Individual Consultant: National Communications Expert

Job Description

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

• 1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a Regional Transaction Technical Assistance Facility (TA 9631-REG), for project preparation support and capacity building. This includes, beside other projects, the proposed Manila Metro Rail Transit Line 4: N. Domingo Station to Taytay Station (hereafter the MRT4). For which TA 9631 shall support project preparation activities, initial project implementation activities, and capacity building measures, through an engagement of different TA consultants.
• 2. The MRT4 is a proposed railway public mass-transit system intended to serve the eastern side of Metro Manila including the highly populated areas of the province of Rizal. The public transport system is approximately 15.56 km long, on an elevated viaduct, with 11 stations and 2 provisional stations (future), linking the eastern side of Metro Manila and the Rizal province. Starting at N. Domingo Station, in Quezon City, close to the LRT Line 2, and ending at Taytay Station in Rizal Province.
• 3. The Department of Transport (DOTr) is the executing agency for the project implementation, through a project management office (PMU/DOTr). However, ADB will act as the executing agency for the TA consultants, which are engaged to support the project preparation under TA 9631.

Scope of Work

The Communications Expert will be responsible to undertake, in close cooperation with DOTr and ADB, the following tasks for the design, implementation, and future operation of the MRT4 project:

• (i) A project and stakeholder communication strategy;
• (ii) A communication concept and communication tools / platforms (e.g., printed media, social media, etc.);
• (iii) An implementation concept and budget requirements for a project tailored communication with project affected persons, other stakeholders and the wider public for the proposed project;
• (iv) Support DOTr in setting-up appropriate communication tools including a project website, and/or social media sites;
• (v) Prepare advice on implementing and managing communication tools and other channels for communications with stakeholders.

Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output

In close coordination with the DOTr (PMU/DOTr, DOTr-Communications and Commuter Affairs Office (DOTr- CCAO) and/or DOTr-Office of the Undersecretary for Railways (DOTr-OUR),), the design consultant (DEDC), the ADB Safeguard Team, and the ADB project officer(s), the Communications Expert shall develop, implement, and maintain throughout the project preparation phase a MRT4 related communication strategy.

This shall include the development of a stakeholder analysis and communication plan in the liaison and consultation with:

• the project affected people and households,
• the key central governmental agencies (e.g., DOF, DBM, NEDA, DOTr, EMB/DENR, DHSUD, DPWH, DOE, PNR, PRI, LTO, etc.),
• the concerned local governments (barangay, municipal, national),
• the civil defense and emergency services (e.g., fire department, police, ambulance, civil defense, etc.),
• the local communities and local businesses,
• the commercial, residential, industrial property owners,
• the public utility owners, public service providers,
• the media organizations and media partners,
• the NGOs,
• The insurances;
• international finance and trade organizations,

The MRT4 communication strategy shall embrace the following aspects:

• a) Media and Public Relations Management Support
• b) Stakeholder Communication
• c) Community Engagement
• d) Transport Logistics and Traffic Management Communication
• e) Grievance Redress Mechanism

The MRT4 communication strategy shall be updated on a semi-annual basis, identifying key communication activities, and reflecting project progress, special concerns, campaigns, or special events, and shall clearly indicate associated and required budget/funds. This strategy shall be developed in coordination with the PMU/DOTr and shall be submitted and approved by the PMU/DOTr.

For an adequate inter-agency communication, an all-encompassing stakeholder and community engagement, a thorough information-dissemination, and an effective grievance redress mechanism (GRM), the Communications Expert shall undertake the following (including but not limited to):

