REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

Ghana, Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Programme (AEHPMP)

Credit No.: TFOB3321

Assignment Title: Consultancy Service for the Preparation of Outreach and Communication Strategy for E-waste Management in Ghana

Reference No.: GH-EHPMP-170162-CS-CQS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Government of Ghana has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Programme (AEHPMP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The overall objective of this assignment is to develop an outreach and communication strategy for Mercury management in Artisanal Small Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Ghana to support the implementation of the Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Program (AEHPMP) in Ghana.

The specific objectives of the assignment are to develop an Outreach and Communication Strategy to raise awareness and increase knowledge on the environmental health risk of mercury mismanagement; change mindset and trigger action towards cleaner practices and technologies; get buy-in and support from relevant communities in implementing the Government’s program on mercury management in ASGM; and design and develop communication materials targeting different audiences and stakeholders as identified in the strategy.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include providing a situational analysis that reflects the ASGM context in Ghana and legal institutional framework of mercury use in the ASGM sector; stakeholder analysis and mapping to classify stakeholders: and engage targeted audience; identification communication objectives that support project outcomes; developing key messages tailored to each identified audience; identifying communication tools and channels tailored to each audience, building on already produced international communication material when possible, for each target audience; development of a style guide and graphic chart for all communications products and publications on mercury use in ASGM issues to ensure consistent colors, formats and logos; preparation of a monitoring and evaluation framework; preparation of a two-year detailed work plan for the Communication Strategy with activities and products; and the preparation of a detailed budget for implementation of the two-year work plan for the strategy.

Also, at least two high quality multimedia assets – videos, podcasts, and feature story/blogs for TV, radio and print media on mercury use in ASGM, and content for online communication for the websites in English will be produced.

The estimated level of effort (professional staff-months) is 8 staff-months. The duration of the assignment is estimated at two (2) months and the assignment is expected to start in June 2021.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest and could also be accessed at www.epa.gov.gh.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

1. The core business of the firm should be Mercury management in ASGM or related sectors, economic development and environmental sustainability.

2. Firm should be legally registered in Ghana and in good standing.

3. Experience in working in Ghana and with government institutions, Non-Governmental Organization and interest groups in local communities in Ghana in the last five (5) years

4. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in providing consulting services in the field of Mercury management in ASGM sector, communication strategy preparation and implementation.

5. Must demonstrate experience in co-operation with stakeholders in Mercury management in the ASGM sector, government institutions and international organizations in Ghana, and in the local Ghanaian communities within ASGM operational areas.

6. Five (5) years of experience in undertaking similar assignments and requisite managerial and technical capability.

7. Experience in undertaking World Bank funded projects

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflict of interest related to this assignment as per paragraph 3.17 of the Procurement Regulations. Any false declaration will result in disqualification.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours, i.e. 0900 to 1600 hours.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below in person by Friday, 12th February, 2021 at 1400 hours GMT. All packets containing the Expressions of Interest Document must be sealed and clearly labelled/marked “Expression of Interest for the Preparation of Outreach and Communication Strategy for Mercury Management in Ghana”.

Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Programme

Project Implementation Unit

Attn: Lawrence Kotoe

Project Coordinator

Environmental Protection Agency

Head Office Building, Room M08

Starlets 91 Street, Energy Close, Ministries, Accra

P.O. Box M326, Ministries, Accra

Tel No.: +233-302-664698/ 662465/ 667524/ 050-1301567

E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

TERMS OF REFERENCE

DEVELOPMENT OF AN OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR MERCURY MANAGEMENT IN GHANA

(Ref. No.: GH-EHPMP-170162-CS-CQS)

1. BACKGROUND

Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities have increased steadily since 1989 and the sector now accounts for 30% of Ghana's total gold output (Minerals Commission Report, 2016). The “gold rush” phenomenon in the ASGM sector leading to a large influx of miners in the various mining towns continues to play an important economic role making it one of the most important livelihood activities, employing an estimated one million people and supporting approximately 4.5 million more (McQuilken and Hilson, 2016). Approximately 80% of elemental mercury imported is used in ASGM operations to recover gold. The Artisanal Gold Council Report in 2016 estimated that 70 t of mercury is used in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) industry in Ghana.

The informal, unsafe, and unregulated nature of mercury use creates a legacy of severe adverse and irreversible environmental and health damage. Mercury contamination could have serious economic consequences on the lucrative local and regional fisheries due to the potential health risks associated with its bio-accumulation in the food chains. It is therefore a priority to reduce, and where feasible, eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. In this regard, Ghana is expected to provide strategies in the ASGM sector which has been identified as a significant source of mercury emissions and releases to significantly reduce and where feasible eliminate the use of mercury as required in Article 7 of the Minamata Convention. A key strategy is to raise awareness and change behaviour among miners and people living in mining communities especially, vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Ghana is one of five African countries participating in the GEF-funded Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Program, whose objective is to reduce exposure to mercury and regulate mercury use in artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM).

As part of the implementation of the Program, an outreach/ communication strategy on the environmental health risk of mercury mismanagement in ASGM will be developed to change mindset towards cleaner practices and technologies. The strategy will focus on developing communication tools to raise awareness about the health costs benefits of mercury pollution, including community outreach to educate the public and give evidence of the scale and environmental health impacts of mercury mismanagement. It will also take into account the regional aspect of the program and highlight similar issues and achievements in other countries.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this assignment is to develop an Outreach and communication strategy to support the implementation of the program.

