Terms of Reference (ToR):  Communication Support for the Solid Waste Management Project (April 2026)

1. BACKGROUND

The World Bank is financing the Seychelles Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP), which is being implemented under three components:

• Component 1: Strengthening operations and increasing disposal capacity at Providence Landfill;
• Component 2: Institutional strengthening to improve solid waste management and to promote circularity;
• Component 3: Project management.

Seychelles generates approximately 90,000 metric tons of municipal waste annually, with only about 1% currently recycled. Waste generation is projected to grow by 5% to 15% annually over the next decade, driven by population growth and tourism. The tourism sector alone contributes about 30% of total waste going to landfill, highlighting the need for targeted waste reduction interventions.

The Providence Landfill is approaching critical capacity, with recurrent fires and environmental risks underscoring the urgency for improved waste management. Limited landfill space, increasing waste volumes, and insufficient data on waste composition hinder evidence-based planning. Surveys indicate that nearly half of landfill space is occupied by organic waste and recyclables such as green waste, PET, and aluminium, with 90% of buried waste not requiring disposal. Diverting even 25% of waste through source segregation could significantly extend the life of the new World Bank-funded landfill cells.

In accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), the Project will establish, operationalise, and maintain a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The GRM will provide an accessible, inclusive, and transparent mechanism through which communities, workers, and other project-affected parties may raise concerns, provide feedback, or submit complaints related to project activities and impacts.

The GRM will support the early identification and resolution of issues, reduce the risk of escalation and conflict, enhance accountability, and strengthen trust between implementing agencies and stakeholders. It will define a clear, predictable, and time-bound process for the receipt, screening, assessment, resolution, and documentation of grievances, including escalation procedures and appropriate referral pathways for sensitive cases, such as SEA/SH complaints, in line with survivor-centred principles.

A critical element of effective GRM implementation is clear and accessible communication. Stakeholders must be informed about the purpose of the GRM, how to access it, what to expect from the process, and how confidentiality and anonymity are safeguarded. Transparent communication of the GRM is essential to ensure its effective use, manage community concerns, and uphold social accountability throughout project implementation.

In response to these needs, the Programme Development and Coordination Section (PDCS) is seeking a consultant to provide comprehensive communication support to the Solid Waste Management Project and the Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources (MECENR). This assignment directly supports implementation of the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), with a particular focus on ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. All communication activities under this consultancy must therefore align with the Project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), ensuring that engagement processes are inclusive, transparent, and responsive to stakeholder needs. The consultant will be expected to reinforce the Project’s commitments to meaningful participation, timely information sharing, and accessible feedback channels throughout implementation.

B. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The objective of this assignment is to support the PIU, LWMA and MECENR in improving communication for the Seychelles Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP).

Specifically, the assignment aims to:

1. To design, develop and produce communication tools (leaflets, posters, TV and radio spots) to publicize the GRM
2. Communicate information about the SWMP, including project objectives, key milestones, and expected results, ensuring stakeholders understand the purpose and benefits of the project.
3. Ensure inclusive, accessible, and culturally appropriate disclosure of project information and promote two-way engagement and feedback mechanisms in line with ESS10 requirements.

C. SCOPE OF SERVICES AND TASKS

The consultant will support the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), LWMA, and MECENR in strengthening communication, information disclosure, and stakeholder engagement for the Seychelles Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP). The assignment includes developing targeted communication materials, supporting GRM sensitisation, and raising awareness on key project systems.

Task 1:  Inception Report (Work Plan, Timeline, and Methodology) The consultant shall prepare an Inception Report outlining:

• The proposed methodology for delivering the assignment
• A detailed work plan and timeline
• Roles, responsibilities, and coordination arrangements
• Initial observations and any refinements to the assignment approach

Deliverable: Inception Report approved by the PIU.

Task 2: Sensitisation and communication of the GRM

Under the guidance of the Environmental and Social Expert (ESE), the consultant will develop and implement a GRM communication and sensitisation package to ensure stakeholders understand the mechanism, know how to access it, and are encouraged to use it appropriately. The package should:

