Position Title:  Strategic Communications Consultant

Engagement Type:  Short-Term Consultancy (10 days)

Location:  Remote (Must be a Caribbean national and/or currently be based in the Caribbean region)

Reporting To:  IPPF ACRO External Relations / Communications Team

1. Background and Rationale

1.1 The Caribbean Observatory on SRHR

The Caribbean Observatory on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a regional platform that uses data, research, and lived experiences to support evidence-based decision-making, amplify community voices, and advance gender justice and human rights. It connects civil society, health practitioners, researchers, and governments through knowledge-sharing, learning, collaboration, and policy advocacy.

Over the last few years, the Observatory has produced research and policy briefs, organized webinars, and provided training to strengthen evidence-based SRHR advocacy. Its Steering Committee comprises nine Caribbean organizations, with IPPF Americas and the Caribbean Regional Office (ACRO) serving as Secretariat.

1.2 Context and rationale

Across the Caribbean, opposition to SRHR and LGBTIQ+ rights is increasingly coordinated and strategic, using public narratives to influence policy, restrict rights, and undermine access to health and youth services. Anti-rights actors frame SRHR and LGBTIQ+ rights as threats to religion, the “natural family,” children, and national values, while mobilizing “parental rights,” anti-gender narratives, and moral panics to oppose comprehensive sexuality education and other rights-based policies.

When these narratives go uncontested, they contribute to stigma, discrimination, violence, shrinking civic space, and barriers to essential health services. Recent IPPF-ACRO research highlights the need for civil society to strengthen its ability to engage strategically in this contested narrative environment.

The consultancy therefore responds to the need to equip Caribbean SRHR and LGBTIQ+ advocates with practical, evidence-based strategic communication skills to challenge anti-rights framing, counter disinformation, and develop culturally relevant, values-based narratives that advance rights and resonate with Caribbean audiences.

2. Purpose and Objectives of the Consultancy

The consultancy will design and deliver a high-impact online strategic communications training programme for Caribbean SRHR and LGBTIQ+ advocates. Grounded in Caribbean realities, the training will strengthen participants’ ability to understand and counter anti-rights narratives, reframe public debates, and develop persuasive, values-based communication and advocacy campaigns.

The aim is to strengthen the capacity of Caribbean activists and organizations to design and implement strategic communication and advocacy campaigns that promote rights-based SRHR narratives

Secondary, it aims to position the Caribbean SRHR Observatory as a regional hub for learning, knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation on strategic communications and rights-based narratives and strengthen the regional network of advocates, communication professionals, and organizations engaged in collective learning and action on SRHR.

3.    Scope of the consultancy – Responsibilities of the consultant

The Consultant will be responsible for designing and delivering an applied strategic communications training programme over a two-month period. The programme will have a concrete, collective outcome: participants will work collaboratively with the facilitator and IPPF staff to develop a communications campaign plan as a shared effort to strengthen SRHR narratives in the Caribbean. This brief could be used to develop a campaign by participating organizations, serving as the practical application of the training and as a real communications product with potential to be used beyond the programme.

4.    Role of IPPF–Caribbean Observatory

IPPF–Caribbean Observatory will provide overall coordination and support throughout the consultancy. IPPF will be responsible for organizing and convening the training and coordinating the related logistics. The IPPF-Caribbean Observatory will support the consultant by providing relevant background information and materials, facilitating access to relevant stakeholders and resources, reviewing and providing feedback on key deliverables, and advising on the overall direction and contextual relevance of the work.

The consultant will remain responsible for the design and delivery of the training methodology and materials, incorporating feedback and guidance provided by IPPF–Caribbean Observatory.

5. Expected deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

• Deliverable 1: Training Methodology and session outline, a detailed methodology and outline for each session, including the proposed training approach, session objectives and methodology
• Deliverable 2: Training delivery, delivery and facilitation of the agreed strategic communications training programme, including live sessions, practical exercises and applied learning activities.
• Deliverable 3: Mentoring and support for applied products, provision of targeted mentoring and technical support to participants during the development and refinement of their campaign brief.
• Deliverable 4: Final Reporting, a brief report summarizing the implementation of the training, including the activities delivered, key results and recommendations.

6. Key Qualifications & Experience

• The consultant must be from the Caribbean and/or currently be based in the Caribbean region, possessing firsthand insight into the sub-region’s cultural, religious, linguistic, and socio-political dynamics. (mandatory)
• At least 7 years of experience in strategic communications, advocacy, media engagement, or narrative change, preferably in the Caribbean.
• Demonstrated experience in SRHR, gender equality, LGBTIQ+ rights, youth empowerment, or human rights.
• Strong understanding of the Caribbean anti-rights landscape, including anti-gender and “parental rights” narratives and opposition to CSE and healthcare access.
• Experience designing and facilitating participatory online training, workshops, mentoring, and practical campaign development.
• Proven ability to develop culturally relevant, values-based narratives and communication products for diverse audiences.
• Strong skills in digital campaigning, social media, media relations, facilitation, coaching, and campaign strategy.

7. Education & Languages

• Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, Human Rights, International Relations, or a related field.
• English: professional or native fluency required.
• Knowledge of French, Spanish, Dutch, or Caribbean Creole is an asset.

8. Application

If you are interested, please read the full TOR here and follow the application process outlined in the document. Deadline is September 7, 2026.