Overview of the Opportunity

A consultancy has been announced to strengthen the communication systems of PELUM Association, with technical coordination support from Trócaire. The assignment focuses on improving digital communication, storytelling capacity, website usability, and strategic messaging.

The consultancy is divided into two linked lots covering website improvement and communication strategy development. Applicants may apply for one or both, depending on expertise.

This initiative aims to improve how PELUM communicates its work in agroecology, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and community-led food systems transformation across the region.

Background and Rationale

PELUM Association is a regional network of over 280 civil society organisations working across East, Central and Southern Africa. Its focus includes ecological land use management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and strengthening smallholder farming systems.

Although PELUM has developed various communication materials—such as reports, policy briefs, stories, and a legacy communication strategy—its current systems require updating. Changes in digital communication trends, donor expectations, and advocacy needs have created a demand for stronger, more consistent, and more strategic communication.

The consultancy therefore seeks to strengthen both external visibility and internal capacity, ensuring that PELUM can communicate its impact more effectively to donors, partners, and communities.

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Purpose of the Consultancy

The assignment aims to strengthen PELUM’s ability to communicate its identity, impact, and value proposition through:

• Updating the communication strategy to reflect current digital and donor environments
• Improving website structure, usability, and content organisation
• Strengthening storytelling and impact communication
• Building staff capacity in digital content creation
• Packaging impact stories for advocacy and fundraising use
• Improving donor-facing communication materials

Together, these outputs will help PELUM strengthen resource mobilisation, advocacy influence, and partner engagement.

Scope of Work

Lot 1: Website Consultant

The website consultant will focus on a targeted “light refresh” of the organisation’s digital platform. Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing current website structure, navigation, and user experience
• Improving clarity of thematic areas and organisational messaging
• Enhancing links between stories, publications, and advocacy materials
• Improving mobile responsiveness and accessibility
• Supporting content reorganisation and upload
• Ensuring ease of use for staff updates
• Providing a practical handover guide

This work does not include full website redevelopment or major technical rebuilding.

Lot 2: Communications Strategy and Content Consultant

The communications consultant will lead strategy development and content strengthening, including:

• Reviewing and updating the existing communication strategy
• Developing a 12-month communication implementation plan
• Facilitating participatory consultations with staff
• Designing communication templates and content tools
• Coaching staff in digital storytelling and content creation
• Packaging three impact stories for multiple platforms
• Strengthening organisational profile and donor-facing materials
• Aligning messaging with website improvements

This component is strongly focused on capacity building and practical communication tools.

Methodology

The consultancy will be participatory, practical, and led by PELUM Association, with technical accompaniment from Trócaire where necessary.

The approach will include:

• Inception meeting and planning session
• Desk review of existing materials and platforms
• Staff consultations and co-creation workshops
• Drafting and iterative feedback cycles
• Practical coaching sessions for communication staff
• Final validation and handover of all outputs

The emphasis is on sustainability and usability beyond the consultancy period.

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Key Deliverables

Expected outputs include:

• Website audit and refresh plan
• Improved website structure and key pages
• Updated communication strategy and 12-month action plan
• Communication templates (stories, captions, content calendar)
• Three packaged impact stories
• Revised organisational profile
• Strengthened donor-facing communication document
• Training materials and coaching outputs
• Final report and handover guidance

Timeline

The consultancy will run from July to November 2026 and will be implemented in phases:

• July: Inception, review, and planning
• July–August: Strategy development and website planning
• August–September: Website improvements and coaching
• September–October: Story packaging and content alignment
• October–November: Finalisation and reporting

Required Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience in communications strategy or website development for NGOs or networks
• Strong digital storytelling and content development skills
• Ability to coach and train non-specialist staff
• Knowledge of ethical communication and safeguarding standards
• Experience working with advocacy or development organisations
• Familiarity with agroecology, climate resilience, or sustainable development (advantageous)

Submission of Applications

Interested applicants must submit their proposals by email no later than 14 July 2026 to:

Email: tenders_ken@trocaire.org

Applicants should clearly indicate whether they are applying for:

• Lot 1: Website Consultant
• Lot 2: Communications Strategy and Content Consultant
• Both Lot 1 and Lot 2

Application Requirements

Submissions must include:

• Technical proposal (approach, methodology, and work plan)
• Financial proposal in EUR (separately for each lot if applying for both)
• CV or organisational profile
• Portfolio of similar work
• Two professional references

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed based on:

• Technical quality (70%)
  • Understanding of assignment
  • Methodology and work plan
  • Relevant experience
  • Ethical and participatory approach
• Financial proposal (30%)
  • Cost clarity and value for money

Conclusion

This consultancy provides an opportunity to strengthen how PELUM Association communicates its work and impact across the region. By combining strategic communication development with practical website improvements and capacity building, the assignment aims to enhance visibility, donor engagement, and organisational effectiveness.

For applications and inquiries, submissions should be sent to:

Email: tenders_ken@trocaire.org

Support for this initiative is coordinated by Trócaire in collaboration with PELUM Association.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.