National Awareness Campaign Consultant

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Open to External Candidates

Reference No	:	IOMTJK/2024/05(C)
Position Title	:	National Awareness Campaign Consultant
Duty Station	:	Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Classification	:	Consultancy contract
Closing Date	:	March 24, 2024

Nature of the consultancy: The International Organization for Migration in Tajikistan is looking to engage a national consultant to conduct a national awareness raising campaign to prevent irregular migration and trafficking in persons (TIP) including the key characteristics of target audience and identify information gaps among population, as well as determine barriers to accessing messaging on safe migration. In range with that the consultant should provide a potential communication strategy with appropriate materials and communication channels which are the most effective for population who are most likely to migrate/who are most vulnerable to TIP.

Project to which the Consultancy is contributing: Protection Unit, IOM Tajikistan

Project Context and Scope:Tajikistan is a country that experiences significant outward labor migration. Migrant workers travelling abroad are exposed to risks associated with international labor migration, including trafficking in persons. The country’s economy also heavily relies on the remittances sent back by migrant workers abroad. In some cases, individuals in remittance-dependent households can become vulnerable to entering situations of exploitation and abuse when the primary wage earners are unable to send money home. In recent years, the pandemic-related travel restrictions imposed in response to the Covid-19 led to such a reduction in remittances. Over the last two decades, the Government of Tajikistan has taken steps to address TIP through the establishment of a TIP legislative framework and by putting in place prevention-oriented mechanisms to reduce the exploitation of Tajik migrants abroad, such as pre-departure orientation centers that provide timely information to migrant workers to reduce their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse while abroad. However, additional support is needed to further strengthen efforts in the country to identify victims and potential victims of trafficking and refer them to adequate trauma-informed, age-appropriate, gender- and culturally sensitive services.  

The project Tajikistan Safe Migration and Combating Trafficking in Persons (Tajikistan SM & CTIP) contributes to wider efforts in Central Asia, focusing on Tajikistan, and aimed at reducing vulnerability to TIP among vulnerable individuals, communities, and populations through the promotion of safe migration and increased access to trauma-informed, age-appropriate, gender- and culturally sensitive services. It envisions a whole-of government and whole-of society approach to Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP), working to strengthen systems and address gaps in a participatory manner, working to ensure the local ownership of its achievements and results. To achieve this objective, the project focuses on three primary intended outcomes in the areas of preventing trafficking in persons, protecting victims of trafficking, and strengthening partnerships to better combat trafficking in persons.  

Objective: IOM, as the implementing body of the SM&CTIP project, is seeking for an experienced consultant in media/communication to develop awareness raising campaign strategy using initial target assessment. The main aim of the campaign is to present a strategy which would ensure safe migration and prevent TIP by providing approaches, communication materials and channels which are the most effective and appropriate.

Tasks to be performed under this contract:

1. Design and implement a national awareness campaign strategy for IOM Safe Migration and Countering Trafficking in Persons Project. It should contain, but not limited to:

• Based on the targeting assessment results in identifying the project target audience and counterparts in designing the tailored-made communication activities in line with the objectives of the project; 
• Use of modern communication tools to develop communication message and materials;
• A subset on engagement with service providers, local leaders, and other stakeholders;
• Provide advice on national and local migration campaigns, and promote their visibility globally;
• Tracking, monitoring and reporting on new developments in migration and TIP and associated events;
• Identify opportunities for further public relations work around migration and TIP work of programme; 
• Develop a set of communication guidelines in areas of non-discriminatory access to service delivery for migrants, promotes diversity inclusion.

2. Support local CSOs, mahalla leaders and local influencers to conduct regular information sessions and hold awareness raising events. 

• Identify community-based communication spaces, and information channels to disseminate information on integration services available to migrants;
• Capacity building for CSOs and local leaders, and other stakeholders to provide clear and accurate safe migration and trafficking in persons prevention information;
• Capacity building for the stakeholders through mentoring, training, and the provision of targeted grants to organize local awareness raising event initiatives;
• Identify specific or complex legal cases through local initiatives/events at the oblast, city/district, and local levels; 
• Use of social media and web-based awareness raising tool, such as geographically targeted internet advertisements to reach out to potential migrants, individuals on the move, vulnerable groups, trafficking in persons survivors, and other risk groups, with safe migration and trafficking in persons prevention messages;
• Assist the project team in the preparation of press releases, speeches, and other communication products which will be identified in principle at the outset of, and refined at periodic intervals throughout the consultancy;
• Post information materials in different platforms such as: webpages, social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Vkontakte, etc), information portals; 
• Support local CSOs and local mahalla leaders to conduct regular information sessions and hold local awareness raising events with local populations by building their capacity to provide clear and accurate safe migration and trafficking in persons prevention information.

