Vacancy: Request for the Expression of Interest for the Position of Communication Specialist

Contract Type: Individual Consultant (IC)

Recruitment Type: Local

Duration of Assignment: Twelve (12) months, renewable annually based on satisfactory performance, project requirements, and availability of funding.

Reporting Line: WARDIP SOP2-Liberia Project Coordinator

1. BACKGROUND 

The Government of Liberia (GoL) has received financing from the World Bank (WB) for the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project – Series of Projects 2 Liberia (WARDIP SOP2-Liberia). This project, to be implemented at the national level, seeks to facilitate increased broadband access and usage in preparation for the integration of regional digital markets in West Africa. 

WARDIP SOP2 builds on, and will run parallel to, investments in DTfA/WARDIP SOP1, further extending cross-border and backbone connectivity, data markets, and online market environment in additional countries. It aims to increase broadband access and usage in participating countries and to advance the integration of digital markets in Western Africa and is structured around six components. 

• Component I. Building Policy and Financing Pathways for West African SDM: This component aims to support the west African Economic and Monetary – Union’s (WAEMU) strategic vision of creating an SDM in West Africa. It is a regional-level component implemented at the WAEMU level and is not financed or implemented at the country level in Liberia.

Liberia’s participation under WARDIP SOP2 focuses on Components II through VI, which support the national investments and reforms aligned with the regional integration objectives of the program.

• Component I. Connectivity Market Development and Integration: This component aims to provide infrastructure financing and support for an enhanced enabling environment to develop the regional broadband connectivity market. 
• Component III: Data Market Development and Integration: This component aims to build trust in online transactions and strengthen the security and resilience of digital infrastructure and systems, focused on enabling secure, cross-border data exchange, storage, and processing to support regional access to data-driven services, innovation, and infrastructure. 
• Component IV. Online Market Development and Integration: This component aims to support the development of a robust regional online market, with a focus on boosting service uptake for an integrated SDM. 
• Component V. Project Management and Implementation Support. This component would provide technical assistance and capacity support for program preparation and implementation.
• Component VI. Contingent Emergency Response. The component is included to help participating countries respond swiftly to eligible crises and emergencies, in case of urgent need for assistance or capacity constraints.

The GoL, through the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications (MoPT) under the World Bank-WARDIP-Liberia Initiative, seeks to recruit a highly qualified and motivated Individual for the Communications Specialist position to lead the design and implementation of the project’s communication, stakeholder engagement, and visibility objectives.

1. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this assignment is to provide strategic leadership and hands-on development and implementation for the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of all communication, stakeholder engagement, public information, knowledge management, branding, and visibility activities under the Project. 

Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the Communications Specialist shall lead the development and execution of an integrated Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy that promotes transparency, accountability, and public understanding of the project activities, and achievements, whilst ensuring that the communication reaches implementing institutions, development partners, private sector, civil society, the private sector and beneficiary communities in a timely, accurate, and accessible manner. 

The Specialist will support the Project’s objectives by advancing its institutional and public awareness, while strengthening stakeholder engagement, media relations, branding compliance, and institutional coordination in line with the GoL and the WB guidelines and policies. 

2. SCOPE OF WORK

The Communication Specialist will undertake the following, but not limited to, tasks in close collaboration with the PIU and stakeholders: 

1. Design and Implement a Comprehensive Communication Strategy and Work Plan 

The Communication Specialist will develop and execute an annual communication and stakeholder engagement strategy and work plan, including key performance indicators and a monitoring framework, to ensure the prompt and effective sharing of project progress updates while fostering transparency and accountability. This includes conducting continuous internal and external communications needs assessments through stakeholder consultations; developing communication products and establishing outreach schedules. The Specialist shall continuously assess the effectiveness of communication interventions and visibility risks, and take appropriate measures to strengthen stakeholder engagement and public participation throughout project implementation.

The strategy shall include evidence-based and targeted communication and outreach approaches that raise awareness of the project’s objectives, progress, and benefits among internal and external stakeholders. Campaigns shall be gender-inclusive, culturally appropriate, and accessible (with particular attention to reaching underserved and marginalized populations), delivered through an appropriate mix of communication channels and outlets (e.g., national and community radio, television, newspapers, social media platforms, the project website, podcasts, digital storytelling, SMS and mobile communication campaigns, digital newsletters, public exhibitions, stakeholder forums, community outreach meetings, town hall engagements, innovation events, and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials). 

2. Media Relations and Public Relations

The Communications Specialist will serve as the primary media focal point, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with national, regional, and international media outlets to promote accurate, timely reporting on project activities and outcomes, while mitigating risks of misinformation or distortion. This includes developing and implementing a comprehensive media engagement strategy; preparing press releases, statements, briefing materials, organizing press conferences, interviews, and media coverage of key project milestones, and responding to media inquiries. The Specialist shall monitor media coverage and public sentiment, and advise PIU on communication risks and reputational management. All media engagements shall comply with GoL protocols and the WB access to information and disclosure policy requirements.

