Consulting services for the role of Communication and Stakeholder engagement Specialist (Delivery Unit) — Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment Project

MINISTRY OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE Request for Expressions of Interest Country: Zambia Project: Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project Project ID: P514247 (Consulting Services – Individual Consultant Selection) PROJECT BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION The Government of the Republic of Zambia is preparing and implementing the Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) project (P514247) with support from the World Bank. STRIVE is proposed as a US$80 million IDA Grant and will be implemented as an Investment Project Financing (IPF) operation with Performance-Based Conditions (PBCs), as Phase 3 of the Skills for Economic Transformation and Jobs (SET4Jobs) Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) in Eastern and Southern Africa. The Project Development Objective is to strengthen the skills ecosystem for increased job creation in priority value chains, with a focus on increasing access to job-relevant skills for Zambian youth. The project prioritizes mining, agribusiness, and hospitality and emphasizes employer co-design, outcomes and employability, sustainability of core financing mechanisms, and future-oriented innovations, including digital, blended learning, and AI-enabled tools. The project will be implemented through three components: (1) Building industry-led skills systems, including the development of a TEVET Management Information System and a strengthened Labour Market Information System, and support to sector management and coordination functions such as quality assurance, occupational standards, and instructor supply (including selected PBC-supported reforms); (2) Preparing youth for better jobs, including performance-oriented institutional grants for TEVET institutions (including Centres of Excellence and hybrid learning for ZQF Levels 5-7), competitive grants to improve the quality of programs up to Level 4, a pilot TEVET student loan scheme, and results-based contracts for short-term skilling; and (3) Growing employment opportunities in value chains, including support to business development services and sector-specific upskilling for firms. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) will be the lead implementing agency for STRIVE. Day-to-day coordination will be carried out through a dedicated Project Coordination Unit (the 'STRIVE PCU') hosted by MoTS. Implementation will require close coordination with the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED), the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), and other relevant stakeholders. The project will be supported by a high-level Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Technology and Science, to provide strategic oversight and ensure cross-agency and private sector coordination. The Steering Committee will include, inter alia, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, MoLSS, MSMED, TEVETA, HELSB, and private sector representatives. Technical working groups and/or component-level committees may be established to provide technical oversight and support results monitoring. The core functions of the STRIVE PCU will include: preparation of annual work plans and budgets; monitoring and evaluation and periodic progress reporting; coordinating Steering Committee and technical working group meetings; supporting recruitment and management of technical assistance; preparing required financial reports and disbursement documentation; facilitating internal and external audits; providing procurement planning and contract management support consistent with the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers and use of STEP; coordinating implementation support missions and preparation of mission documentation; ensuring compliance with legal covenants; ensuring implementation of environmental and social risk management measures under the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress); and implementing a communications approach for internal and external stakeholders. The STRIVE PCU will be headed by a Project Coordinator, who will provide oversight for day-to-day management and coordination of the project and supervise PCU staff and consultants supporting fiduciary, M&E, environmental and social risk management, communications, and technical implementation functions. The Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Skills Training for Results and Industry-Valued Employment (STRIVE) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for ‘Individual Consulting Services’. MoTS now invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services for the consultancy position of STRIVE Communication Specialist. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. MAIN DUTIES OR ACCOUNTABILITIES The Communications Specialist will be responsible for coordinating and managing day-to-day communications for STRIVE, ensuring that project communications follow Government and World Bank requirements and good practice, and that stakeholders receive timely, accurate, and accessible information on project activities, results, and opportunities. Key Result Area Principal Accountabilities Project communi- cations planning and management Develop, implement, and periodically update a STRIVE Communication Strategy and implementation plan, aligned with MoTS communication protocols and World Bank requirements. Coordinate communication activities across the PCU and implementing agencies (including TEVETA, MoLSS, MSMED, HELSB, and other relevant stakeholders) to ensure consistency and accuracy of messages. Identify communication needs and procure/manage specialized services (e.g., consultants, media vendors, designers, photographers) required for effective delivery of communication activities. Prepare periodic communication