Terms of Reference Communications Specialist GOJ/EU/UNEP Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project

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1 Terms of Reference Communications Specialist GOJ/EU/UNEP Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project 1. Background Jamaica, like many small island developing states (SIDS), is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. In general, the island is subject to the threat of tropical weather systems and faces direct threats from climate change because of its geographical location. Coastal areas in Jamaica, where most of the physical development is located, are at the forefront of climate change impacts as they are directly affected by storm surges and sea level rise. With sea levels projected to rise by an average of 2-3mm per year during the first half of this century, the effects on the coastal areas will be severe, and include erosion and coastal land subsidence. Under the aegis of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Jamaica finalised its First National Communication on Climate Change in 2002 and has prepared the Second National Communication which will lead to the formulation of a National Plan of Action for climate change. Both National Communications have identified the areas and sectors that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as being health, water resources, agriculture, tourism and the coastal zone. In response to the findings of the National Communications, the Government is pursuing a multi-sectoral approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation involving policies related to agriculture, forestry, land use, watershed, energy, biodiversity, and natural hazards. A number of priorities for climate change adaptation and mitigation have been identified by the GOJ. Among the priorities identified are: watershed management; forest resources management; water sector adaptation; and climate change awareness building. The GOJ s efforts at building local adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change is being supported by a number of internationally funded initiatives, among them the Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) in ACP regions and countries. The GCCA programme is being financed under a 70 million envelope and additional funding that the Commission has earmarked from the Environment and Natural Resources Thematic Programme (ENRTP). Other ACP countries to benefit under the GCCA are Vanuatu, Tanzania, Belize, Guyana, Mali, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal and Seychelles. The Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project which is being funded under the GCCA, is designed to contribute to Jamaica s sustainable development goals including the priority issues identified in the National Communications highlighted above, and to do so in an integrated manner. Additionally, Goal 4 of Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan, is being addressed through this project. The goal speaks to creating and maintaining a

2 healthy natural environment for hazard risk reduction and also to adapt to the potential negative impacts of climate change. The project is also consistent with targets of Millennium Development Goal 7. The project is being jointly managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through its Regional Seas Office based in Kingston, Jamaica and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ). The project will cover activities across several Departments and Agencies in the Ministry of Housing, Environment and Water, viz., National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA); Forestry Department (FD); Environmental Management Division (EMD),and the Meteorological Division (Met Office). 2. Project Objective The project objective is to increase resilience and reduce risks associated with natural hazards in vulnerable areas as adaptive measures to climate change, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of Jamaica. This objective is being pursued to yield three principal results, namely; i. rehabilitated watersheds through slope stabilization measures such as reforestation of denuded hillsides; ii. iii. increased resilience of selected coastal areas against potential climate change impacts; and climate change capacity building and awareness raising. The principal target groups under the project are community-based organizations (CBOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), local authorities, farmers, fisherfolk, private sector groups, media groups, students, teachers, and various communities. However, the benefits will extend beyond these groups to the wider society. 3. Objectives of Result Area 3 The objectives include the development and implementation of a climate change communications campaign for awareness-raising, which will support the implementation of the project in the target areas related to watersheds management and coastal resilience as well as engage the target groups, decision-makers and the general public. The component will also address the finalization of a climate change policy, strategy and action plan for Jamaica, policy review and capacity building. 2

3 4. Scope of Work and Specific Duties The objectives of the Consultancy are to assist the EMD/Met Office in the implementation of Result Area 3 of the project and support the Forestry Department and the National Environment and Planning Agency with regard to Result Areas 1 and 2 as required. The Consultancy will design and support the implementation of a communications campaign to encourage effective stakeholder engagement, increase awareness and improve the knowledge of multiple stakeholders of the impacts of climate change; as well as address climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction communication issues in Jamaica. Specifically, the consultant will undertake the activities as outlined below: i. Develop a Work Plan and Budget for the tasks to be undertaken under Results Area 3 ii. iii. iv. Consult with key implementing partners for the project including Forestry Department, NEPA, PIOJ and other relevant agencies on issues relating to public awareness that should be addressed in the implementation of the project. Design and implement a comprehensive, effective climate change awareness and educational campaign which should include; culturally relevant materials and resources, and the use of innovative means as appropriate, focusing on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Contribute to the preparation of the communications strategy and action plan being developed v. Conduct an assessment of the climate change communication needs as determined by the relevant agencies vi. vii. viii. ix. Lead a team in the launch of the national climate change awareness campaign geared towards the targeted groups Develop and produce audio-visual kits and other educational material on climate change Identify suppliers for the provision of goods and services in support of Results Area 3 Establish links with NGOs, CBOs, and other entities within the target group x. Prepare, edit and disseminate information on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction to different media and stakeholders 3

4 xi. xii. xiii. Provide support to training seminars, outreach meetings and workshops for the result areas Prepare reports (inception, progress and final) Any other activity that promotes the achievement of communication and awareness raising objectives of the results areas The consultant shall ensure donor visibility in all activities and on all printed and audiovisual material. 4. Deliverables Below is a list of expected deliverables. Work plan and budget Programmes for climate change awareness campaign Programmes for public education campaign Timetable of activities for implementing awareness raising Brochures, posters, audio-visual kits and other publications, etc Press releases and advertisements Reports 5. Qualification & Experience The consultant is required to possess: A post-graduate university degree in Mass Communication or Public Relations, specializing in Development Communications and/or Social Marketing At least seven (7) years experience working in Communications or Public Relations field Excellent writing and editing skills Good understanding of climate change and related environmental issues Good understanding of the media in Jamaica Knowledge of the operations of international organizations, exposure to UNEP and/or EU project policies would be a distinct advantage. Experience in the development of communication strategies to raise awareness of issues would be an asset. 6. Skills and Abilities Organizing campaigns and events Demonstrated capabilities in developing and disseminating communication materials Ability to communicate and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders Results-oriented, highly motivated and capable of working independently Competence in the use of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint 4

5 7. Characteristics of the Assignment Duration: Approximately eighteen (18) months Place of Work: Meteorological Division, Ministry of Housing, Environment and Water 65 ¾ Half Way Tree Road, Kingston Reporting The consultant will report to the Manager, Results Area 3 5