Communications Consultant – Mexico

Almost a quarter of the world’s population lives in substandard shelter, impacting their health, livelihoods, and their children’s education. Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has helped more than 46 million people worldwide improve their housing.

In 2016, Habitat for Humanity established the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter to work through housing markets to expand access to decent affordable shelter at scale. The Terwilliger Center works to expand access to innovative and client-responsive services, products and financing so that households can improve their shelter more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the Terwilliger Center is to make housing markets work more effectively for people in need of decent, affordable shelter, thereby improving the quality of life for low-income households.

The Terwilliger Center has worked in more than 50 countries to date. The Center has offices in Mexico, Peru, Kenya, India and the Philippines, with additional staff based in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Purpose of Consultancy

Habitat’s Terwilliger Center is seeking to engage a consultant to provide regionally based communications and marketing support in furtherance of its program strategy and goals in Mexico.

Working with the Terwilliger Center’s communications lead and relevant program leaders in the country/region, the consultant will develop a sub-regional communications framework that cuts across program areas. The consultant will work to further the impact of Terwilliger Center’s programs, awareness of key stakeholders and recognition of the Habitat for Humanity brand in their target geography.

Responsibilities and deliverables:

• Writing and editing: provide copy editing to research and reports, as needed, draft content for new materials and thought leadership opportunities (technical blog, locally focused op-ed, pitch to media) based on ongoing and emerging needs of relevant program teams.
• Graphic design: design new collaterals (such as program 2-pagers, brochures, slide decks, capacity statements, events branding), ensuring they are appropriately branded.
• Content gathering: Identify opportunities for new assets, including photography and storytelling, and work closely with the Terwilliger Center communications lead to collect or guide the collection of such assets.
• Media relations support: drafting press releases, inviting media and managing their participation in events, production of media toolkits, monitoring media enquiries.
• Social media: provide regular content for X/Twitter and LinkedIn, including accompanying graphics, based on activities and inputs from the relevant program teams (e.g. 3 per month).
• Contribute to internal department communications updates regarding program milestones.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Support translation of key communications materials between Spanish and English

Duration

The consultancy runs from contract date through 31 December 2024, with potential extension dependent on performance and budget availability.

Experience and qualifications

• Proven record and work experience in communications, marketing, advocacy, campaigns, and/or strategic management.
• Demonstrated understanding of the media ecosystem and communications best practices within Mexico.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Suite, Canva) and in developing and using templates in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Proven experience in media and public relations, such as media campaigns, project management, media strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Experience working with housing programs and the not-for-profit sector is a plus.

Submission

• Interested individuals or companies should submit the following:
• CV or resumé
• A minimum of two writing samples (ie. op-ed, blog, press release, web story) or a link to an online portfolio
• A brief cover letter (maximum 1 page) stating:
• Consultants’ daily and/or hourly rates.
• The consultant’s availability during the contract period October 2024 through December 31, including maximum days per week and any known dates the consultant would not be available.

Application and Decision Process

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Submission materials, as outlined above, should be sent to TCIS@habitat.org by September 30, 2024 with the subject line: Communications Consultancy (Mexico).

ONLY CANDIDATES WHO FOLLOW APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THE ROLE.

Application and Decision Process

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Submission materials, as outlined above, should be sent to TCIS@habitat.org by September 30, 2024 with the subject line: Communications Consultancy (Mexico).