GDSI Limited is opening a call for experts interested in being considered for the position of Team Leader on “Implementation of the Strategic Communications Plan of the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines”.

The overall objective (Impact) to which this action contributes is to enhance the EU’s reputation and influence as a strategic and reliable partner to the Philippines, through more effective communication and visibility of EU’s principles and values, external policies and actions, by implementing the Strategic Communications Plan of the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines.

The operational base of the project will be in Manila (the Philippines). Experts are expected to be present in the Philippines.

The intended start date is 02 January 2024 and the period of implementation of the contract will be 48 months from this date.

Role and main responsibilities (included, but not limited to the following)

• Responsible for day-to-day management of the project, and of the experts (both key and non-key) under the guidance of the EU Delegation and EU Programme Manager, and for maintaining a close cooperation with the EU Delegation and with project stakeholders;
• Responsible for developing the implementation plan and the pipeline of project activities, including by: proactively supporting the identification, definition and planning of activities, and by drafting specific terms of reference when necessary for the implementation of activities, as well as monitoring progress against both activities calendar, and communications KPIs;
• Ensures effective coordination, timely implementation, overall coherence and relevance of the implementation plan and project activities, paying particular attention to alignment with EU policies, interests, and messages;
• Ensures quality control and review of all deliverables and of other experts’ work, as well as the quality of the results-based reporting, including monitoring and evaluation of project outputs and outcomes according to the logical framework;
• Oversees the integration of a gender and human rights based approach, and social inclusion perspective in the implementation of the strategic communications plan;
• Provides regular briefings to the EU Delegation and to the EU Programme Manager whenever requested;
• Provides advice and analysis on the progress of the implementation of the communication plan and of the attainment of the EU Delegation’s communication objectives and suggests changes when necessary;
• Organises and facilitates trainings on communications related subjects for the EU Delegation or for projects implementing EU funding, or others;

 The proposed Team Leader should have the following profile: 

Qualifications and skills

• Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (communications, journalism, advertising or a related field) or in its absence, at least 5 years of experience in addition to the minimum general professional experience;
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and facilitation skills;
• Strong analytical skills and computer literacy;
• Written and oral proficiency in English and Tagalog is required.

General professional experience

• At least 8 years of experience in the design and implementation of Communications strategies, Public Relations, Public Diplomacy strategies;
• At least 5 years of experience leading teams in the public and/or private sector. This should include Experience in project and human resource management.

Specific professional experience

• At least 2 years of experience in implementing communication strategies that included the use of social media;
• At least 1 year experience working in on communications for the public sector, preferably for international organisations/development cooperation agencies;
• Understanding of the political, socio-economic and cultural context in the Philippines is required;
• Strong proven network in the Philippine media society;
• Proven track record in the monitoring/evaluation of effectiveness and impact of communication strategies;
• Experience carrying out trainings on communications is an asset.