Chemonics International Inc, a U.S. based international development consulting firm, seeks a Short-term Marine Spatial Planning Strategic Communications Specialist for the USAID Heshimu Bahari (Respect the Ocean) Project. The USAID Heshimu Bahari (Respect the Ocean) Project is part of the U.S. government’s biodiversity and climate change conservation portfolio in Tanzania. This five-year, $25 million activity works to enhance the ecological resilience and productivity of high marine biodiversity areas and enhance the resilience of coastal communities to climate change in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Among the objectives of Heshimu Bahari is to strengthen the network of marine managed areas (MMAs) and fisheries replenishment zones (FRZs) while enhancing co-management and communities’ participation in marine conservation.

To balance demands for development with the need to protect the environment, the government of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries (MoBEF) has committed to undertake a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process as a practical way to create and establish a more rational use of marine space and the interactions amongst its users. By allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives, MSP is a key activity for the establishment and management of MMAs and FRZs. As MSP is a public process, it is imperative to ensure that the right information is delivered to the right stakeholders and at the right time, and hence the need for a communications strategy. The communication strategy will facilitate sharing of information amongst wider stakeholders and increase the likelihood of government and community buy-in and consent during establishment of the FRZs. The communication strategy will not only allow for the local ownership of the MSP process but also establish feedback mechanisms to gather inputs and insights from stakeholders.

Purpose of Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to develop a five-year communications strategy aimed at increasing awareness and knowledge on the MSP process in Zanzibar; to prepare a one-year detailed work plan for the MSP Communication Strategy; and to prepare a detailed budget for implementation of the one-year work plan.

Scope of Work

The consultant will design the communications strategy for the implementation of the MoBEF’s MSP process in Zanzibar, including a detailed one-year work plan, with a separate budget, for each of the components. The strategy will convey the objectives, benefits, and processes of MSP to key stakeholders, including government bodies, coastal communities and other relevant sectors. The strategy will involve the integration of future climatic conditions, ensuring the MSP addresses the impact of climate change on marine resources and coastal livelihoods. The consultant will facilitate stakeholder collaboration, organize consultations, gather input, and draft communication materials that promote understanding and engagement in climate-resilient MSP initiatives. The strategy’s approach for the MSP stakeholder consultations and buy-in processes will incorporate key principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). Reference materials that should be consulted as part of the formulation of the strategy include:

• Review the MSP scoping study report for Tanzania, which includes policy, legal, plans, and strategy instruments.
• Structure the plan according to the Guidelines for Marine Spatial Planning for the United Republic of Tanzania
• Consult with the working group developing the scalable Blue Tenure Transition (BTT) project with WIOMSA, for possible incorporation of BTT elements into the communications strategy.

Specific Tasks Per Deliverable

1. Conduct an inception meeting in Unguja and Pemba with members of line Ministries, civil society organizations (CSO), regional and local government, public, local communities in marine and coastal areas, private sectors, and other relevant actors on MSP processes in order to establish a project team and prepare an MSP communications work plan.

• The Subcontractor will be responsible for all costs and logistics related to the inception meeting, including inviting participants, paying per diem, transport, and venue costs. GoT Per diem rates will be used.
• The Subcontractor will be responsible to document meeting outcomes:
  • Prepare detailed minutes of the meetings.
  • Summarize key insights, decisions, and agreed-upon actions.

2. Identification of the communication goals, objectives and channels for each targeted audience (stakeholder mapping) and conduct stakeholder consultations to document the range of attitudes, perceptions and concerns regarding MSP process.

• The Subcontractor will be responsible to cover transport cost (i.e. bus fare, tax fare, boat fare) when conducting stakeholder consultation.
• The Subcontractor will be responsible to cover communication costs (voucher) when conducting stakeholder consultation.
• The Subcontractor will be responsible for identifying all relevant stakeholder groups involved or affected by the MSP process. This includes a stakeholder mapping and analysis of their roles, interests, and influence concerning MSP.
• The Subcontractor will be responsible for compiling and analyze the data gathered from stakeholder consultations to document the range of perspectives and potential challenges.

3. Develop the draft five-year communications strategy, including key communication messages, communication channels, target audiences, and a media strategy component.

• The Subcontractor will be responsible for developing clear, concise, and compelling messages tailored to each stakeholder group, ensuring messages align with the MSP’s goals and address stakeholder concerns.
• The strategy should include the MoBEF proposed communication structure under which all information will be communicated, including key MSP thematic areas.
• The strategy should incorporate FPIC principles for the planning of stakeholder consultations and consent processes.
• Integrate the key messages, channels, target audiences, and media strategy into a draft document, including an overview of the strategic approach and rationale. The subcontractor will then share this draft with the project team and key stakeholders for feedback and make revisions based on their input.
• Develop a detailed one-year work plan and budget for the implementation of the communications strategy
• Coordinate review and approval process with MoBEF to proceed with development of final version.

4. Develop the final communication strategy document including key communication messages, communication channels, target audiences, media strategy components, a specific work plan and detailed budget. The final strategy must be approved by MoBEF and Heshimu Bahari project. The Consultant will be responsible for distributing and present the final Strategy with key stakeholders.

Deliverables

The successful offeror shall deliver to Chemonics the following deliverables, in accordance with the schedule set forth below.

Deliverable 1 | Inception report

• 10-page inception report covering list of attendees to inception workshop, topics discussed and detailed implementation plan of how the activity will be conducted.
• Due: 15 days after signing of contract

Deliverable 2 | Stakeholder consultation report

• 10 pages stakeholder consultation report to document the range of attitudes, perceptions and concerns regarding the MSP process, including relevant maps.
• 10 high quality photos of consultation process
• Due: 30 days after signing of contract

Deliverable 3 | Draft communication strategy

• Must include:
  • key communication messages, communication channels, target audiences, and a media strategy component
  • Plan for mobilizing resources needed to implement the strategy.
  • Monitoring and evaluation plan of the strategy
  • Workplan
  • Budget
  • Key visuals aid (maps and infographics)
• Due: 45 days after signing of contract

Deliverable 4 | Final communication strategy with work plan and budget.

• The strategy must include:
  • key communication messages, communication channels, target audiences, and a media strategy component
  • Plan for mobilizing resources needed to implement the strategy.
  • Monitoring and evaluation plan of the strategy
  • Workplan
  • Budget
  • Resolved comments
• Due: 60 days after signing of contract

Period of Performance and Budget

The proposed assessment is expected to be completed within two (2) months of the date of the agreement. An applicant should submit a detailed budget outlining the required resources including personnel and a brief approach to the tasks. The budget should cover all costs per each line item.

Location

The work will be conducted in Zanzibar covering the islands of Pemba and Unguja.