3. Digital Communications and Online Engagement

The Communications Specialist shall manage and upkeep the project’s formal online communication channels and platforms to ensure they remain up to date, accessible, and informative, publishing project updates, announcements, procurement notices, consultation schedules, and implementation progress. This includes producing high-quality multimedia content – including graphics, videos, infographics, and digital stories – to effectively communicate project key milestones and development impacts. The Specialist shall implement targeted online awareness campaigns, monitor social media analytics, and use data-driven insights to improve digital reach and stakeholder participation.

4. Citizen Engagement, Stakeholder Communication, and Public Feedback

The Communications Specialist shall strengthen citizen engagement by developing and implementing two-way participatory communication mechanisms – including public information sessions, community consultations, stakeholder forums, and feedback channels – to promote timely and effective dialogue between the project and the beneficiaries. The Specialist shall ensure that the feedback mechanisms are clear, accessible, and easy for beneficiaries to use, and that all feedback received is appropriately recorded and tracked in a timely manner. 

The Specialist shall support a full feedback loop across all engagement activities – ensuring that inputs, questions, and concerns raised by beneficiaries and stakeholders (whether through consultations, forums, feedback channels, or the GRM) are acknowledged, addressed, and communicated back to the relevant parties in accessible, plain-language formats in a timely manner – so that engagement with the project is transparent and accountable.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the Specialist shall be accountable for all public-facing communication dimensions: raising awareness of feedback and grievance channels, producing plain-language information materials on project activities and safeguard obligations, and communicating outcomes and resolutions back to affected communities. All citizen engagement and feedback activities shall be implemented in close coordination with the relevant PIU staff, particularly the Environmental and Social and Gender-based Violence Safeguard Specialists. The Environmental and Social and GBV Safeguard Specialists shall retain responsibility for the technical and case management dimensions-including GRM case registration, investigation, and resolution; ESCP compliance monitoring; and SEP implementation oversight. The specialists shall coordinate regularly to ensure that communication activities, safeguard commitments, and beneficiary-facing messaging are fully aligned. 

5. Documentation of Lessons Learned and Success Stories 

The Communications Specialist shall coordinate the preparation and dissemination of knowledge products – including case studies, lessons learned, success stories, and implementation experiences – to support institutional learning and evidence-based decision-making. The Specialist shall collaborate closely with the PIU staff, implementing agencies, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist, and other stakeholders to ensure project experiences and results are systematically documented and effectively communicated to support knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

6. Branding, Visibility, and Corporate Identity Management

The Communications Specialist shall ensure that all project communication products, publications, events, and visibility materials comply with WB branding and visual identity guidelines, GoL communication protocols, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT) corporate identity standards. This includes coordinating the design, production, quality assurance, and distribution of communication and visibility materials – such as prints, templates, exhibition materials, and signage – while ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all communication channels, publications, and public events.

7. Photography, Videography, and Multimedia Documentation

The Communications Specialist shall coordinate and document project-related digital photography, videography, and multimedia documentation – including launches, stakeholder consultations, campaigns, capacity-building activities, field visits, events, and key milestones. The Specialist shall establish and maintain a secure digital archive of approved multimedia content for communication, reporting, visibility, and knowledge management purposes. All multimedia documentation shall strictly comply with the WB’s Access to Information Policy (ATI) and the Policy on Personal Data Privacy, including requirements relating to informed consent, confidentiality, safeguarding, ethical storytelling, and the use of personal information.

8. Institutional Communication and Coordination

The Communications Specialist shall strengthen and maintain internal communication and information-sharing mechanisms within the PIU, implementing agencies, and stakeholders to improve coordination, collaboration, and efficiency. This includes developing internal communication protocols, preparing communication inputs (i.e., newsletter, briefing, progress report) to support project reporting needs. Working closely with the Project Coordinator and the PIU staff, the Communications Specialist shall ensure the timely dissemination of accurate and consistent information on project priorities, progress, achievements, challenges, risks, and results, supporting close coordination and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

3. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Mandatory requirements:

1. Education. Master’s Degree in Communications, Public/International Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Digital Media, Marketing, International Development, Public Administration, Information Management, or other relevant discipline. A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field may be considered in lieu of a Master’s, provided it is accompanied by at least two (2) years of additional relevant professional experience.
2. Professional Experience. At least five (5) years of relevant experience (or seven (7) years for candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree), demonstrating progressive growth in strategic communications, public relations, media relations, or related areas. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, public awareness campaigns, behavior change communication, media engagement, and visibility activities. Strong knowledge of communication tools and methodologies for planning, executing, and monitoring communications strategies. Experience developing communication strategies/frameworks for government or international/multilateral/donor organizations is highly preferred.
3. Demonstrated experience developing communication materials, managing digital platforms and multimedia content (photography, videography, digital storytelling), coordinating public events and stakeholder engagement, and preparing press releases, communication products, and analytical reports, including familiarity with WB or development partner visibility and disclosure requirements. Experience in digital transformation, ICT, broadband infrastructure, or e-government projects is an advantage.

