Terms of Reference (ToR) for Revision of Advocacy and Communication Strategy

About the Job
Terms of Reference (ToR) for Revision of Advocacy and Communication Strategy

Background and Rationale

Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) is a board-led, for not profit organization registered in Ethiopia under the revised Civil Societies Law 1113/2019 with registry number 4307. CARD acquired its legal personality on 24 July 2019, aspiring to see Ethiopia where human rights are respected and democratic culture is flourished. CARD has been working with a mission of advancing a conducive civic, media, and digital space to the respect of human rights and the promotion of democratic culture.

CARD currently has an approved Communication Strategy that guides its internal and external communication efforts. However, the organization recognizes the need to revise this strategy to respond to evolving contexts, priorities, and stakeholder expectations. In particular, there is a need to integrate a structured Advocacy component that clearly defines advocacy goals, targets, messages, and approaches aligned with the organization’s mandate and programs.
Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to revise the existing Communication Strategy and develop an integrated Advocacy component, resulting in a comprehensive, practical, and results-oriented Advocacy and Communication Strategy.
Objectives

The revised Advocacy and Communication Strategy will serve as a unified framework to enhance the organization’s visibility, influence policy and practice, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and amplify evidence-based messaging at local, national, and international levels.

The specific objectives of the assignment are to:
Review and assess the existing Communication Strategy
Identify gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement
Design and integrate a clear Advocacy framework aligned with organizational goals
Ensure coherence between communication, advocacy, and programmatic priorities
Strengthen messaging, audiences, channels, and implementation mechanisms
Produce a user-friendly and actionable Advocacy and Communication Strategy
Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will undertake the following key tasks:

Review the existing Communication Strategy and relevant organizational documents
Analyze internal and external communication and advocacy context
Identify priority advocacy issues, objectives, targets, and stakeholders
Revise and strengthen communication objectives, audiences, messages, and channels
Develop an integrated Advocacy framework, including approaches, tools, and risks
Facilitate consultations with management, staff, and key stakeholders
Prepare and finalize the revised Advocacy and Communication Strategy
Deliverables

The consultant(s) will deliver:

Inception report with methodology and work plan
Review and gap analysis of the existing Communication Strategy
Draft revised Advocacy and Communication Strategy
Validation workshop with CARD senior management team
Final Advocacy and Communication Strategy
Duration of the Assignment
Timeline: the consultant is expected to complete the tasks outlined in this TOR within a 30 days up on signing of contract agreement.

Reports to: CARD Head of Programs

Payment Schedule

The total consultancy fee will be paid into three installments:
10% upon submission and approval of the inception report
50% upon submission and approval of the draft report
40% upon acceptance of the final report.
Upon receipt of the first installment payment, the consultant(s) shall submit a bank guarantee letter equivalent to the advance payment amount, issued by a recognized financial institution.

Ethical Considerations and Confidentiality

All documents and data collected in the process of the consultancy will be treated as confidential and used solely to facilitate the consultancy assignment. Information to which the consultant shall receive access to shall at all times be treated as the property of CARD and shall not be disclosed except where express permission has been granted or until sufficient time (as determined by CARD) has elapsed after the adoption of the strategic plan document.
Terminationof the Contract

CARD will terminate the contract, if the consulting firm commits a breach in the performance or observance of its obligation under this ToR. The consultant/firm shall be notified in written form within a week prior to the termination of the agreement.
About You
Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant(s) should have:

Advanced degree in Communications, Advocacy, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or related fields
Proven experience in developing or revising advocacy and communication strategies
Strong understanding of policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications
Experience working with NGOs/CSOs or development organizations is an asset
Good communication skills.
Documents to be submitted by the consultancy firm/individual

The consulting firm/team of consultants will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to CARD, including the following documents:
Technical and financial proposal
Technical proposal: A concept note including the approach, methodology and work plan, flowchart and timeline of activities (maximum 4 pages).
CV of proposed team
Financial proposal: Detailed budget breakdown including taxes.
Detail of the organization/firm

Organization profile with relevant experiences
A copy of company/firm registration
A copy of Tax clearance certificate
VAT/PAN registration
Any other relevant documents
Requirement Skill

Communication

Problem solving
How To Apply
Interested and qualified consultants should submit their application via email to apply@cardeth.org no later than February 17, 2026

Email Subject Line: Application for Revision of Advocacy and Communication Strategy

For inquiries, please contact: Eyerusalem Wolde, eyerusalem@cardeth.org | +251 934 459 185a

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