1. PURPOSE OF THIS CONSULTANCY
The objective of this consultancy is to lead the development of a comprehensive, unified, and contextually relevant SAF Cluster Communication Strategy that aligns with Oxfam’s regional vision, programming goals, and global brand standards. The strategy will guide internal and external communications, digital engagement, media relations, storytelling, and strategic visibility over the next 3–5 years.
2. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster is a regional Oxfam entity with offices and hubs in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, working in close collaboration with local and national partners. Oxfam is part of a global movement advocating for transformative development models and systemic change by working alongside marginalized and vulnerable communities to challenge structural inequalities.
Our regional strategy framework is rooted in the belief that empowering local actors to influence systems and institutions is essential for achieving social justice. Guided by values of equality, empowerment, solidarity, inclusiveness, accountability, and courage, Oxfam in Southern Africa contributes meaningfully to national development plans, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In April 2025, Oxfam concluded a comprehensive review of the SAF Cluster Model, which identified strategic shifts and key areas for improvement to strengthen our regional impact. One of the core recommendations was the importance of a unified and strategic approach to communications. The Cluster operates in a complex regional landscape where effective, coherent, and inclusive communication is critical to advance programmatic objectives, strengthen advocacy, and amplify local voices. A comprehensive communication strategy is essential to align efforts across the SAF Cluster and enhance internal and external stakeholder engagement.
Terms of reference 2
3. SCOPE OF WORK
Specific tasks related to this scope of work are outlined as: The consultant will be expected to build on the SAF Cluster Model Review findings and recommendations through:
1.Conducting a communication landscape analysis to assess existing communication channels, tools, platforms, and target audience profiles.
2.Conduct a detailed digital media analysis for the Cluster to inform effective digital media engagement. This will largely cover; audience insights, analysis of the digital media eco system and landscape that will lead to the development of an integrated content framework using the right analytics.
3.Assesses internal capacities, and gaps across the SAF Cluster regarding the Communications function that will enable efficient utilization of resources.
4.Developing a draft Cluster Communication Strategy, covering:
a. Strategic communication objectives
b. Target audiences and stakeholder segmentation and channels
c. Key messaging framework and brand alignment
d. Guidelines and Protocols for internal and external communications coordination protocols guiding all cluster communication and engagement efforts both internally and externally
e. A clear communications monitoring and evaluation framework to measure and track the effectiveness of the SAF Clusters communications work.
5.Present and validate the draft strategy with key stakeholders
6.Finalize the Communication Strategy incorporating feedback.
7.Provide a Communications Plan for the first year with an implementation roadmap, including roles, responsibilities, and capacity-building needs.
8.Accompany the Communication Team in implementation of the roadmap over a 30-day period.
4. EXPECTED OUTPUTS
Specific outputs: The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs:
1)
OUTPUT 1 – Communication Strategy
2)
OUTPUT 2 – Digital Media Engagement plan
3)
OUTPUT 3 – Communications Capacity Needs Assessment plan
4)
OUTPUT 4 – Communications Plan
5. METHODOLOGY
The Consultant may propose how they will go about the assignment to ensure the objectives of this consultancy are met.
Coordination of the Assignment
The consultant will collaborate with the Oxfam in Southern Africa, Policy Advocacy and Influencing Lead and other relevant Communications staff to define key deliverables and timelines. The development of the Communications Strategy and the associated package will be conducted over a period of 12 weeks (3 months).
A detailed time schedule of various activities to be undertaken during the consultancy must be provided by the Consultant.

More details are available on link https://oxfam.box.com/s/vs5eri4p8t8m6fwwt1d3fb6pw3dh43wy

How to Apply:

Submission deadline
Quotations and applications must reach Oxfam no later than 1st June 2025, 17: 00hrs CAT
Submission instructions
Responses must be submitted electronically to: Zimtenders@oxfam.org.uk
The subject of the mail should be: [TOR Reference – Communications Strategy + [Name of bidder]]

More details are available on https://oxfam.box.com/s/vs5eri4p8t8m6fwwt1d3fb6pw3dh43wy