Communication Expert to Provide support for MICS Albania 2026

/in /by

Position: Communication Expert to Provide support for MICS Albania 2026

Duration of the consultancy: 3 months

Project description:

Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in Albania aims to generate high-quality, internationally comparable data on key indicators related to health, education, child protection, and social inclusion—many of which are directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and EU benchmarks.

The survey will be led by INSTAT, Albania’s national statistical authority, whose technical excellence was recently demonstrated through the successful implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census. INSTAT’s leadership ensures that the MICS will be conducted with the highest standards of data quality, transparency, and inclusiveness.

Roles and responsibilities:

In close cooperation with INSTAT, UNICEF and Observatory, the expert will prepare the below, as per the needs and on continues basis:

  • Design a communication and visibility plan tailored to MICS objectives.
  • Media briefs and social media content.
  • Prepare the MICS leaflets and be responsible for the content testing and design.
  • Prepare presentations, infographics, and other knowledge products.
  • Track communication activities.
  • Submit periodic progress reports.

Important information:

  • The implementation of MICS Albania requires the continuous engagement of a Communication Expert rather than support limited to predefined deliverables. Communication needs under MICS are dynamic, often emerging during implementation and fieldwork, and require timely and ongoing responses.

As the survey progresses, communication plans, key messages, and visibility actions may need to be adjusted to reflect operational developments and emerging priorities. In addition, effective coordination with field teams, photographers, and videographers requires sustained engagement to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent documentation of the MICS process.

A continuous engagement model ensures coherence in messaging, flexibility in responding to ad hoc communication needs, and consistent visibility throughout the survey period. For these reasons, a monthly engagement is considered more appropriate than a deliverable-based arrangement.

  • All communication of the expert with INSTAT will be done through/copying UNICEF and Observatory.
  • Expert is asked to submit the first consolidated communication plan with INSTAT and UNICEF for review and will consolidate the feedback received.
  • Once the communication plan is edited and designed the expert is asked to support with any clarifications that may be required.

Qualifications:

The candidate should possess the following qualifications and experience:

  • At least 10 years’ experience in communication, reporting or related fields.
  • Experience with international organisations will be an advantage.
  • Experience in technical capacity building or training is considered an asset.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and report writing skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and to build consensus among stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in English is required.

Deliverables:

The expert will deliver the following outputs:

  • Communication and visibility plan for MICS Albania.
  • Media toolkit (social media posting).
  • Leaflets
  • Other deliverables as need arises.

Timeline:

The expert is expected to complete the work over 15 January – 15 April 2025

Payment schedule:

The payment modality (daily fee or lump sum), invoice requirements and applicable taxes will be specified in the contract. Payment will be made upon completion of the assignment and submission of all required deliverables, including signed timesheets.

How to Apply?

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via email to hr@observator.org.al by 13 January 2025:
📌 Expression of interest outlining your motivation to the assignment.
📌 Updated CV highlighting relevant experience and previous work related to this consultancy.