Terms of Reference for

Railway Project Management Office Communications Development

I. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) will support the construction of the 53-kilometer (km)
section of a new railway line connecting Manila and the regional center in Clark, located in Central
Luzon (north of Manila). The project is co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA). The Philippine government is also constructing the 37-km Tutuban-Solis-Malolos railway
line with support from JICA. The project will provide affordable, reliable and safe public transport,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut the bus journey time by half to less than one hour by
rail.

The project has two outputs: Output 1 is new railway line commissioned and Output 2 is
institutional capacity strengthened. Output 1 will help to finance the construction of a 53.1 km new
double track railway line comprising of the 51.2 km Malolos-Clark-CIA section and the 1.9 km
Solis-Blumentritt section, which will link the project to the existing rail-based public urban transport
system in Manila. Output 2 will establish a training program for the Department of Transportation
staff in (i) procurement, project and contract management, railway operation and asset
management; (ii) establish a system to manage the document and funding flow amongst all
parties involved in project implementation including the technical staff; and (iii) address the
government gender and development mandates to ensure quality of railway services for women
and marginalized segments of the population.

The Project requires a communications team to support communications planning and

implementation for two years. A firm composed of national communications experts (the
Consultant) will be engaged using quality-cost based selection (QCBS), 90:10 ratio.

II. Scope of Work

In coordination with DOTr’s communications and grievance redress team, in consultation with
designated ADB staff and other project proponents, the consultant is expected to support
communications planning and implementation, including:

(i) Oversee and manage the successful implementation of the project Stakeholder
Communication Strategy (SCS) 1 0F0F

(ii) Support the regular dissemination of project information to key stakeholders;

(iii) Support the development and production of Information Education Communication (IEC)
materials; including IEC in social media platforms. The IEC will cove general information
about the project, as well as targeted messages that support social and environmental-
related, and gender mainstreaming initiatives.
(iv) Provide communications support, in coordination with appropriate social and environment
safeguards, and gender specialists, for community/stakeholder consultations and
dialogue;
(v) Provide capacity building support to project counterparts to help them effectively carry out
the activities set forth in the SCS;

1 https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/52083/52083-001-pam-en.pdf. Please refer to the Facility

Administration Manual, Section IX. E Stakeholder Communications Strategy

1
 (vi) Support the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) team in effective operation of the
project;
(vii)Support the improvement of the existing GRM database.

Through this support, the consultant’s work should help to meaningfully ensure: (i) the delivery of
relevant information to stakeholders in a culturally appropriate, gender sensitive, and timely
manner; and (ii) a regular flow of reliable information between the project and stakeholders; (iii)
meaningful engagement with project affected persons (PAPs) and other project stakeholders; and
(iv) effective, culturally appropriate, and timely response to concerns and grievances about the
project raised by project affected persons and other stakeholders.

III. Deliverables

Key results Estimated Submission Date

Inception Report (Communications and GRM Workplan) Week 4
Monthly and Quarterly Reports Starting Week 8
Bid Documents for Equipment Week 8
Procurement of Equipment with Bid Evaluation Report Week 12
GRM Database Improvement Week 16
Information, Education, Communication Materials As per agreed workplan
Draft Final Report Month 22
Final Report Month 24

IV. Reporting Arrangement

The consultant will report to the designated ADB staff and EA Communications Team Leader.
The consultant is expected to take initiative in carrying out work assignments, and in consulting
with designated ADB staff regarding any problem areas or major constraints.

V. Duration of Assignment

Duration of Assignment: The consultant will work on an intermittent basis from February 2020 –
January 2022. There is a possibility of an extension of assignment until June 2022 based on the
assessment of ADB and EA during the midterm review.

VI. Personnel

The personnel are composed of 210 PM national inputs with the following breakdown below.
Key Expert PM Non-Key Experts PM

1. Strategic Communications Specialist 24 Multimedia Service Provider 12

2. Community Engagement Specialist 24 Graphic Designer 12

3. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) 24 Community Organizer (24 PM * 3 positions) 72

Specialist

4. Media and Social Media Specialist 24

 Key Expert PM Non-Key Experts PM

5. Systems and Database Program 18

Designer (6PM * 3 positions)

Total Key Experts 114 Total Non-Key 96

A. Key Experts

1. Strategic Communications Specialist/ Team Leader (24 person-months [PM])

The Team Leader will undertake, but not be limited to, the key activities outlined in the Specific
Responsibilities and Deliverables sections below.

