CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PROJECT COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

PROJECT: IMPROVED ACCESS TO WASH SERVICES THROUGH COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MODELS IN KATONDO AND NGABWE DISTRICTS

1.0  INTRODUCTION

Habitat for Humanity Zambia (HFHZ) in collaboration with Lions Club International Foundation (SDL) received support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to implement a project titled “Improved Access to Wash Services through Community-Driven Models In Katondo And Ngabwe Districts, a community driven model aimed at improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) provision in the two peri-urban districts.

In Katondo of Kabwe, only 29.9% of households experience uninterrupted water supply, with 57% dissatisfied with the service this has left many households reliant on unsafe sources such as shallow wells and boreholes. This limited access to clean water exacerbates sanitation challenges, as 86.3% of households use inadequate pit latrines, often located near wells, raising contamination risks. Poor hygiene practices are widespread, with low handwashing rates contributing to rising diarrheal cases, highlighting the health risks. Public institutions face similar struggles, with overused shared boreholes, insufficient sanitation facilities, and poor water access affecting education, particularly for girls. These issues burden women with water collection, limiting economic activities and further emphasizing the need for sustainable interventions.

Ngabwe District, particularly Mukubwe ward, faces significant water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) challenges, presenting an opportunity for focused intervention. Despite having 50 functional community water points, their inequitable distribution leaves over half of households relying on unsafe water sources, such as unprotected wells or enduring long walks and queues for access. This disproportionately impacts women and girls, affecting their safety, productivity, and education. Sanitation is similarly inadequate, with 60% of households using unsafe communal latrines prone to collapse and lacking basic dignity. Public institutions, including schools, also suffer from severe WASH deficits, with a pupil-to-toilet ratio of 231:1 and frequent water shortages due to overused infrastructure. These gaps, compounded by poor hygiene practices and the absence of solid waste management systems, contribute to high disease rates, especially among children under five.

The analysis above highlights the key WASH behavioural issues and their manifestations in people’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs),  providing a starting point in planning for Behavior Change Communication (BCC) . Therefore, the project will holistically adopt a community- based integrated approach addressing BCC issues alongside the provision of equitable water distribution, improved sanitation infrastructure, and hygiene education aiming to transform health and productivity outcomes in targeted communities and schools Mukubwe of Ngabwe and Katondo of Kabwe.

2.0 Consultancy

HFHZ wishes to hire a consultant/firm to develop a project communications strategy. The communications strategy will support the realisation of the project goal and objectives highlighted below. The strategy will transcend traditional information dissemination and education, emphasizing the promotion of behaviour change. This will be achieved through thorough research to understand the target audience and segment them for tailored messaging.

2.1 Project Aim

The project aims to reach 32,896 community members in Katondo and Mukubwe with improved WASH practices and benefit from strong WASH services and waste management.

2.2.1 Project objectives

1.    14,828 (7,392 community members and 7,436 school children in Katondo and Mukubwe have continuous access to an improved safe water source.

2.    32,896 community members have access to sanitation facilities and knowledge on appropriate sanitation and hygiene practices including menstrual hygiene.

3.    32,890 community members have knowledge for managing waste and for climate mitigation.

4.    WASH coordination, advocacy and learning structures are strengthened to facilitate sustainable WASH service delivery.

For the project, specifically, communications support will be required at various stages and levels of project implementation to generate awareness for the Project, help mobilize communities and support planning and implementation of the WASH behaviour interventions. Details of the project can be obtained upon request.

2.3 Consultancy objectives

Develop a comprehensive communications strategy that supports the realization of the project’s goals and objectives, emphasizing behaviour change through participatory activities and culturally resonant messages.
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Conduct thorough research to understand the target audience’s demographics, preferences, and communication habits, ensuring tailored messaging and effective engagement.
Utilize diverse communication channels and materials, including IEC materials, social media, community meetings, and local media, to ensure broad reach and sustained impact.
 3.0 THE CONSULTANCY EXERCISE AND TIMELINES

The will take a total of 6 weeks that include the inception report.

4.0  REQUIREMENTS

The contract will be awarded to a recognized team of Zambians, which can propose a research team meeting the following criteria:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social and Behaviour Change Communication, Communications for Development, Mass Communication, Health Communication, Development Communications or a related field.

• Proven Experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, particularly in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector or similar public health initiatives.
  Experience in Behavior Change Communication (BCC): Demonstrated experience in designing and executing behavior change communication campaigns.
  Research Experience: Strong background in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including audience segmentation and needs assessment.
  Project Management: Experience in managing projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
  Community Engagement: Experience working with communities, particularly in rural or underserved areas, and engaging with local stakeholders and champions.Skills
  Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop comprehensive and effective communication strategies aligned with project goals.
• Cultural Competence: Understanding of and sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to create culturally resonant messages.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Media Proficiency: Proficiency in using various communication channels, including social media, traditional media (TV, radio), and community-based platforms.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to interpret research data and feedback, and to adapt strategies accordingly.
  Monitoring and Evaluation: Skills in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of communication strategies and materials.5.0 Ethical issues

The cultural sensitivities, religion, language sensitivities, gender issues, political affiliations e.t.c have to be kept in mind while designing the communications strategy. The strategy should align with the Zambia National Communications Strategy and not copy and paste its contents.

6.0  Eligibility of the consultant

Interested, eligible and qualified consultants should submit.

• A detailed proposal and a cover letter electronically with a clear subject ‘Expression of Interest for the “Development of the project WASH Communications Strategy for the Improved Access to WASH Services through Community-Driven Models in Ngabwe and Kabwe”, presentation outlining the methodology, timeframe, expertise, and budget
• A summarized description of the scope of work and the intended methodology to be used
• A financial proposal for the support services outlined in the ToRs.
• Names and contacts of three recent professional referees (previous clients) for whom similar work has been conducted.
• Proof company registration, including tax clearance. (If you apply as a company)
• Names and CVs of team members proposed, highlighting their experience relevant to this study and their roles in the achievement of the assignment.

7.0 Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the Communications Specialist with the overall supervision by Business Development Manager at Habitat for Humanity Zambia. The consultant is also expected to work with the Project team on a regular basis. The project team comprises the Project Manager, MEAL specialist and project Community mobilisation officer. The communication specialist will provide approvals for each deliverable. The consultant will receive a detailed briefing at the beginning of the assignment with regular follow up discussions via email, phone and in-person as required.

8.0 Budget

The budget for the consultancy should include all relevant costs including professional fees (consultant team as well as local staff including enumerators etc.), travel, local transport, accommodation etc.). The budget amount should be presented for discussion with HFH. A detailed and easy to follow budget is expected with budget notes.

Tax and insurance: The consultant/s shall be responsible for own tax and insurance during the assignment.

9.0 Application

Visit the link here for application and eligibility details