Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (hereafter DKH) is a German international humanitarian assistance agency with its headquarters in Berlin. It has regional offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as country offices in its priority countries, which are responsible for the coordination of aid programs. DKH’s operating model is structured around implementing projects exclusively through a network of local partner organizations. As such, DKH’s core business is partner support and partner strengthening.

The ToGETHER program aims to support localized humanitarian action in eight countries, including Somalia. The program is looking to support the capacity strengthening of the Local Humanitarian Partners (LHPs). To sufficiently apply these standards, project staff & the LHPs staff that are directly involved in the ToGETHER project will be capacitated. As part of this process, Diakonie is looking to engage an expert who will support the LHPs in strengthening their humanitarian communication strategy, including developing communication guidelines, training them on photo shooting, developing success stories, case studies, and lessons learned sessions with practical demonstrations. The consultant is also expected to support LHPs gain an understanding of the basic concepts of humanitarian communication including the key important channels.

The specific objective of the consultancy

The main objective of this consultancy is to strengthen the capacity of Local Humanitarian Partners (LHPs) in Communication both for institutional visibility, accountability of their actions and for fundraising.

The results of this training should impact in the following areas: –

• Participation and Accountability to Affected Populations
• Relations with Donors
• Relations with Other LHPs
• Relations with Government and community representatives
• Coordination and Complementarity
• Policy influence and visibility
• Strategic partnership relationship
• Clear communication guidelines for LHP’s
• Development of wider evidence-based and learning initiatives of their programming including case studies, best practices, and success stories as part of the project documentation

Methodology

The assignment will cover the following aspects:

• Assess the existing practice by the LHPs to identify gaps.
• Conduct a workshop on communication.
• Conduct capacity-building training on professional skills in communication including photo taking, and building stories (best practices, success stories) lessons learned in practical sessions.
• Develop group work sessions and brainstorming sessions.
• Ensure regular communication across the staff team about the process and plans during the consultancy period.
• Accompany partners in the development of a communication strategy adapted to their needs.

Expected Outcome

In line with the above-Objective of the work, it is expected that deliverables would include the following:

• Provide harmonized humanitarian communication tools and guidelines for the respective LHPs
• Provide organizational communication plan for each LHPs with clear outlines on how to send out messages and information about their work to stakeholders such as donors, beneficiaries, media, board members, volunteers and so on through multiple possible channels.
• Produce a full report with annex of the tools, guidance and action plans developed.

Location and Duration

The workshop will take place in Mogadishu for 5 days, preferably in March 2023. Five days after signing the contract, the consultant will provide Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe with the technical plan for implementing this consultancy that will articulate the overall requirements of the ToR

Required education, experience, and competencies

• Advanced university degree in communication/ developmental studies
• Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in and communication sector, or any other relevant sector;
• Demonstrate that they have successfully undertaken similar activities in Somalia
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment in a developing country with excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent in photographing and photo editing.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and planning skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in English. Somali language would be an advantage.