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. Manage Team: Oversee the work of the Communication Specialist (Community

Engagement), GRM Specialist, Media Specialist, Community Organizers, Visual
Content Producers, and Database Program Designer. Ensure work supports and is
aligned with work of DOTr and other project proponents.

ii. Support Implementation of SCS: Work with designated project counterpart’s

communications focal points and other project staff in implementing relevant
components of the SCS. Ensure a regular flow of information about the project to
affected persons and other key stakeholders. Ensure project website and other key
information channels (e.g., social media platforms) are regularly updated.

iii. Support Information Dissemination: Support an array of community-level and

muti-platform activities to help ensure essential project-related information is
regularly shared with key project stakeholders.

iv. Oversee IEC Production: Based on the SCS, community feedback and identified
information needs, develop a range of information materials, including a Q&As,
brochures, maps, public information displays, and other relevant materials.

v. Communication Support for Consultants and Community Engagement:

Provide support to project team in their communications and interactions with
affected people and other project stakeholders. Ensure project affected persons and
other key stakeholders are aware of and continue to receive timely information about
project developments.

vi. Support Capacity Building: Help build the capacity of DOTr staff, and other project
proponents, to more independently and effectively implement and manage all
aspects of communications and grievance redress.

vii. Support GRM Operations: Oversee the provision of strategic guidance for handling
project-related complaints and managing the project GRM.
 viii. Support GRM Database Improvement: Provide support in the improvement of the
integrated project GRM database to track all complaints and concerns.
ix. Coordinate with different project teams. Represent the communications team in
different project team meetings (GC, RAP, ADB team meetings), as requested by
DOTr. Support the teams with their specific communications requirements.

b. Qualifications

i. Degree in communication, community engagement, anthropology, or related field,

or equivalent experience.
ii. At least 10 years’ experience in communications preferably with experience in
international donor-funded development projects.
iii. Experience in designing and implementing communication activities to support
stakeholder engagement, and participation in development projects.
iv. Experience in designing and/or implementing GRM or similar grievance tools.
v. Experience in communication activity planning, design and implementation.
vi. Experience managing teams of communication and community engagement
specialists.
vii. Experience developing gender- and culture-sensitive IEC or similar materials
strongly preferred. Ability to present complex ideas clearly orally and in written
language.
viii. Fluent English and Filipino writing and verbal communication skills.
ix. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a collaborative, multi-
stakeholder team environment.
x. Prior experience supporting capacity building a decided advantage.
xi. Familiarity working with ADB-funded projects, or similar projects, an advantage.

2. Community Engagement Specialist (24 PM)

In coordination with designated ADB and government staff, the consultant is expected to provide
strategic communication guidance to the project, and:

• Support implementation of the Stakeholder Communication Strategy (SCS) and related

community engagement and information sharing activities;
• Actively work with designated government staff and consultants to support their
implementation of the SCS, and build their capacity to effectively carry out the activities
set forth in the SCS; and
• Supervise the work of the community organizers. 2 1F1F

• Work with other community organizers working for other parts of the resettlement/GRM
team

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. Support Implementation of SCS and Information Sharing

In coordination with designated ADB and government staff, support the implementation of the
SCS, including:

2 Refer to the terms of reference for the community organizers.

• Community Outreach: Serve as a “community liaison” to support SCS implementation.
Work close with community-level counterparts, and others trusted by different stakeholder
groups, to foster dialogue and information sharing. Suggest approaches to better foster
community engagement, and to better ensure community/CSO/ stakeholder perspectives
are shared with and considered by government counterparts and ADB

• Support for Consultations and Dialogue: Provide support for community consultations and
engagement. Provide guidance on the best means of sharing information (best channels,
and most trusted persons/groups/institutions) in line with communities’ and other key
stakeholders’ stated preferences. Provide support for interactions between project staff
and other stakeholders, pursuant to the activities set forth in the SCS. Join consultations
conducted by government counterparts and facilitate relationship-building. Maintain
regular contact with key stakeholders.

