Communications Consultant – Nyandarua County Agricultural Communication Strategy Potato Value Chain Capacity Building(PCB) Project

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.  

IFDC is seeking to hire a communication consultancy firm or a consultant who will design and develop the County Agricultural Communication Strategy that reflects the needs of all stakeholders and promotes sustainable, inclusive practices within the potato value chain. This consultant will ensure that key messages, such as the adoption of new seed varieties, improved storage facilities, and market participation, are effectively communicated to farmers and other stakeholders, ultimately fostering better engagement and participation in the project.

    Responsibilities

The Communications Consultant/ firm will work closely with the Nyandarua County Government and PCB project team and partners to:

1. Design and develop a county agricultural communication strategy that is effective, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, women, youth, and marginalized communities;
2. Integrate key aspects of the potato value chain—such as seed access, adoption of new varieties, and improved farming practices—into the county government’s agricultural communication activities;
3. Ensure the agricultural communication strategy document provides clarity and inclusivity messages surrounding seed access, nutrition, new potato varieties, and private sector involvement;
4. Organize and facilitate a stakeholder networking platform/validation workshop to enhance collaboration between county officials, farmers, seed suppliers, and other value chain actors;
5. Develop  communication materials that incorporates best practices in inclusive communication, ensuring that messages are clear, accessible, and practical for smallholder farmers;
6. Perform any other additional task(s) as assigned by the supervisor.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Communications Consultant/ firm will report directly to the PCB Project Team Leader and will work closely with the Nyandarua County Government officials, project staff, and other key stakeholders involved in the project.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station in Nyandarua County, Kenya. Field visits and stakeholder meetings may be required throughout the project period.

Benefits

Not applicable

Salary Clause

The consultant/ firm will be compensated KES 25,000 per day for 20 professional working days during the month of October 2024, amounting to a total of KES 500,000 for the assignment.

• 40% payment will be made upon signing the contract and submission of the Inception Report.
• 60% payment will be made upon the successful submission and verification of all deliverables.

The daily rate is  all-inclusive of travel, communication, meals, daily sustenance allowance, accommodation where necessary, and any other unforeseen costs.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant/ firm will be expected to provide the following deliverables:

1. Inception Report: A detailed plan outlining the methodology, timelines, and approach for the assignment within five days of contract signing.
2. County Agricultural Communication Strategy: A comprehensive communication strategy document that includes best practices for inclusivity, seed access promotion, and engaging women and youth.
3. Stakeholder Networking Event Summary: A report on the outcomes of a stakeholder networking event to enhance collaboration within the potato value chain.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality must be ensured during the assignment and at all times/levels.

How to apply

The Team Leader of Interested firm/individual consultants should submit their CV via the IFDC Career portal. Additionally, each individual consultant/firm is required to submit a technical proposal, a financial proposal, evidence of similar work done and address to at least two referees via email address emukabi@ifdc.org and pmutinda@ifdc.org  not later than 25th September 2024.  

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, and offers equal employment opportunities based on ability, performance, and potential. Equal opportunity is integral to the recruitment and selection practices at IFDC.

For this position, qualified candidates who are residents of Nyandarua County will be given priority consideration, given their familiarity with the local context and the region. This aligns with IFDC’s commitment to building local capacity and fostering community involvement in its projects.

IFDC recognizes the value in recruiting employees/consultants with different backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.

IFDC recognizes and values the contribution of people with a diverse background in capabilities, experience, and perspectives. Diversity encompasses gender, age, experience, education, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds as well as other dimensions such as lifestyle and family responsibilities.

About Program/Project

In partnership with the County government of Nyandarua, IFDC Kenya is implementing a Potato Value Chain Capacity Building Project (PCB), funded by Irish Aid. The project aims to sustainably increase potato productivity and enhance the potato seed sector through the strengthening of  market linkages, ultimately raising the incomes of smallholder farmers. PCB focuses on integrated farm practices, market systems development, and fostering inclusivity within the potato value chain. The project aligns with Ireland's Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), which introduces Irish technology and expertise to improve potato storage and sustainability.

The PCB project has established itself as a key driver of resilience in the potato value chain through partnerships with county governments, private sector players, and local farmers. The project supports the delivery of certified seeds, the use of efficient storage systems, extension services, ware potato marketing, and soil health technologies. The current phase emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration among key stakeholders, ensuring that marginalized communities, including women and youth, benefit from the enhanced value chain.

Effective communication is a critical component for the success of the PCB project, particularly in ensuring that all key stakeholders—smallholder farmers, women, youth, and marginalized groups—are actively engaged. As the project evolves, it is crucial to develop an agricultural communication strategy for  Nyandarua County Government ensuring  it is responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the project's goals of improving market systems and potato farming practices.

Required Experience

1.    Advanced degree in Communication, Public Relations, or a closely related field;

2.    Minimum of 2 years of experience in developing communication strategies, preferably within the agricultural or development sectors;

3.    Proven expertise in inclusive communication approaches, particularly with women, youth, and smallholder farmers;

4.    Proof of previous work is required, including reference letters from two clients for who similar services have been provided and a report from previous works completed;

5.    Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to create user-friendly communication materials;

6.    Demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder engagement and networking events.Strong understanding of agricultural value chains, particularly the potato sector, and the role of communication in enhancing value chain efficiency.