Consultant to develop a Communication Strategy and Branding Manual for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)

Job ID

2023-1374

# of Openings

1

Category

Programmes

Band Level

Single Engagement Agreement

BACKGROUND

ABOUT JSC

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is an independent body established under Article 171 of the Constitution of Kenya. The JSC is mandated to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and the efficient, effective, and transparent administration of justice. The JSC’s functions include recommending persons for appointment as Judges, reviewing conditions of service for Judges and Judicial Officers (excluding remuneration), receiving complaints against judicial officers and staff, preparing and implementing continuing education and training programmes for Judges and Judicial Officers, and advising the National Government on improving the efficiency of justice administration.

Communication is a powerful tool that can significantly influence public trust in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). When used effectively, it can shed light on the JSC’s performance, promoting transparency and accountability. Communication is a measure that can be employed to ensure that the JSC’s actions and decisions are accurately reported to the public. This not only fosters judicial accountability but also enhances public trust in the JSC. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the media can sometimes inadvertently contribute to misconceptions about the judiciary. This is where a robust communication policy comes into play. It can guide the JSC in navigating its relationship with the media, ensuring that legal matters are reported accurately and judicial independence is upheld.

To this end, the Judicial Service Commission Strategic Plan 2022-2027 envisions a Commission of excellence in promoting an independent, transparent, and accountable judiciary by facilitating competent, efficient, and effective administration of Justice, through capacity building and the development of strategic partnerships. The strategic issues identified in the Strategic plan underpin the role that communication will play to support the realization of the goals set, as follows: (i)improved systems and strengthened Communication, Cooperation and Collaboration; (ii) Improve Communication, media relationships and strengthening systems for integrity and accountability; (iii)Strengthening the appreciation and understanding of the strategic role of the Commission by internal and external stakeholders.

Therefore, the Commission seeks an expert to develop a  Communication Strategy and Branding Manual envisaged to embed and leverage communication in each of the thematic areas outlined in the strategic plan, demonstrate the centrality of an independent and accountable Judiciary and support the ultimate realization of the Commission’s strategic goal of “Efficient and effective administration of justice’.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Develop a Communication Strategy and Branding Manual. The policy will be used by the JSC to ensure transparency and efficiency, maintain public trust, uphold judicial integrity, and promote access to justice.

The consultant’s responsibilities will include:

1. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the communication structures and branding within the JSC.
2. Conduct stakeholder mapping and engagement with all relevant stakeholders interacting with the JSC to identify challenges and proposals on how to improve the communication structure.
3. Guided by the findings of the comprehensive analysis, develop a Communication Strategy and Branding Manual.
4. Present the draft Communication Strategy and Branding Manual for review during stakeholders’ meetings.
5. Finalize and present the Communication Strategy and Branding Manual developed for JSC and IDLO in a ready-to-print format. 

DELIVERABLES

The consultant will deliver the following:

1. An inception report, including an annotated outline indicating an understanding of the assignment, a proposed work plan for the execution of the assignment, methodology, and timelines by the 3^rd day upon signing the contract.
2. Facilitation for inclusive and productive stakeholder consultations in the process of developing the documents
3. Submit the final Communication Strategy and Branding Manual in ready-to-print format.

EDUCATION

• Advanced university degree in law, communications, marketing, public relations, development studies, or a related field.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Have at least five (7) years of advanced experience in strategic communications and public advocacy, which must include developing communications and advocacy strategies at global, regional, and national levels.
• Extensive experience in developing communication policies.
• Extensive work experience and proven record in producing communications, marketing, campaigns, advocacy, policy, and materials for use by organizations.
• Experience working with the judiciary in Kenya will be an added advantage.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and editing skills.
• Excellent work ethic founded on integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality principles.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks on all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process. 

Application deadline: 15 November 2023.