• Revising Information Materials: As needed, revise and/or prepare new information

materials, in coordination with designated ADB and government staff.

• Information Sharing: Ensure a regular flow of information about the project to affected
persons and other key stakeholders, through a full range of communication channels,
pursuant to specific activities set forth in the SCS. Help ensure mechanisms are put in
place to provide effective notification of project impacts, including the project website.

ii. Build Government Communications Capacity to Implement SCS

Design and implement a training program for government staff to build their communication
capacity, including community engagement, public relations, and the development and
dissemination of information materials. Sustained, day-in, day-out support and guidance
should also be provided to relevant staff. Through capacity building efforts, key government
officials and other key stakeholders identified in the SCS should fully understand the project,
its impact, and their roles and responsibilities when it comes to communications, community
engagement, and information sharing.

b. Qualifications

i. Degree in Communication, Marketing, Sociology, Anthropology, or related field.

ii. At least 10 years’ relevant experience in communications preferably with
experience in international donor-funded development projects.
iii. Experience in designing and implementing communication and/or community
engagement activities in development projects using gender-fair and culturally
sensitive language.
iv. Experience in community-level work in the Philippines, with strong knowledge and
understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural context.
v. Excellent communication skills in oral and written Filipino and English.
vi. Experience developing gender- and culture-sensitive IEC materials. Ability to
present complex ideas clearly.
vii. Experience in training and capacity building.
viii. High integrity and strong interpersonal skills, with a good understanding of how to
diplomatically foster dialogue and understanding in challenging environments.
Ability to maintain neutrality and serve as “honest broker”. Proven ability to work in
a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team environment.
 ix. Ability to work independently and take initiative to ensure assigned tasks are
completed.
x. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries
that legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such
assignments and are qualified to undertake them.

3. Grievance Redress Mechanism Specialist (24 PM)

Scope of Work

In coordination with designated ADB and government staff, the consultant is expected to provide
overall strategic and complaint handling guidance on the implementation and, where warranted,
enhancement of a project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

Through this support, the consultant’s work should help meaningfully ensure the ability of project
affected persons and other project stakeholders to freely raise concerns about project
implementation, and appeal decisions that they disagree with. The consultant will undertake, but
not be limited to, the key activities outlined in the Specific Responsibilities and Deliverables
sections below.

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. Support the Implementation and Enhancement of a Grievance Redress

Mechanism

In coordination with designated ADB and DOTr and local government staff, the consultant will:

• Support Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Quality Control, Monitoring and

Reporting: Review existing project GRM and monitor implementation of the GRM.. Should
grievances arise, support designated national and local focal points (GRM team) in
facilitating the feedback/complaints process in coordination with the concerned parties.
• Recommend GRM System Enhancements: Make recommendations for strengthening the
project GRM system put in place, including (a) any needed tools, operating procedures,
guidelines, and/or flowcharts detailing how the GRM will unfold within the project’s
operating structures and how it will be monitored and reported on; and (b) ensuring that
these tools, procedures, guidelines and processes will protect the privacy and
confidentiality of the parties involved, and are in accordance with existing relevant laws on
the matter.

• Collaborate with the other team members (i.e., strategic communication, community
engagement, media and social media specialists, social and environment safeguards and
gender specialists, and community organizers) to promote and ensure the continued
visibility and use of the GRM

• Collaborate with the Database Management Program Designer (GRM) to develop user-
friendly interfaces for stakeholders and ensure maintenance of registry for online and
offline complaints. Generate and present weekly reports to DOTr PMO and flag areas
needing prompt attention.
 ii. Build Government Capacity to Implement GRM

Work with designated ADB and government staff to design and implement an extended
training program for designated GRM staff and consultants, to build their capacity to manage
the GRM. Specific activities should include training workshops for relevant stakeholders on
GRM requirements and structure. Sustained, day-in, day-out support and guidance should
also be provided to relevant staff. Through this support, project affected persons, local
officials, and other key stakeholders should fully understand the GRM, and their roles and
responsibilities when it comes to addressing stakeholder concerns through the GRM, with
well-defined roles and responsibilities for key stakeholders.