updates for the STRIVE Steering Committee and technical working groups/committees, and participate in meetings as needed. Content development and knowledge products Develop and disseminate communication materials (IEC products, briefs, fact sheets, presentations, talking points, FAQs, and success stories) to communicate project objectives, activities, results, and opportunities. Work with component teams and the M&E Specialist to translate monitoring and results data (including PBC achievements where applicable) into accessible communication products for different audiences. Coordinate collection of photos, videos, and field stories, ensuring appropriate consent and data protection practices. Media relations and issues management Manage media relations for STRIVE, including maintaining contact lists, preparing press releases and reactive statements, and coordinating interviews/briefings as required. Monitor media and public discourse relevant to STRIVE and maintain a log of media coverage; flag sensitive/negative coverage and propose appropriate responses in consultation with MoTS and the Project Coordinator. Support crisis communication preparedness, including approval workflows and rapid response protocols for sensitive issues. Digital communi- cations Develop and maintain STRIVE digital channels (e.g., project webpage and/or social media accounts as applicable), ensuring content is up to date, user friendly, and compliant with relevant Government guidelines. Plan, design, and execute digital campaigns and content calendars to support outreach for key project milestones, calls for proposals, events, and results dissemination. Maintain a repository of approved communication materials and key messages for consistent use by the PCU and implementing agencies. Stakeholder engagement and outreach Support implementation of stakeholder engagement activities, including outreach to TEVET institutions, industry partners, training providers, civil society organizations, and development partners. Develop a stakeholder matrix for communication and outreach, tailored to STRIVE components and priority value chains (e.g., mining, agribusiness, hospitality). Coordinate communication and visibility for workshops, consultations, and dissemination events at national and sub-national levels. Work plans, budgets, and procurement for commu- nications Prepare and consolidate annual, quarterly, and monthly work plans and budgets for communication activities, and submit to the Project Coordinator in a timely manner. Ensure that required approvals and no-objections (as applicable) are obtained on time for communication activities and related procurements. Track implementation of communication activities against plans and budgets and prepare expenditure/activity reports as required. Environmental and social communi- cation and GRM Work with the Environmental and Social Specialist to ensure that environmental and social risk management measures (including stakeholder engagement and grievance redress) are communicated and implemented as required under STRIVE. Support communication related to prevention and response to SEA/SH risks (where applicable) and ensure referral information and reporting channels are appropriately communicated. Support disclosure and accessibility of key project information consistent with legal covenants and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Supervision missions and reporting Participate in implementation support missions and technical missions to capture key results and field evidence and translate them into communication products. Prepare pre-mission and post-mission communication briefs, and provide results briefs to the World Bank task team as required. Support tracking of mission recommendations relevant to communications and stakeholder engagement. Synergy building and partner engagement Build synergies with other World Bank-supported projects and Government initiatives to maximize visibility, learning, and uptake of good practices. Maintain working relationships with cooperating partners, private sector/industry associations, and other partners to support exchange of information and lessons learned. Any other duties Undertake other tasks as assigned by the Project Coordinator and MoTS management, in consultation with the World Bank task team. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS The Communications Specialist reports to the STRIVE Project Coordinator. As delegated by the Project Coordinator, the Communications Specialist may represent the PCU in technical meetings and support communication and visibility for Steering Committee and working group engagements. Contacts: The Communications Specialist will maintain close working contacts with MoTS designated officers and PCU staff. External contacts are expected with TEVETA, MoLSS, MSMED, HELSB, other members of the STRIVE Steering Committee, TEVET institutions and training providers, industry partners, Cooperating partners/development partners, civil society, and media outlets. The Communications Specialist will work closely with the M&E Specialist, Environmental and Social Specialist, Procurement Specialist, Financial Management staff, and component teams to ensure coherent communications and timely disclosure of information. OUTPUTS AND REPORTING OBLIGATIONS The main deliverables for the assignment are: An operational STRIVE Communication Strategy and implementation plan, developed, approved, and periodically updated. A stakeholder mapping and outreach plan (stakeholder matrix) for communication and dissemination activities. Updated and maintained STRIVE digital communication channels (as applicable), including a content calendar and a repository of approved materials. Regular project communication products (briefs, fact sheets, success stories, IEC materials, talking points, FAQs) produced and disseminated. Effective media relations and a maintained media monitoring log, including escalation of