Preferred qualifications: 

1. Excellent language skills and proficiency to write and edit engaging and targeted communications products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and logical, persuasive presentation; 
2. Outstanding organizational and planning abilities with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and nurture relationships with critical internal and external constituencies and stakeholders.
3. Strong computer skills and ability to learn new software applications efficiently– Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), desktop publishing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), Content Management & Web, and strong command of social media platform best practices (Meta, Youtube, X, LinkedIn, etc.). Candidates must also demonstrate competence in digital communication/conference platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex, Zoom)
4. Proficient in English and conversant with the local languages.
5. Experience with similar assignments with governments, the WB or other international/donor-funded projects and initiatives will be given preference.
6. Proven ability to work independently and proficiently interact and establish work relationships across multiple disciplinary teams and representatives
7. Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment, whilst successfully meeting deadlines, expectations, and performing work duties as required.

4. TERMS AND DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The Communications Specialist will be appointed on a full-time basis, based in Monrovia Liberia, for a period of twelve (12) months. Extension of this position may be considered and will be dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

The PIU will provide office space, general office supplies, and equipment. The majority of the assignment will be performed in an office-type setting with occasional on-site visits to project sites.

The Communications Specialist shall report directly to the Project Coordinator and work closely with the Project Implementation Unit staff and implementing agencies, contractors, consultants, government institutions, media organizations and outlets, stakeholders, and the WB Task Team. The Communications Specialist shall coordinate with relevant PIU staff and stakeholders to ensure effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of communication activities, including public information campaigns, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, project visibility, and dissemination of WARDIP SOP II achievements, progress updates, and results. The Communication Specialist shall provide timely communication support to the PIU to promote transparency, accountability, and effective stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

The Communications Specialist shall prepare and submit regular communication, visibility, and stakeholder engagement reports to support effective project implementation and accountability. Reporting requirements shall include periodic communication activity reports, annual Communication and Visibility Action Plans, stakeholder engagement updates, media monitoring reports, digital communication analytics reports, knowledge management reports, event documentation reports, success stories, case studies, and a final assignment report. The Specialist shall ensure that all reports provide accurate information on communication activities undertaken, outreach achieved, stakeholder engagement outcomes, communication challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for improving project visibility and public engagement.

The Communications Specialist shall maintain strict confidentiality of project information, communication materials, stakeholder data, and any sensitive information obtained during the execution of the assignment. The Specialist shall ensure that all communication activities comply with the GoL policies, MoPT requirements, WB communication and access to information policy, and applicable environmental and social safeguard requirements. 

The Specialist shall adhere to the principles of accuracy, transparency, inclusiveness, and responsible communication when developing and disseminating project information. The Specialist shall ensure ethical use of photographs, videos, beneficiary stories, and personal information by obtaining appropriate consent and protecting the dignity and privacy of project stakeholders. The Communications Specialist shall comply with the WB Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), Anti-Corruption Guidelines, and applicable project procedures. The Specialist shall avoid conflicts of interest and maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct throughout the assignment.

5. RECRUITMENT METHOD 

The successful candidate shall be selected in accordance with the Open Competitive Selection of Individual Consultants method set out in the WB Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Procurement in Investment Project Financing (IPF), September 2025.

6. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested candidates are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) clearly titled as “Application for the Position of Communications Specialist” outlining qualifications and interest in the position, along with a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and other relevant supporting documents (e.g., copy of diploma, certificates, or references). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the hiring team. Applications may be submitted electronically or in hard copy as follows:

Electronic Submission: wardip.project@mopt.gov.lr with copy to: swaraymas@mopt.gov.lr , neorgreaves@mopt.gov.lr  and morris123karu@gmail.com 

Hard Copy Submission:

Attention to:
Ka-Rufus G. Morris
Project Procurement Specialist 

Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Project-Liberia (WARDIP-SOP II-Liberia)

Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
McDonald and Carey Streets
Monrovia, Liberia

Applications must include EOI, CV, and any relevant supporting documents, and must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. (GMT) on Wednesday , September 30, 2026. The application period opens on , Tuesday September 1 2026.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT) website (www.mopt.gov.lr)  for information on the position as well.

For further information or clarification, interested applicants may contact the Project Procurement Specialist during official working hours (09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday) through – Telephone: +231- 0777- 549- 476