• Capacity Assessment: Together with the Strategic Communication Specialist, identify

training needs for staff who will be directly or indirectly involved in the design and
implementation of the communication strategy and GRM, including those with not only
communications but also safeguard, gender, grievance (etc.) roles.

b. Qualifications

i. Degree in Communication, Marketing, Sociology, Anthropology, or related field.

ii. At least 10 years’ relevant experience including experience working with GRM,
preferably with experience in international donor-funded development projects.
iii. Experience in designing and implementing community engagement activities in
development projects.
iv. Experience in community-level work in the Philippines, with strong knowledge and
understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural context.
v. Excellent communication skills in oral and written Filipino and English.
vi. Experience developing inclusive, gender- and culture-sensitive information materials.
Ability to present complex ideas clearly.
vii. Experience in training and capacity building.
viii. High integrity and strong interpersonal skills, with a good understanding of how to
diplomatically foster dialogue and understanding in challenging environments. Ability
to maintain neutrality and serve as “honest broker”. Proven ability to work in a
collaborative, multi-stakeholder team environment.
ix. Ability to work independently and take initiative to ensure assigned tasks are
completed.
x. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries that
legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such assignments and
are qualified to undertake them.

4. Media & Social Media Specialist (24 PM)

Scope of Work

In coordination with designated ADB, and DOTr/government staff, the communication

consultant is expected to support efforts, in line with the SCS, to utilize media and social
media to help advance core project objectives. This includes guidance on strategic
approaches to media engagement, crisis communication, and the development of a social
media presence (with appropriate content) in order to provide accurate, interesting, and
comprehensive information about the project. The consultant will support the
 implementation of media and social media components of the SCS, and will undertake,
but not be limited to, the key activities outlined in the Specific Responsibilities section
below.

a. Specific Responsibilities
i. Strategic Communications Support: Support the implementation of media and social
media components of the SCS in coordination with DOTr and relevant ADB staff and
project proponents;
ii. Media Content: In coordination with DOTr, draft timely and accurate news releases,
stories, and other information materials intended for distribution to media and external
organizations about the project;
iii. Public Relations: In coordination with DOTr, pitch stories and ensure tactical media
placement in leading print, online, television, and radio news outlets.
iv. Public Events: Support any key public or media events by drafting and/or editing news
releases and talking points, preparing “fast facts” and key social media messages, and
other support as required;
v. Crisis Communication: Identify potential risks that need to be proactively mitigated and
managed, and support development of tailored crisis communications strategy. Where
appropriate work with DOTr and project proponents to publicize project successes in
external media and social media;
vi. Content Editing: Undertake other writing and editing duties, as assigned;
vii. Social Media Content: Generate new content for social media platforms (e.g.,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube), in Filipino and English. Work with DOTr to
develop social media strategy consistent with the SCS. Organize strategic “push”
promotions.
viii. Monitoring: Support media and social media monitoring, helping adjust activities and
approaches accordingly.
ix. Capacity Building: Help build the capacity of DOTr staff with media and social media
responsibilities to more independently implement and manage all aspects of these
activities.
b. Qualifications
i. Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
ii. At least 10 years’ experience working in online communications, preferably with
experience in international donor-funded development projects.
iii. and/or international donor funded development projects.
iv. Experience in conducting communications, public relations social media, and/or web
activities for projects.
v. Experience in developing and implementing gender- and culture-sensitive campaigns
and other communication tools.
vi. Experience in communication materials design a plus.
vii. Fluent and high-level Filipino and English writing and verbal communication skills.
viii. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a collaborative, multi-
stakeholder team environment.
ix. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries that
legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such assignments and
are qualified to undertake them.
5. Systems and Database Program Designer for Grievance Redress Mechanism (3
positions for 6 PM each)

Three (3) systems and database program designers (for Grievance Redress Mechanism)
will be engaged.

Scope of Work

In coordination with designated ADB and DOTr staff, the consultant is expected to create
an online system that synchronizes DOTr’s GRM platforms and applications to build a
centralized complaints database and provide project information. This will be an improved
version of the existing database.

Through this support, the consultant’s work should harness ICT to meaningfully ensure
the ability of project affected persons and other project stakeholders to freely raise
concerns about project implementation, and appeal decisions that they disagree with. The
consultant will undertake, but not be limited to, the key activities outlined in the Specific
Responsibilities and Deliverables sections below.