3. Implement targeted awareness raising through social media, in line with the developed national awareness campaign strategy and taking into consideration the initial targeting assessment

• Educate a wider audience on the consequences of irregular migration, migration-related legal procedures, hotline availability, available resources and referral pathways;
• Participate in IOM Communication Group meetings and contribute with inputs in relation to a joint IOM events/action; 
• Create a media mix, specifying appropriate communication channels, dissemination methods and media such as video, print, web/online media, traditional media, and social media, among others, to effectively communicate key messages to specific stakeholders;
• Support in using the social media and web-based awareness raising tools, such as geographically targeted internet advertisements to reach out to potential migrants, individuals on the move, vulnerable groups, TIP survivors, and other risk groups, with safe migration and TIP prevention messaging. 
• Cooperate closely with Tajik media to ensure their participation in project events when required; 
• Prepare and submit reports on all activities of the campaign; 
• Perform any other duties upon request. 

Expected deliverables

• A national awareness strategy and campaign using the most effective materials and methods to reach the segments of the population most likely to migrate and most vulnerable to trafficking in persons;
• Support for local SCOs and mahalla (community) leaders to conduct information sessions and hold regular local awareness raising events with their local population;
• Targeted social media, in line with the national awareness campaign strategy, to educate a wider audience on the consequences of irregular migration, migration-related legal procedures, hotline availability, available resources and referral pathways;
• An action plan to roll-out media and awareness raising strategy;
• Monitoring and evaluation plan for developed strategies and activities;
• Present awareness raising strategy to local population most likely to migrate and most vulnerable to trafficking in persons in four regions of Tajikistan, e.g., Khatlon, Sughd, GBAO and RRS;

Reporting

• Submit monthly activity reports to IOM;
• Document every activity and performance by report, pictures, and participants list;
• Develop final report of the campaign activities, including monitoring result and best practices (if any) of the activities.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• In consultation with IOM MEL Assistant develop a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan, including logical framework, indicators, roles, and responsibilities of designated persons in the organization;
• Monitor the effectiveness of campaign activities including the quality of the campaign in line with the standard monitoring procedures and instructions of IOM.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Demonstrated 30% of surveyed Tajik migrants who indicated that their migration decisions included consideration of potential risks and benefits of their migration practices; 
• Drafted and revised written information materials for external communication, such as press release, stories, social media postings, infographics for visibility purposes on regular basis;
• Posted information materials in different platforms, including IOM and USAID webpage, social media platforms (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, etc.), information portals on continuous basis;
• Provided a monthly report about work done by the end of each month. 

Experience, education and/or skills required

a. Experience 

• At least five years of professional experience, preferably in Tajikistan and abroad, working on Media and Communications, Migration, Counter Trafficking in Persons, Social Protection, Assisting Vulnerable Populations, Social Science Research, and/or Monitoring and Evaluation;  
• Excellent understanding of social media or advertising;
• Familiarity with the local context of rural areas of Tajikistan;
• Strong computer literacy and experience in using the social media platforms;
• Experience working with migrant populations, including victims of trafficking preferred;
• Strong professional experience in conducting campaigns for projects and initiatives.

b. Education

• University Degree / Advanced degree in Communication, Journalism, Social Science, Social Work, Public relations, Management, International Relations with an emphasis on Migration or any equivalent and recognized qualifications 

c. Skills 

- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills

- Ability to interact with Senior Officials (governmental and non-governmental, including in multi-lateral and bi-lateral settings)

- Experience in gathering and systematizing information and data

- Understanding of terminology, dynamics, and trends related to migration and or combatting trafficking in persons preferred

- Excellent organizational skills

- Ability to work with limited supervision

- Familiarity with the local context of rural Tajikistan

- Strong computer literacy in using the Microsoft Office package

- Excellent communication skills

- Works effectively with donors, local authorities, beneficiaries and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives

- Strong computer skills and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical reports required

- Proven work record in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment is necessary

- Fluency in spoken and written Tajik and English is required. Knowledge of Russian is preferred.

d. Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application – Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and remuneration expectations in English by March 24, 2024, 23:59h local time at the latest to applications.tj@iom.int indicating the position title in email subject line and quoting the reference code – IOMTJK/2024/05(C).

Applications from qualified female candidates are highly encouraged.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment.

No late applications will be accepted.

Posting period:

From 07.03.2024 to 24.03.2024