Communications Consultant for the National Drug Policy of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is embarking on a comprehensive, five-year National Drug Policy (2024-2028) designed to mitigate the multifaceted impact of drug use within its borders. This policy prioritizes public health, safety, and security, aligning with international and hemispheric standards, specifically drawing guidance from the CICAD/OAS Hemispheric Strategy 2020 and its accompanying Plan of Action on Drugs 2021-2025. The policy’s foundation rests upon five interconnected pillars: Institutional Strengthening, Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support; Control and Countermeasures against Illicit Drug Activities; Research, Information, Monitoring, and Evaluation; and International Cooperation. A dedicated Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee will oversee the balanced execution of activities related to these pillars, ensuring a focused and strategic approach. This approach will be further reinforced by evidence-based practices, established best practices, compassion-led initiatives, human rights principles, and capacity building in public health, technical, technological, and human resource domains.

Central to the National Drug Policy are five core values that guide its implementation: Collaboration, emphasizing the need for robust institutional systems and interagency coordination; People-Centred/Harm-Reduction, prioritizing prevention, treatment, and social reintegration to minimize the impact of drug use; Safety and Security, focusing on strengthening law enforcement agencies’ capacity to combat illicit drug activities; Data-Driven decision-making, advocating for comprehensive data collection and analysis to inform effective interventions; and Global Responsibility, acknowledging the interconnectedness of drug issues and the importance of international collaborations. These values inform the policy’s action plan, which addresses concerns voiced by stakeholders representing diverse groups, including children, youth, women, justice-involved individuals with substance use disorders, vulnerable communities, and areas susceptible to drug trafficking.

The National Drug Policy’s action plan encompasses a range of activities aimed at strengthening the national response to drug-related issues. These include bolstering the National Drug Council’s capabilities and enhancing interagency coordination; developing and implementing a comprehensive national substance use prevention program, alongside improved treatment, recovery support, and social reintegration services; equipping agencies with the necessary training and tools for effective supply reduction efforts; establishing robust data collection and analysis mechanisms to support evidence-based programming; and developing a national plan to secure technical assistance and donor funding, combined with active participation in bilateral and multilateral cooperation initiatives. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework underpins the policy, providing stakeholders with insights into implementation processes, effectiveness of interventions, and overall impact on the drug problem. The anticipated outcome of this comprehensive and coordinated approach is stronger stakeholder relationships and significant reductions in drug-related harm across both demand and supply reduction efforts.

To effectively communicate the policy’s objectives and raise public awareness, a Communications Consultant is being recruited. Operating under the guidance of the Director of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat, the consultant will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy. This strategy will be instrumental in disseminating information about the National Drug Policy 2024-2028 and promoting the work of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention. The consultant will also provide training to the Secretariat staff on effectively implementing the communication strategy. This engagement is expected to last between four and six months, with the consultant determining their place of work.

The Communications Consultant’s scope of work encompasses developing a comprehensive communication strategy that effectively conveys the objectives of the National Drug Policy and raises the profile of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention. This strategy must consider the linguistic diversity within the Federation, catering to Spanish-speaking and other predominant communities. The consultant will also conduct training sessions for designated staff at the Secretariat on effective communication strategies and implementation considerations. The strategy will require approval from the Director of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat before finalization. The consultant’s performance will be subject to ongoing evaluation based on a pre-determined schedule to assess the quality and impact of their work. Additional tasks, such as consultations, may be required to complete the strategy effectively.

The ideal candidate for the Communications Consultant position should possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or Marketing. A minimum of three years of experience in developing and implementing communication plans and strategies, including social media management and website analysis, is required. Experience in health and social communications, as well as working in project environments involving international development partners like the IDB, is considered a significant asset. Essential skills and knowledge include familiarity with current communication theories and practices, video production capabilities, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite, fluency in English (with additional languages like Spanish, French, or Dutch being advantageous), strong copywriting and editing skills, the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, capacity for independent and collaborative work, and experience with web conferencing platforms. The consultant will report directly to the Director of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention Secretariat, who will coordinate activities, approve reports and invoices, and conduct performance evaluations. The consultant will receive all necessary project documentation, including applicable laws and policies, from the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention. Monthly invoices, accompanied by supporting documentation, are required for payment processing, with submission dates and times agreed upon between the consultant and the Director.