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. Support the Implementation and Enhancement of a Grievance Redress

Mechanism

In coordination with designated ADB and DOTr staff and the national GRM specialist, the
consultant will:

• Develop, install, test and operate an online GRM system: Guided by the project’s GRM
plan and SCS, the consultant will create an online system to enable stakeholders to: (i)
provide feedback and (ii) access project information. The system will also enable the PMO
and local governments to: (i) have a central GRM database/registry to register/document
and track complaints and complaints handling; (ii) synchronize feedback generated from
the GRM hotline/helpline, website and manual registries; (iii) flag areas needing prompt
attention; and (iv) generate user-friendly and graphical weekly reports to present data to
aid in PMO planning and decision-making. While promoting transparency, the system
should at the same time ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the parties in case of
sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence. No information leading to
the identification of the parties shall be made public, without the party/ies’ consent.

• Recommend systems enhancement for GRM hotline / helpline: The consultant will guide
the DOTr GRM team to enhance the hotline/helpline for system compatibility, and
maintain integrity of data.

• Interactive Website: Design and maintain an automated, interactive website where

stakeholders can access information and provide feedback. The website will also be the
online repository of communication materials and project information that can be readily
accessed by all stakeholders. Geographic Information System will be utilized to enable
stakeholders to see how their property may be affected by the project.
 • Implementation Schedule: Work with the national GRM specialist and the GRM team to
develop the implementation schedule to deploy the system: this would included
architecture design and prototype development, testing, stabilization, user training and
workshop, and support and maintenance.

• Tools: Work with national GRM specialist to develop the following tools: (i) protocol
detailing the operating procedures for the online system; (ii) integration of the protocol into
the GRM plan; (iii) FAQs and simple flowcharts to increase stakeholder awareness about
the system to encourage patronage.

• Maintenance: Maintain integrity of database and develop a disaster

recovery/management plan in the event of a major failure or breach of the online system.

i. Build Government Capacity to Implement GRM

• Develop and rollout a training program: Work with the national GRM specialist, and other
designated ADB and DOTr staff (GRM team), and gender focal to design and implement
an expanded training program (including a training kit) on the online GRM system. The
training should build the capacity of the designated GRM staff in DOTr, LGUs and
consultants to test, roll out and manage the online system. The consultant is expected to
hand over the source code, protocols, training kit to the DOTr which will be under the
latter’s exclusive ownership.

• Capacity Assessment: Detail training needs for staff who will be directly or indirectly
involved in the design and implementation of the online GRM system. This also includes
the identification of designated DOTr focal staff and clarification of structures and roles to
ensure smooth roll-out of the online GRM system.

• Daily technical support: The consultant is expected to provide technical support to

troubleshoot and maintain the rollout of the online GRM system.

b. Qualifications

i. College diploma or degree in computer science with 7 years or more of equivalent

work experience as system architect, database design or database administration
ii. Knowledge of Oracle Relational Database System, Oracle PL/SQL, Oracle Aconex,
Java Enterprise Edition (J2EE), HTML.
iii. Ability to design the structure of the database and write appropriate interfaces for data
access, download, entry and ensure quality and security.
iv. High integrity and strong interpersonal skills, with a good understanding of how to
diplomatically foster dialogue and understanding in challenging environments. Proven
ability to work in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder team environment.
v. Ability to work independently and take initiative to ensure assigned tasks are
completed.
vi. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries that
legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such assignments and
are qualified to undertake them.
B. Non Key-Experts

1. Multimedia Service Provider (12 PM)

Scope of Work

In coordination with designated ADB and DOTr staff, the National Multimedia Service
Provider (the consultant) is expected to provide video, photo, and various other multimedia
content to support the development of innovative audio-visual products to help promote
the project’s progress.

Deliverables

• Quality multimedia/audio-visual products, as assigned, consistent with the SCS.

