Terms of Reference
1. Introduction
The Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the premier institution leading community-driven development in Pakistan. Established as a not-for-profit company in February 1997 under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 (now the Companies Act 2017), PPAF is dedicated to enhancing the lives of the impoverished and fostering a more equitable and prosperous nation. Operating across 150 districts in all four provinces and regions, PPAF supports communities by improving infrastructure, energy, health, education, livelihoods, and financial access, while also enhancing resilience to disasters. It focuses on the most vulnerable and marginalized rural households, offering a wide range of financial and non-financial services. PPAF is committed to embedding its core values of social inclusion, participation, accountability, transparency, and stewardship into all its processes and programs. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.ppaf.org.pk.
2. About the programme
The programme aims to empower communities, particularly women, by organising them into livestock producer groups for collective production and the establishment of community-led livestock markets. It also seeks to support women and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises in developing value chains for sheep, goats, and poultry. The programme will be implemented across 120 union councils in six (6) flood-affected districts of Balochistan.
The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to post 2022 floods climate-resilient socioeconomic recovery in the most affected and poorest districts of Balochistan province. The specific objective is improved value chains and market linkages in agriculture and livestock sectors of Balochistan.
Expected Result/Output 1: Strengthened capacities of target groups in improving value addition and compliance to food safety and sustainability standards.
Expected Result/Output 2: Increased livestock assets of target women and men farmers/ entrepreneurs.
Expected Result/Output 3: Enhanced access of women and men farmers to finances for value addition of livestock and livestock products.
3. Rationale for the hiring of the consultant
PPAF has recently entered into a grant agreement with the European Union (EU) for the implementation of the project titled “Post-Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan.” During the six-month inception phase, PPAF is required to undertake several critical tasks, including the development of a comprehensive Communication & Visibility Strategy and Plan.
To ensure effective communication and visibility of the project’s activities, achievements, and impact, PPAF seeks to hire an individual consultant to develop a comprehensive Communication & Visibility Strategy and Plan. This strategy will align with EU visibility guidelines and ensure that the project’s objectives, outcomes, and success stories are effectively communicated to stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the wider public.
4. Assignment Objectives
The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a Communication & Visibility Strategy and Plan that:
- Enhances the visibility of the project and its funding partner (EU) among stakeholders and beneficiaries.
- Effectively communicates the project’s goals, activities, and achievements to target audiences.
- Ensures compliance with EU communication and visibility guidelines.
- Promotes awareness and understanding of the project’s impact on flood-affected communities in Balochistan.
5. Scope of Work
The following is the scope of work for the individual consultant:
a) Thoroughly review the EU-approved project proposal, EU visibility guidelines, and other relevant documents to understand the project’s objectives, target audiences, and communication requirements.
b) Engage with PPAF’s core and project teams, co-applicant, government officials, and other key stakeholders to gather input and ensure the strategy reflects their perspectives and needs.
c) Define key messages, target audiences, and communication channels (e.g., print, digital, social media, community outreach, etc.).
d) Outline a detailed plan for disseminating project information, including timelines, responsibilities, and budget considerations.
e) Ensure alignment with EU branding and visibility guidelines, including the use of EU logo(s) and disclaimers.
f) Propose specific activities to enhance the project’s visibility, such as workshops, media campaigns, success stories, and public events.
g) Develop templates for communication materials (e.g., press releases, newsletters, brochures, and social media posts, etc.).
h) Include a monitoring arrangement to assess the effectiveness of communication activities.
i) Conduct an online training session for PPAF and co-applicant staff on implementing the Communication & Visibility Strategy and Plan.
j) Submit the finalised Communication & Visibility Strategy and Plan to PPAF, along with all supporting materials, within the agreed timeline.
6. Key document to be shared by PPAF
PPAF will share the approved version of the project proposal, logframe, workplan, and other key documents with the consultant.
7. Qualifications and Competencies Required
Candidate interested in this assignment should have the following qualifications and competencies:
- M.Phil/master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, social sciences, development studies, or a related field.
- At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in developing communication and visibility strategies, preferably for donor funded or international development projects.
- Strong knowledge of EU visibility guidelines and branding requirements.
- Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, message development, and multi-channel communication planning.
- Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills in English; knowledge of Urdu and/or local languages (e.g., Balochi, Pashto) is an asset.
- Experience working in Balochistan or similar contexts is highly desirable.
8. Supervision and Reporting
The consultant will report directly to PPAF’s Head Programmes and Special Initiative at PPAF Head Office Islamabad for this assignment. The consultant is responsible for keeping Head Programmes and Special Initiative and Project Director at PMU Quetta informed about progress and will seek necessary approvals for all key deliverables.
9. Duration of Consultancy
The assignment will last for 20 workdays, to be completed within two months.
10. Key Deliverables and Payment Schedule
The following are key deliverables and payments will be made upon submission of the approved version of deliverables:
|
Sr.
|
Deliverables
|
Payment Percentage
|
|
1
|
Submission and approval of inception report
|
30%
|
|
2
|
Submission of the first draft version of communication and visibility strategy and plan
|
50%
|
|
3
|
Incorporate feedback of PPAF’s team and submit final version to PPAF and communication and visibility strategy and plan approved by PPAF
|
20%
|
11. Selection Method
The individual consultant will be selected in accordance with PPAF’s procurement rules and guidelines.
12. Ethical Considerations:
The consultant is required to provide minutes from the key consultation meetings along with the final versions of the communication and visibility strategy and plan. PPAF will retain ownership of all consultation data and information collected for this assignment. The consultant is not permitted to use or quote any data or information from the assignment without obtaining prior written permission from PPAF’s senior management.