sensitive/negative coverage and recommended responses. Visibility and dissemination activities implemented for key project milestones and results, including documentation of PBC achievements (where applicable). Mission-related communication briefs and field documentation prepared, and inputs provided to World Bank missions as required. Communication support for stakeholder engagement and the grievance redress mechanism (GRM), including disclosure and accessibility of key project information. Annual work plan and budget for communication activities prepared and periodic activity/expenditure reports submitted to the Project Coordinator. RESPONSIBILITIES Safety and health of others: Nil Responsibility for Government resources: responsible for communication equipment, materials, and records under job holder charge Level of Authority and Decision Making: makes operational decisions on communication activities within approved work plans and budgets, and manages day-to-day coordination with relevant stakeholders Consequence of Error: errors or delays in communication may undermine stakeholder trust, disrupt implementation, and result in reputational and operational risks for the project and MoTS. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIREMENT Minimum professional qualification: Bachelor's Degree in any of the following; Mass Communications Journalism Public relations Public administration International relations or a related field. A professional qualification or Master's degree is an added advantage. Minimum Relevant Experience: Minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience with a proven track record in strategic communications and/or public relations for programs or projects. Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including Government agencies, communities/beneficiaries, private sector/industry partners, and development partners. Advanced knowledge and application of communication principles and good practice, including development of communication strategies and implementation plans. Demonstrated experience in media relations, preparation of communication products, and management of external communication vendors/consultants. Some knowledge and experience in digital content creation (web, social media, multimedia) and basic monitoring of digital engagement. Experience in technical report writing and presentation. Work experience with donor-funded projects (including the World Bank) is an added advantage. Added advantage: Experience supporting implementation of results-based instruments (e.g., PBC evidence preparation and verification) and/or work in the skills/TVET sector. Communication skills: Written Skills: must possess excellent writing and editing skills. Oral Skills: must possess good oral communication and presentation skills. Other skills/Attributes: Good team player Self-starter Ability to work under minimum supervision Maintenance of good relationships and professionalism Project management and coordination skills Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. KEY COMPETENCIES Communication Strategy & Planning: Ability to develop, implement, and monitor communication strategies and plans, including measurable outputs and feedback loops. Editorial and Storytelling Skills: Proven skills in writing, editing, proofreading, and translating technical content into accessible messages for diverse audiences. Digital Communications: Ability to develop and maintain web and social media content that is timely, user-friendly, and compliant with Government guidelines. Media Relations and Issues Management: Experience working with media, managing inquiries, monitoring coverage, and supporting appropriate responses to sensitive issues. Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to engage constructively with Government, TEVET institutions, private sector/industry, communities, and partners, and to support consultations and dissemination events. Project Management: Ability to plan and deliver multiple communication tasks simultaneously, manage vendors/consultants, and deliver against tight timelines. Analytical Thinking and Learning: Ability to monitor communication effectiveness, interpret feedback and data, and adapt approaches to improve reach and impact. Information Technology and Multimedia: Practical skills in basic design and multimedia tools (photo/video editing) and familiarity with media/social media monitoring tools is an advantage. SUPERVISION The Communications Specialist shall be supervised by the STRIVE Project Coordinator. CONTRACT DURATION The appointment for this position is five years, renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND RENEWAL OF CONTRACT This position is performance based. Therefore, the incumbent's performance will be evaluated by a committee set up by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS), with inputs from the STRIVE Project Coordinator, and may include the Director of Planning and Information and the Director responsible for skills development/TEVET (or equivalent). Based on the satisfactory recommendation of the committee, the contract will be annually renewed. Submission Interested candidates are requested to submit the Application, relevant experience and qualification accompanied by a comprehensive CV. The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.15, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the ‘Individual Consultant Selection’ method set out in the Procurement Regulations (World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” September 2025). Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (from 8:00 hours to 17:00 hours) Expressions of interest must be delivered in written form by person (or by mail, or by e-mail) at the address below by 19th June, 2026 Ministry of Technology and Science Attn: Director Human Resource and Administration Maxwell House, Los Angeles Boulevard P.O Box 50464 E-mail: George.matulula@mots.gov.zm ; mundubi.magolo@mots.gov.zm