TERMS OF REFERENCE

for
Communication Specialist for the Public Sector Services and Efficiency
Enhancement Programme

Type of Employment : Contract (3 year)

Reports to: Head Executive Director Date Required: June 15, 2017
Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project

This is a project that is financed through a loan from the World Bank and is being implemented by the
Ministry of Finance and Planning. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen public
resource management and support selected public sector institutions in facilitating a more enabling
environment for private sector growth. The project has five (5) main components:

Component I. : Strengthening the Public Investment Management System (PIMS)

Component II. : Strengthening the Budget Preparation Process and Results Based
Budgeting (RBB)
Component III. : Adaptive Public Sector Approaches to Promote Fiscal Sustainability
Component IV. : Strengthening Property Tax Compliance and Administration.
Component V. : Fostering Industrial Growth and Trade Facilitation
Component VI. : Project Management

Executing Agency and Beneficiary

The executing agency will be the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MOFP), and it will also be the main
beneficiary of many of the activities proposed by the Loan. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that
will be established within the MOF will be responsible for implementing the project. Institutional
arrangements have been designed and an implementation support plan is in place to ensure that if
capacity problems arise, these will be addressed promptly. MOFP will coordinate activities across other
beneficiaries of the Project which are mainly executive agencies and divisions spread across Ministries.

Public Sector Transformation Implementation Unit at the Office Of The Prime Minister

The Government is committed to enhancing the efficiency, quality and cost effectiveness of public
services. An action plan for public sector transformation has been approved to include: Merge, close,
divest, and outsource government functions which are better performed by the private sector;
introduce shared corporate services for communications, human resource management and asset
management, and centralize legal services; reduce the number of public bodies and strengthen the
financial reporting requirements on those entities that remain; and ensure, where required, that a
well-structured transition plan [for private sector employment] is in place to support those public
employees who may be affected by restructuring and/or reorganization. In order to achieve these
objectives a Project Implementation Unit is to be established at the Office of the Prime Minister.

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Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project

This is a project that is financed through a loan from the World Bank and is being implemented by the
Ministry of Finance and Planning. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen public
resource management and support selected public sector institutions in facilitating a more enabling
environment for private sector growth. The project has five (5) main components:

Component I. : Strengthening the Public Investment Management System (PIMS)

Component II. : Strengthening the Budget Preparation Process and Results Based
Budgeting (RBB)
Component III. : Adaptive Public Sector Approaches to Promote Fiscal Sustainability
Component IV. : Strengthening Property Tax Compliance and Administration.
Component V. : Fostering Industrial Growth and Trade Facilitation
Component VI. : Project Management

Executing Agency and Beneficiary

The executing agency will be the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MOFP), and it will also be the main
beneficiary of many of the activities proposed by the Loan. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that
will be established within the MOF will be responsible for implementing the project. Institutional
arrangements have been designed and an implementation support plan is in place to ensure that if
capacity problems arise, these will be addressed promptly. MOFP will coordinate activities across other
beneficiaries of the Project which are mainly executive agencies and divisions spread across Ministries.

Public Sector Transformation Implementation Unit at the Office Of The Prime Minister

The Government is committed to enhancing the efficiency, quality and cost effectiveness of public
services. An action plan for public sector transformation has been approved to include: Merge, close,
divest, and outsource government functions which are better performed by the private sector;
introduce shared corporate services for communications, human resource management and asset
management, and centralize legal services; reduce the number of public bodies and strengthen the
financial reporting requirements on those entities that remain; ensure, where required, that a well-
structured transition plan [for private sector employment] is in place to support those public
employees who may be affected by restructuring and/or reorganization and to develop and implement
structured wage bill managemnt programmes. In order to ensure the achievment of these objectives, a
Project Implementation Unit is to be established at the Office of the Prime Minister.

1. CONTEXT
The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is introducing an integrated human resource and
payroll system across the public sector. When completed, over 120,000 employees and
200 entities will benefit from the system. The project is being implemented on a phased
basis with the first batch of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) being fully
brought onto the system by 2018.

The introduction of the system is part of the Human Resource Management (HRM)
Transformation Programme being undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and the Public

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Service to increase efficiency of HRM processes, ensure accuracy of the Government’s
payroll and maximise the performance of human capital.

The successful implementation of this far-reaching programme hinges on the execution of

an effective communication strategy. As such, the GOJ is seeking a Communication
Specialist to assist with the implementation of a holistic communication plan for the HRM
Transformation Programme.

2. ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVE
The Communication Specialist under the supervision of the Communications Lead is
required to plan and implement activities to support the Government’s transformation
programme.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONSULTANCY

3.1. Type of Consultancy: Individual Consultant
3.2. Place of Work: Jamaica
3.3. Duration of Assignment: One Year renewable

4. SCOPE OF WORK
The Communication Specialist role is a new one, responsible for assiting the
Communication and the Change Management Leads in executing activities to support the
successful implementation of the projects under the Government’s transformation
programme to include the introduction and implementation of an integrated HR and
payroll system as well as a new HR operating model. This is a frontline role that will make
a vital contribution to the growth of the communication function of the Programme Team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist with the implementation of communication plans including event planning and
management, writing content for all media and research
2. Initiate and sustain good relationships with key stakeholders
3. Source and develop local case studies for use across all communication channels
including media, website, marketing materials and newsletters
4. Help in the development and implementation of a consistent brand and visual identity
across the Government of Jamaica.

5. Assist with the evaluation of the impact of the communication programme and in
developing corrective measures as may be required.

5. COORDINATION AND REPORTING

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The Communication Specialist will report to the Communication Lead and will be
required to submit monthly reports on the agreed activities under the programme.

6. EXPERTISE REQUIRED
The Communication Specialist will be an experienced individual with demonstrated
capabilities in writing for all media platforms and a general understanding of government
communication.

6.1. The Communication Specialist will be expected to have the following minimum
qualifications:
6.1.1. Education and Experience
 A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university in Journalism,
Communication, Public Relations or equivalent qualification
 Advanced knowledge and application of communication principles and
practices
 Three (3) years’ experience in a communication-related field
6.2. The Communications Specialist will be expected to demonstrate the following
skills/competencies:
 Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to present
complex material in a simple, understandable way
 Event planning and management
 Ability to work effectively at all levels in an organisation
 Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
 Strong analytical and creative skills
 Ability to work effectively as a team player in a dynamic environment
 Effective project management, administrative, organisation and time
management skills
 Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite of software
 Superior attitude - flexible and willing to undertake a wide variety of non-
routine tasks

7. LOCATION AND SUPPORT

7.1 The Communication Specialist will be provided with offices in Kingston, Jamaica
and any other assistance as may be reasonably required to undertake the duties
identified in this TOR.

7.2 The Communication Specialist must be able to participate in activities during

business hours, as well as non-business hours on a regular basis as the position
demands.

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7.3 Travel will be required for the purpose of site visits, client and stakeholder
meetings, etc.

8. COMMENCEMENT DATE
The Communication Specialist must be prepared to commence the assignment by 15 June
2017.