Consultant - Development of the Africa Biogas Component Project (ABC) Awareness-raising Strategy at SNV Netherlands Development Organisation

Job Description

Objectives of the study

The assignment/ study seeks to develop an awareness-raising strategy for the ABC-K project that takes into account the different size segments (small and medium scale), different technologies (e.g., brick dome, prefabricated), different valorisation options products (biogas for cooking, heating & powering, bio-slurry, bio-slurry enriched compost etc…) and related benefits (on incomes, indoor air pollution and agricultural productivity…), as well as feasible options for customers to finance biodigesters.

Scope of Work

In Kenya, biodigesters are a moderately well-known technology, and farmers’ awareness of this technology is modest. Raising awareness remains critical to supporting the sales of small and medium scale biodigesters. Biodigester companies are mostly small, led by individuals, and cannot invest in and roll out extensive awareness and marketing campaigns. Other companies such as building companies are constructing or installing biodigesters as part of a bigger construction offer. Only a handful of biodigester companies invest sufficiently in awareness-raising and marketing to make this business profitable
The awareness strategy will inform the ABC project on 

• how to support biodigester businesses to create awareness of their businesses
• how to roll a national campaign digitally
• how to implement more localized awareness-raising events in the 12 high potential counties through ABPL and the marketing hubs. Propositions should remain within the limits of a pre-defined budget. Project strategy will also define how to closely engage with private sector companies in the implementation of the awareness-raising campaign.

The awareness-raising strategy will inform the development of educational and training approaches, as well as above the line and below the line awareness measures, with a particular focus on 12 high-potential counties. To accurately deliver on this, the strategy should elaborate on the knowledge and information penetration status, in terms of what information exists, how it is has been received and any existing biases that hinder positive uptake of this information.

The strategy will also advise on the use of nationally established mass media (radio, TV, newspaper, social media) and digital awareness tools to reach a wider public. These tools will include mobile-based information systems such as SMS blasts, USSD codes for information, smartphone apps, serious games, etc. The awareness-raising strategy will consider gender-sensitive language, messages and channels that speak to women, men and youth.

Qualifications

Qualifications of consultant/firm of consultants

All bidders must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience:

• Experience in consulting/advising on communications, preferably including the decentralised renewable energy sector in Kenya
• Proven track record of designing and planning creative and effective communications campaigns in rural areas, preferably in the context of private sector/behaviour change and communications.
• Proven experience translating core messages into effective products across multiple mediums (e.g., graphics, posters/fliers, mainstream and social media messages, events organization etc.
• Strong written and communication skills
• Excellent command of English and Swahili, both written and oral.

Closing date 22 April 2022