’s License
• Proof of similar work undertaken (Experience)

5.2 ADDRESSED TO: Attention: The Tender Panel MOET – WB Project P.O. Box 39 Mbabane E-mail: procurement@ moet-wbproject.org.sz Agency: Ministry of Education and Training Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 24100.0 USD