The specific objectives of the assignment are to develop an Outreach and Communication Strategy:

a.     to raise awareness and increase knowledge on the environmental health risk of mercury mismanagement;

b.     to change mindset and trigger action towards cleaner practices and technologies;

c.     to get buy-in and support from relevant communities in implementing the Government’s program on mercury management in ASGM; and

d.     to design and develop communication materials targeting different audiences and stakeholders as identified in the strategy.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will carry out the following task that will feed into the development of the communication strategy:

1. Provide a situational analysis that reflects the ASGM context in Ghana, and legal institutional framework of mercury use in the ASGM sector.
2. Conduct a stakeholder analysis and mapping classifying stakeholders:

• Identify and classify stakeholders (i.e.: key ministries, miner associations, regional and local government, importers and exporters, retailers/traders, stockpiles and supply, producers and users, media, general public, etc.);
• Identify and engage target audience (i.e.: mining communities, miners, vulnerable groups, etc.);

1. Identify communication objectives that support project outcomes - for each targeted audience, a specific objective will be specified (i.e. creating awareness on mercury use in ASGM at national and local levels, sharing knowledge with stakeholders; etc.).
2. Develop key messages tailored to each identified audience;
3. Identify communication tools and channels tailored to each audience, building on already produced international communication material when possible, for each target audience. Products should reveal the regional aspect of the program.
4. Develop a style guide and graphic chart for all communications products and publications on mercury use in ASGM issues to ensure consistent colors, formats and logos;
5. Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework;
6. Prepare a two-year detailed work plan for the Communication Strategy with activities and products. The following are expected to be produced:

• at least two high quality multimedia assets – videos, podcasts, and feature story/blogs for TV, radio and print media on mercury use in ASGM. A specific focus should be placed on community radios to reach remote communities.
• content for online communication for the websites, i.e. GEHPMP, World Bank, GEF websites and for social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) in English.

1. Prepare a detailed budget for implementation of the two-year work plan;

4. DURATION

The assignment is to be carried out over a period of two (2) months or within 60 days from the contract date.

5. DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT

The consultancy is a Lump Sum contract and shall be paid in the following schedule and deliverable requirement.

6. COMMUNICATION STRATEGY OUTLINE

The communication strategy should at least have the following components:

1. Mercury use in ASGM Context
2. Institutional and Legal Context
3. The objective of the strategy
4. A Conceptual Approach

i.   Positioning: Suggested communication approach and products (incl. brochures, website and social media)

ii.  Knowledge: Suggested communication approach and products to support knowledge sharing (incl. information around the mercury ecosystem in Ghana, etc.)

iii. Awareness: Suggested communication approach and products (incl. features, press tours; stakeholders exchange; videos, etc.)

iv. Feedback and evaluation strategy

1. Stakeholders and Audiences
2. Detailed Annex with two-year work plan of activities and products that will be produced as per conceptual approach for the communications strategy; Budget for each activity and products; Schedule for the development of the activities and indicators to measure implementation progress.
3. Annex with style guide and graphic chart.

7. QUALIFICATION OF CONSULTANT

A duly registered consultancy firm in Ghana with qualified individuals and support staff available to be deployed to execute the assignment.

8. EXPERTISE OF FIRM/ORGANIZATION

1. Proven experience in terms of preparation of communication strategy and implementation;
2. Proven track record for major initiatives related to Mercury management in ASGM or related sector, economic development and environmental sustainability;
3. Proven track record of client engagement in Ghana;
4. Demonstrable experience of cooperation with stakeholders from the ASGM sector, government institutions and international and local community organizations.
5. Five (5) years of experience in undertaking assignments of similar complexity, scale and value;
6. Experience in World Bank funded projects or assignments is an added advantage.

9.  EXPERTISE REQUIRED

The team should consist of at three (3) team members dedicated to this assignment. The members of the team should cover relevant roles and demonstrate appropriate qualifications and experience.

A.  QUALIFICATION OF TEAM LEADER

1. A minimum of Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing Communication, or any relevant discipline.
   1. Minimum of 10 years of professional experience of relevant work of similar complexity and scale (e.g. development of a communication strategy for the purpose of community development, behavioral change), 5 years of which must be with the firm;
   2. An established track record in communications, public relations, branding and stakeholder management.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including senior government officials, pressure groups, policymakers, traditional leaders, the local Ghanaian communities and groups, consultants and contractors.
3. Experience in developing messaging and content for diverse audiences.
4. Proven experience in the field of communication and public education.
5. Experience and past performance on similar assignments.
6. Have a demonstrable ability to write concise technical documents.
7. Experience in Bank funded assignments is an added advantage

B. Qualifications of Team Members

The firm shall field experts in the area of Public Health, Environmental Science or any relevant discipline with the following qualifications, experience and competence:

1. Minimum of a Master’s degree
2. A minimum of 5 years of work experience, 3 of which must be with the firms
3. Demonstrate exceptional skills and knowledge in Mercury management in ASGM or related sector.
4. Experience in working in the local Ghanaian setting and protocols
5. Strong communication skills in English (oral and written);
6. Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
7. Excellent networks in the ASGM or similar sector

10. FACILITIES/INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY CLIENT

The Client will provide the following information to the Consultant:

1. 1. Letter(s) introducing the Consultant wherever required in performing the assignment
   2. The list of potential stakeholders within the ASGM mercury value chain; and
   3. The Draft National Action Plan (NAP) on ASGM
   4. Other relevant information

It should be noted that the Consultant will need to provide all the administrative, technical professional and support staff needed to carry out their services efficiently. The Consultant will also be responsible for providing all other necessary facilities and logistical support for their staff or team(s) engaged, including accommodation, vehicles/transportation, utilities, office supplies and other miscellaneous requirements wherever applicable to render their services.