Consultancy: Communications Expert (National) – Development of Justice Sector Communications Strategy

BACKGROUND

The Government of Sierra Leone’s renewed commitment to supporting the delivery of justice through the respective institutions is an ideal opportunity to tackle challenges in the justice and security sectors amidst the gains already made. In order to continue to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and to further consolidate the peace and ensure a safe and just society, the Government of Sierra Leone through its Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO) developed the Justice Sector Reform Strategy and Investment Plan (JSRSIP) IV (2019-2023). To meet the current growing demand for justice, the strategy is aligned to the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023), which is also aligned to the Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). 

Over the years, there has been widespread criticism among the people about the state’s general administration of justice. A factor accountable for these increasing sentiments has been the failure of the justice sector to meaningfully engage the public about its work. Notably, the justice sector has recorded meaningful progress in the implementation of its strategic investment plans and other interventions from non-state actors. However, in spite of the gains made in raising awareness on the interventions within the sector, public sentiment is still at its lowest ebb and the sector continues to suffer criticisms and to be negatively judged in the media and other public forums. This has been attributed to poor communication systems that stem from weak stakeholder engagement which culminated in the lack of confidence in the justice system. Improving stakeholder engagement and communication in the justice sector with the public has the potential to strengthen unity and ensure a peaceful, just, and inclusive society.  Importantly, it will be able to reliably inform the public about government interventions in terms of service delivery by showcasing the efforts made in actualizing the government’s policy priorities for social services and other welfare issues, including the fight against corruption.  

IDLO, with the support of the Government of the Netherlands, is currently implementing a program that aims to advance Agenda 2030, focusing on the Rule of Law and Access to Justice (SDG 16). Within this Program, in Sierra Leone IDLO is implementing pilot activities on Access to Justice that seek to increase awareness of rights for justice-seekers through programmatic interventions, including engagement with customary and informal justice systems, applying people-centered approaches. As part of the program interventions in Sierra Leone, IDLO is providing support to the JSCO to develop a comprehensive Justice Sector Communications Strategy. The Communications Strategy will improve justice sector institutions' stakeholder engagement and communication with the public to strengthen national cohesion, political stability, and economic development thereby transforming the general image of the country’s justice sector.

THE ASSIGNMENT

It is within this framework that IDLO and the JSCO seek to recruit a communications expert to develop a Communications Strategy for the justice sector. The communications expert will work under the supervision of the Coordinator of Justice Sector Coordination Office and the IDLO Regional Program Manager Africa and in coordination with the IDLO Program Coordinator Africa and/or any other reporting line as may be determined by the JSCO and IDLO. It is expected that this strategy will contribute towards ensuring that the Government of Sierra Leone fulfills its mandate of providing sustainable public access to justice through improved public access to information about the justice sector and its work with the public. 

Within this framework, the consultant will be responsible to undertake the following:

• Develop and submit an inception report outlining the understanding of these terms of reference, a proposed plan of action, and a work plan indicating clear milestones and timelines; 
• Review key documentation including the Justice Sector Reform Strategy and Investment Plan (JSRSIP) IV (2019-2023), communication strategies or plans of other justice sector institutions, perception surveys on the justice sector, etc.
• Conduct mapping/scoping/identification of key communication channels and platforms available to effectively engage justice sector stakeholders and the general public.
• Conduct stakeholders’ meetings and consultations with internal and external justice sector stakeholders to identify institutional communication needs and gaps. The consultations will be held, not only in the capital but - where possible - in other locations in Sierra Leone; 
• Develop and submit a draft Justice Sector Communications Strategy;  
• Facilitate a validation forum with internal and external justice sector stakeholders to review and validate the draft Justice Sector Communications Strategy;
• Submit the final version of the Justice Sector Communications Strategy; and
• Final report capturing all the interventions captured during the assignment. 

KEY DELIVERABLES AND TIMELINE

Key deliverables and timeframe for the assignment are as follow: 

KEY DELIVERABLES DUE DATE

Key deliverables and timeframe for the assignment are as follow:

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education 

• An advanced degree (Masters or Equivalent) in communications, law, international affairs, public policy, journalism, or other relevant fields from a recognized university is required. 

Work Experience

• Minimum of seven years of relevant national/international working experience in the area of communications with a background in rule of law or governance;  
• Proven experience in developing communication strategies for different institutions is desirable; 
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the justice sector in Sierra Leone at policy, planning, and/or implementation levels; 
• Experience in liaising with governmental bodies while providing communications advice to national institutions. Experience working with justice sector institutions is a significant advantage. 

Language 

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. 

Specific Technical & Behavioral Competencies

• Excellent research, writing, strong technical drafting and editing skills with attention to detail, especially when working under pressure. 
• Ability to work under limited supervision with a high degree of accuracy and attention to quality and detail in a busy and complex environment.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results. 
• Excellent analytical competence and interview skills.
• Strong coordination, communication, and organization skills; proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO's mandate.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For this consultancy, candidates should prove their ability to work and travel in Sierra Leone. The consultant will be based in Freetown and will be required to travel to other regions in the country to conduct consultations with key stakeholders, if possible. considering COVID-19 restrictions and other possible external risk factors. The estimated start date for the assignment is March 1, 2021. 

Please note that this is a local consultancy, hence it is open to Sierra Leone nationals only. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deliverables should be submitted according to the timeframe enclosed in this Vacancy Announcement, and the consultancy fee will be paid out on a deliverable’s basis.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications. 

DISCLAIMER 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Contractor assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.