Terms of Reference (ToR): Communications Consultant

Project: Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education Institutions in Africa and the Middle East

Location: Remote

Duration: 2 months (August – September 2025)

Reporting to: SVRI Communications Manager supported by SVRI’s Director: Grants Management and Impact

Start Date: August 2025

 

About SVRI

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is the world’s largest network dedicated to advancing research on violence against women, violence against children, and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Background

GBV in higher education institutions (HEIs) is a pervasive but under-researched issue in Africa and the Middle East. SVRI, with funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), conducted an 18-month research project that included a scoping review, policy analysis, and a research priority-setting exercise. The study produced critical findings on the prevalence, risks, impacts, and institutional responses to GBV in HEIs and identified urgent research priorities for the field.

SVRI seeks a communications consultant to develop and implement a dissemination strategy targeting universities, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in Africa, the Middle East, and globally to amplify the study’s findings and catalyse action.

Purpose of the Consultancy

To develop and implement a strategic, targeted communications plan to disseminate the key findings and messages from SVRI’s research on GBV in HEIs to relevant stakeholders and audiences across Africa, the Middle East, and globally.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

Dissemination Plan:

• Develop a concise, practical communications and dissemination plan for August–September 2025, in collaboration with SVRI’s Communications Manager, identifying priority audiences (including HEIs, researchers, policymakers, donors, and networks), key messages, and dissemination channels.

Communications Toolkit:

Develop a communications toolkit, including:

• Key messages and summary points in appropriate formats for diverse audiences.
• Social media posts and visuals (graphics, infographics).
• Sample email copy and newsletter blurbs for partners and networks.
• Text in SVRI’s website format summarising key points and messages.
• Slide deck summarising key findings for presentations/webinars.
• Coordination with translators – if necessary-to ensure that all comms products related to the project are accurately translated into Arabic and French.

Media & Digital Outreach:

• Draft one press release and one op-ed/article (in consultation with SVRI) to highlight key findings.
• Support media outreach to regional and international outlets, identifying opportunities for media coverage.
• Coordinate the dissemination of findings via SVRI’s digital platforms. This include:
  • Social media campaign aimed at targeted audiences
  • Newsletter
  • Upgrade the website of the project

Virtual Engagement:

• Develop a concept note and dissemination materials for a virtual launch event or webinar targeting African and Middle Eastern HEIs, including suggested speakers and format.
• Develop comms products related to the virtual event

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Provide a brief final report on dissemination activities, reach, and recommendations for future engagement.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in communications, with a strong background in research communication, advocacy, or social change communications.
• Proven track record in developing and delivering communications strategies and toolkits for global audiences, particularly in Africa and/or the Middle East.
• Experience with gender-based violence, higher education, or social justice topics preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong knowledge of digital communication tools and social media.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
• Fluency in English; Fluency in Arabic and/ or French is a significant asset for this role.

Level of Effort & Payment

• Up to 20 working days over a 2-month period (August–September 2025) – this is negotiable.
• Consultant to propose a daily rate in their application.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter outlining their approach, relevant experience, and availability.
• A CV and examples of previous similar work.
• A brief proposal (1 page) summarising their dissemination approach for this assignment.
• A proposed daily rate.

Deadline for applications: 20 July 2025

Please send applications to svri@svri.org