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. Produce gender- and culture-sensitive multimedia/audio-visual materials as

assigned, possibly including short videos, photos, motion graphics, etc.
ii. Handle all aspects of video production, including script-writing, filming, video
editing, and post-production.
iii. Shoot and edit high-quality photographs.
iv. Collaborate with other communications staff, gender focals, and other relevant
staff and consultants, in developing various gender- and culture-sensitive
multimedia products.
v. Must supply own equipment.
vi. Additional responsibilities will be determined based on actual implementation of
the SCS.

b. Qualifications

i. A bachelor degree or certified qualifications in multimedia production or other

related fields.
ii. At least 5 years of relevant experience.
iii. Experience in video production and editing.
iv. Experience on photography and editing.
v. Experience developing gender- and culture-sensitive products for the web and
social media platforms.
vi. Experience in motion graphics a plus.
vii. Fluent English and Filipino writing and verbal communication skills.
viii. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a collaborative, multi-
stakeholder team environment.
ix. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries
that legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such
assignments and are qualified to undertake them.
2. Graphic Designer (12 PM)

Scope of Work

In coordination with designated ADB and DOTr staff, the National Graphic Designer (the
consultant) is expected to support the delivery of creative designs for a full range of
communication and marketing materials for use in publications, websites, social media
platforms, etc. as well as support the development of design graphics for a suite of
communications collaterals for the project. Content must be gender-sensitive, culturally
appropriate, and easily understood.

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. In coordinating with communications staff, review and improve art-work, photos,

charts, and other graphic elements in communications and marketing materials;
ii. Photo editing;
iii. Layout and design of marketing/communication materials (print and electronic);
iv. In coordination with the designated ADB and DOTr staff, propose concepts, collect
comments and inputs, pre-test, revise and finalize design of visual materials to support
communication/marketing strategy implementation, including banners, booklets,
promotional collaterals, web/electronic design graphics, etc.
v. In coordination with the Multimedia Service Provider develop creative graphics (e.g.,
using virtual 3D animations);
vi. Additional responsibilities will be determined based on actual implementation of the
SCS.

b. Qualifications

i. A bachelor degree or certified qualifications as a graphic designer, or in other related

fields.
ii. At least 5 years of relevant experience.
iii. Strong theoretical and practical background in graphic design, including the use of
design software such as Adobe Design Premium, In-Design, CorelDraw, web design
tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash, etc.
iv. Demonstrated ability to deliver on graphic production from start to completion, with
knowledge of printing processes and color management.
v. Knowledge of standard software packages, including MS Office-MS Access-MS Visio-
Adobe Acrobat.
vi. Ability to create HTML, Flash or CSS files, depending on requirements, preferred.
vii. Fluent English and Tagalog writing and verbal communication skills.
viii. Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work in a collaborative, multi-
stakeholder team environment.
ix. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries that
legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such assignments and
are qualified to undertake them.
 c. Deliverables

• Quality designs for various print and online graphics and visual communication
materials (including infographics), as assigned, in line with the project communication
strategy and marketing strategy.
• Quality designs for other information materials, e.g., banners, booklets, as well as
various print and electronic collaterals.

3. National Community Organizer (3 positions, 24 PM each position)

Scope of Work

In coordination with designated ADB and government staff, the consultant is expected to support
the project’s strategic community engagement through:

(i) Ensuring that the implementation of the Stakeholder Communication Strategy,

particularly among communities is done in an inclusive culturally appropriate, gender-
sensitive, and timely manner;
(ii) Actively working with designated DOTr, local government staff and consultants to
ensure a regular and reliable process of consultations, information sharing and GRM
among project affected persons and other community groups.

The consultant will undertake, but not be limited to, the key activities outlined in the Specific
Responsibilities and Deliverables sections below.

a. Specific Responsibilities

i. Support Implementation of SCS and Information Sharing

Support the National Community Engagement Specialist in implementing community-based

communication activities, including:

• Community Outreach: Serve as a “community front liners” to facilitate relationship-

building, foster dialogue and community engagement with project affected people, local
community groups, CSOs and other stakeholders. Ensure that accurate information about
the project reaches the communities, at the same time, key feedback about the project
are reported to appropriate channels identified in the SCS and GRM, and addressed.
• Support for Consultations: Provide logistical, facilitation and interpreter support to
set-up community consultations and engagement, and ensure smooth interaction between
project staff and community stakeholders. Assist other specialists and the PMO to
customize the communication approaches to be inclusive, and fit the contexts and needs
of community stakeholders.
• Dissemination of information materials: Ensure that a regular flow of information
about the project to affected persons and other key stakeholders, through a full range of
communication channels. Ensure that project materials reach and are accessible to
project-affected people and other key stakeholders.
• Support for GRM: Help ensure mechanisms are in place and accessible to provide
effective notification of project impacts, and regular feedback from stakeholders are
 generated and documented. Ensure promotion of and increased visibility of GRM among
community stakeholders.
•
ii. Build Capacities of Individual Influencers