• (i) Develop a Stakeholder Communication Strategy (SCS): In close coordination with the PMU/DOTr, develop a communication strategy and communication plan for the Project, for (i) a delivery of relevant information to stakeholders in a culturally appropriate, gender sensitive, and timely manner; (ii) a regular flow of reliable information between the Project and the stakeholders; (iii) a meaningful engagement with project affected persons (PAPs) and other project stakeholders; and (iv) an effective and timely response to concerns and grievances about the Project raised by project affected persons and other stakeholders.
• (ii) Ensure and Support Implementation of SCS: Work with designated project counterpart’s communications focal points and other project consultants and contractors to efficiently and effectively implement relevant components of the SCS. Ensure a regular flow of information about the Project to the media, affected persons and other key stakeholders. Ensure that a project website and/or other key information channels (e.g., social media platforms) is implemented and regularly updated.
• (iii) Community Outreach: Serve as a “community liaison” point to support SCS implementation. Work closely with community-level counterparts, and different / other trusted stakeholder groups, to foster dialogue and information sharing. Suggest approaches to better foster community engagement, and to ensure that community / stakeholder perspectives are shared with and considered by government counterparts and ADB.
• (iv) Ensure and Support Information Dissemination: Oversee and manage the project communication, ensure, and support an array of community-level and multi-platform activities, so to safeguard that essential project-related information is regularly shared with key project stakeholders.
• (v) Oversee Information Education Communication (IEC) Production: Based on the SCS and the community feedback, identified information needs, develop a range of information materials, including FAQs, brochures, maps, public information displays, social media platforms, and other relevant materials.
• (vi) Communication Support for Consultants and Community Engagement: Provide support to project design and safeguards team in their communications and interactions with affected people and other project stakeholders. Ensure project affected persons and other key stakeholders are aware of and continue to receive timely information about project developments.
• (vii) Guidance for Consultations and Dialogue: Provide guidance on the best means of sharing information (best channels, and most trusted persons/groups/institutions) in line with communities’ and other key stakeholders’ stated preferences. Provide support for interactions between project staff and other stakeholders, pursuant to the activities set forth in the SCS. Join consultations conducted by government counterparts and facilitate relationship-building.
• (viii) Develop and ensure maintenance of the GRM Database: Provide support for the development of an integrated project GRM database (initially to be designed by the DEDC) to track all complaints and concerns, and ensure maintenance/update of GRM database.
• (ix) Manage the strategic GRM Operations: In close coordination with the PMU/DOTr and the ADB safeguard team, oversee the provision of strategic guidance for handling project-related complaints and managing the project GRM.
• (x) Support Capacity Building: Help build the capacity of PMU/DOTr staff, and other project proponents, to effectively carry out the activities set forth in the SCS and to independently and effectively implement and manage all aspects of communications and grievance redress.
• (xi) Train Government Communications Counterparts: Design and implement a training program for government staff to build their communication capacity, including community engagement, public relations, GRM, and the development and dissemination of information materials.

In coordination with designated staff from the PMU/DOTr and ADB, the Communications Expert shall develop and support a media and social media campaign to help advance core project objectives. This includes guidance on strategic approaches to media engagement, crisis communication, and the development of a social media presence (with appropriate content) in order to provide accurate, interesting, and comprehensive information about the Project. The Communications Expert will support the implementation of media and social media components of the SCS, and will undertake, but not be limited to, the key activities outlined below:

• (i) Strategic Communications Support: Support the implementation of media and social media components of the SCS in coordination with DOTr and relevant ADB staff and project proponents;
• (ii) Media Content: In coordination with DOTr, draft timely and accurate news releases, stories, and other information materials intended for distribution to media and external organizations about the Project;
• (iii) Public Relations: In coordination with DOTr, pitch stories and ensure tactical media placement in leading print, online, television, and radio news outlets.
• (iv) Public Events: Support any key public or media events by drafting and/or editing news releases and talking points, preparing “fast facts” and key social media messages, and other support as required;
• (v) Crisis Communication: Identify potential risks that need to be proactively mitigated and managed, and support development of tailored crisis communications strategy. Where appropriate work with DOTr and project proponents to publicize project successes in external media and social media;
• (vi) Content Editing: Undertake other writing and editing duties, as assigned;
• (vii) Social Media Content: Generate new content for social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube), in Tagalog and English. Work with DOTr to develop social media strategy consistent with the SCS. Organize strategic “push” promotions.
• (viii) Monitoring: Support media and social media monitoring, helping adjust activities and approaches accordingly.
• (ix) Capacity Building: Help build the capacity of DOTr staff with media and social media responsibilities to more independently implement and manage all aspects of these activities.

Other relevant tasks and responsibilities may be assigned to the Communications Expert throughout the contract duration by the ADB Project Team Leader.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Relevant bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field (essential); with professional work experience of preferably 8 years or more in communications and communications strategy development, including project development and large-scale public / private investment projects, preferably public-transport systems or large infrastructure projects in an urban context; Sound experience with external / cooperate communication, in social media/website development and social marketing; Experience in media relations and event support; Working experience or knowledge of ADB’s operations will be desirable; Shall have proven analytical skills and working experience in Philippines and with internationally operating companies or institutions. Excellent written and verbal communications skills in English and Tagalog.

Minimum General Experience 8 Years

Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment) 8 Years

Project Officer Tsuneyuki Sakai
Designation Unit Head, Project Administration
Asian Development Bank
Email tsakai@adb.org