• Provide information about the GRM, the types of issues it can handle and who can use it (communities, workers, businesses, etc.).
• Provide submission guidance: Offer clear, step-by-step instructions on how to submit grievances or feedback using the project GRM system, including required information and procedures for anonymous complaints where applicable.
• Illustrate the process and timelines: Present each stage (acknowledgement/receipt, assessment, investigation (if required), response, resolution, appeal/escalation, and closure) in simple language and visual form.
• Communicate roles and responsibilities: Specify who receives, assesses, decides, and communicates outcomes, and outline coordination among MECENR, LWMA, PIU, and other relevant entities.
• Communicate confidentiality and data protection messaging: Explain how personal information is handled and how complainants are protected from retaliation.
• Produce accessible materials for target audiences: Target households, informal workers, nearby communities, MSMEs, and tourism/hospitality businesses. Materials should be available in English and Creole, using plain language and strong visuals.
• Ensure that all GRM communication materials related to sensitive complaints, including SEA/SH, are developed in line with survivor-centred principles and reviewed and cleared by the Environmental and Social Expert (and GBV focal point, where applicable) prior to dissemination.
• Ensure consistency of GRM messaging with the Project SEP and clearly reference existing referral pathways and support services for sensitive cases.
• Support the development of a basic crisis and incident communication approach for high-risk scenarios (e.g. landfill fires, service disruptions, or community opposition), aligned with project risk management arrangements.
• Develop a GRM infographic/poster, sticker for complaint boxes, signboard, tri-fold leaflet, website/social media tiles, FAQs, and short scripts for radio or video content; additionally, prepare a simple “How to Lodge a Grievance” one-pager for frontline staff and community points-ofcontact.
• Develop a dissemination plan: Indicate where and how GRM materials will be displayed or shared (e.g., project sites, community meetings, public offices, online channels) and propose basic metrics and feedback loops to monitor awareness and uptake.

Deliverable: A finalized GRM communication package, including all materials listed above, accompanied by an approved dissemination plan and monitoring framework

Task 3: Preparation and Dissemination of Other Project Communication Materials

The consultant will design, produce, and disseminate communication materials to support broader SWMP messaging and public awareness. This includes managing stakeholder expectations regarding upcoming activities, short-term impacts (e.g., noise, odour, construction disruptions), and long-term project benefits. Specifically, the consultant will:

• Develop projectfocused materials: Communicate key project information, including objectives, milestones, expected results, and other relevant updates.
• Recommend and implement appropriate formats and channels: Tailor materials for different audiences using print, digital, social media, radio, TV, and other platforms.
• Ensure consistency and quality: All materials must align with the Communication and Social Responsibility Strategy and support behavioural change among target audiences.

Deliverable: A complete set of finalized communication materials, including printed items, videos, digital content, and other media ready for dissemination.

DELIVERABLES AND TIMETABLE

The consultancy is expected to be completed over a period of 9 months from the date of contract signing. During this period, the consultant shall deliver a series of high-quality outputs aligned with the objectives and scope of work defined in this TOR. Each deliverable must be submitted in draft form for client review, with the final version incorporating all feedback received.

Note:

1. All final deliverables must also be submitted to the client in editable format to facilitate updates, reproduction, and future use.
2. All communication materials, strategies, and related outputs produced under this assignment shall be the property of the Client and shall be submitted in editable format for future use and adaptation.

The table below outlines the expected deliverables and the corresponding timeframe for submission:

D. ROLES AND REVIEW ARRANGEMENTS

The Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the PIU, in close coordination with LWMA and MECENR. Technical inputs related to environmental and social risk management, including GRM communication, shall be reviewed by the Environmental and Social Specialist. All deliverables shall be submitted in draft form for review and cleared by the Client prior.

E. SUBMISSION AND OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS (CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS)

1. All final deliverables shall be submitted to the Client in fully editable format (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, InDesign source files, open design files, and any other native working formats), to facilitate updates, reproduction, and future use.
2. All communication materials, strategies, creative assets, data, templates, reports, and related outputs produced under this assignment shall remain the sole property of the Client. The Consultant shall not reproduce, distribute, or use the materials for any other purpose without prior written approval from the Client.

• Final deliverables shall only be deemed accepted upon written confirmation by the Client following incorporation of all required revisions.

F. QUALIFICATIONS

The individual consultant must demonstrate strong technical capacity and relevant experience in communication, public information, and stakeholder engagement, particularly within development or publicsector contexts.

Required Qualifications

• A university degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing communication materials, public information campaigns, or awarenessraising initiatives.
• Proven experience in producing highquality communication products, including:

o printed materials (posters, leaflets, brochures) o Digital content (social media tiles, web graphics) o Short scripts for radio or video

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to produce communication materials that are clear, inclusive, and culturally appropriate.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts.
• Sensitivity to local community dynamics and stakeholder needs in Seychelles.
• Proficiency in standard design and communication tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent).
• Ability to meet deadlines and deliver high quality outputs within agreed timelines.

G. Estimated Level of Effort (LOE)

The assignment is expected to be completed over nine (9) months, with a total Level of Effort (LOE) of 30 working days, aligned with the scope of work.

NOTE: Upon Contract Negotiation with the successful applicant, the number of days allocated for each deliverable will be discussed and mutually agreed upon, prior signature of contract agreement.