• Mobilize individual influencers: Support the national community engagement specialist to

identify, inform and mobilize individual influencers and leaders of community groups and
CSOs in the project areas who can help build relationships and foster dialogue with project
affected people, local community groups, CSOs and other stakeholders.

b. Qualifications

i. College diploma or degree in Social Work, Community Development, Sociology,

Anthropology, or related field with at least 7 years of equivalent work experience as
community organizer or community engagement specialist
ii. Experience in designing and implementing community engagement activities in
development projects.
iii. Experience in community-level work in the Philippines, with strong knowledge and
understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural context.
iv. Excellent communication skills in oral and written English, Filipino and Kapampangan.
v. High integrity and strong interpersonal skills, with a good understanding of how to
diplomatically foster dialogue and understanding in challenging environments. Ability to
maintain neutrality and serve as “honest broker”. Proven ability to work in a collaborative,
multi-stakeholder team environment.
vi. Ability to work independently and take initiative to ensure assigned tasks are completed.
vii. An expert with Philippine nationality or a national of any ADB member countries that
legally reside in the Philippines, and has expressed interest in such assignments and are
qualified to undertake them.

Note: The consultancy package also includes a provisional sum for the production of various
information materials needed for consultations, as well as travel and accommodation in line with
ADB guidelines.

VII. Provisional Sums

Provisional sums are allocated for (i) Equipment 3 and (ii) workshops and stakeholders
2F2F

consultation meetings.

VIII. Counterpart Support

The consultant’s workplan will be coordinated with the DOTr’s communications/ GRM team and
reviewed on a regular basis by the ADB project communications team. The consultant may be

3 Procurement of equipment will be carried out following the ADB Procurement Policy (2017, as amended from time
to time) and its associated project administration instructions and/or staff instructions. Major items include, but not
limited to, database hardware and softwares, computer sets).
requested to attend regular meetings with DOTr’s General Contractor 4 and different project
3F3F

working groups (i.e. RAP team, ADB TA consultants).

External relations and media work in DOTr are centralized under its Communications Office.
Recognizing that the North-South Commuter Railway Extension project has specific
communication needs that are not within the scope of the Communications Office, the Project
Management Office (PMO) integrated a communications team in its organizational structure to
show the interrelated functions of various individuals working on communications, marketing,
resettlement, environment, community engagement, information systems and mobility
management.

The communication firm to be hired under ADB’s TA 9570 will be anchored in this communications
team reporting overall to a DOTr Communications Head. Aside from the specialists directly
employed by DOTr and hired under ADB, there are also specialists – with communication-related
functions – hired by Oriental Consultants Global, the consulting firm that took over the tasks of
the Japan Design Team (JDT) under JICA.

Oriental Consultants Global will hire a Passenger Information System Expert who may also
function as Mobility Management Expert with the task of ensuring communication for passengers
to more efficiently navigate the railway’s infrastructure and systems.

The following specialists will comprise the communication firm hired under ADB with these
proposed reporting lines:

• Strategic Communication Specialist / Team Leader – manages the communication firm,

and reports directly to the DOTr Communications Head
• Community Engagement Specialist, Community Organizers – report to the Team Leader
and also to the Communication Development Head under DOTr’s Resettlement Action
Plan (RAP) team. They will coordinate with the coordination specialist hired under the
Oriental Consultants Global
• Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Specialist – reports to the Team Leader and
DOTr’s GRM Head
• Systems and Database Program Designer – reports to the Team Leader and coordinates
closely with DOTr’s Communication Office and the GRM Head
• Media and Social Media Specialist – reports to the Team Leader and coordinates closely
with DOTr’s Communication Office.
• Multimedia Service Provider and Graphic Designer – reports to the Team Leader

Access to Information. The DOTr team will provide the consultant with access to available
information.
Office Set-up. The consultant will have to set-up its own office. Location will be finalized in
consultation with DOTr.

4 The General Contractor has a communications specialist/coordinator.