Communication and External Relations (Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy) Consultancy

Country: Kenya

Organization: African Christian Health Association Platform

Closing date: 25 Nov 2022

Background

The African Christian Health Association Platform (ACHAP)is a regional faith-based organisation providing a platform for advocacy, networking, and capacity building for Christian Health Associations (CHAs) and Church Health Networks in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in January 2007 through a declaration of commitment by the 3rd Africa Christian Health Associations Biennial Conference held in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, ACHAP brings together about 40 national-level faith-based networks providing services in 32 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa to share resources, establish technical working groups (TWGs), and provide ongoing training and technical assistance (TA) to its members. Members of ACHAP play a critical role in public health as they partner with their governments towards achieving equitable access to quality healthcare in Africa.ACHAP has received funding under the New Partnerships Initiative for organizational capacity strengthening.

Purpose of the Consultancy

As a regional network organization, a strong capacity for Communication and External Relations (Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy) is key to ACHAPs implementing its core mandate. Specifically, ACHAP is desirous to strengthen its institutional to; communicate, engage and partner with CHA members and other key stakeholders, develop an effective and beneficial partnership, advocacy, and communication initiatives with strategic partners, and advocate for critical public health issues in the region, on behalf of CHA member

ACHAP is seeking the services of a qualified consultant to support the ACHAP leadership to develop a comprehensive Communication and External relations strategy that will take into account the current ACHAP network landscape, recruitment of new members; explore new networking and partnership modalities and opportunities, and outline a strategic approach to leverage current ACHAP memberships as well as make recommendations on how to diversify and strengthen ACHAP network to increase it's to long-term relevance.

Specific Tasks

1. Review ACHAPs background, strategic plan, and communication, networking and advocacy model to better understand the need for positioning it for more robust communications and networking capacity


2. Undertake a rapid mapping of ACHAP’s engagement with member CHAs to identify networking and partnership gaps.


3. Support the setting up of formal Communications, Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy function within the ACHAP organizational structure.


4. Develop a comprehensive ACHAP Communications, Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy framework and strategy


5. Prepare membership communication tools and materials.


6. Support the revamp of ACHAP’s website for better communications with members and other stakeholders.


7. Develop member’s resource portal integrated with the ACHAP website for better engagement with CHA members.


8. Train key ACHAP staff in the principles and practices of advocacy, partnership and communication including practical engagement and management of CHA members.


9. Develop a dedicated Communications, Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy Plan for 2023.


10. Develop a curriculum and training materials for training CHAs in advocacy, partnership, and communication.

Deliverables

• ACHAP External Relations - (Communications, Partnerships, Networking and Advocacy) Framework and Strategy


• A formal External Relations Unit with clear functions and develop Job descriptions for Advocacy and partnership focal persons.


• Tools and materials developed for membership engagement (information pack, membership forms, subscription register, membership profiles template,


• A revamped and more interactive ACHAP website.


• A functioning ACHAP member’s resource portal integrated with the ACHAP website.


• User manual/ Instructions for the member’s resource portal.


• A comprehensive ACHAP external relations annual implementation plan for 2023.


• Curriculum and training materials for building the capacity of CHAs in advocacy, partnership, and communication.

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies.

1. Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Communications, Business Administration, Communication, or a related field.


2. At least 7 years of regional or national experience in the development sector – preferably in health, NGO sector, network organizations, and networking /partnership environment


3. Demonstrated experience and success in developing networking, partnerships, and communication models.


4. Demonstrated understanding of the workings and dynamics of the faith-based sector in the African region will be an advantage.


5. Strong analytical, strategic thinking and planning skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.


6. Proficiency in English.

How to apply

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit:

1. A cover letter with an expression of interest.


2. A resume or CV showing experience relevant to the consultancy.


3. A technical proposal not exceeding four pages detailing an Understanding of the ToR


4. An outline of the methodological approach for the assignment


5. A budget specifying the daily rate of the consultant. The duration of the assignment is expected to be about 50 consultancy days spread over 9 months. The budget should be provided in Kshs.


6. Two references and/or reference letters.

The Selection Process

The proposal and supporting documents must be submitted in English. Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview at the end of the technical evaluation process to assess the consultant's understanding of the ToR. The time frame for the deliverables will be discussed and agreed upon with the selected consultant after reviewing the proposed methodology.

The proposal and required documents should be sent by email to hr@africachap.org. Recruitment shall be done on a rolling basis and not later than 25th November 2022. Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.