Introduction

At CIVICUS, we recognise the power of effective communication to advance human rights and social justice. CIVICUS exists to defend people power. As a growing global alliance of over 15,000 members in more than 180 countries, we work together to monitor violations of basic civic freedoms, call out the perpetrators of violations and strengthen the power of people to organise by supporting a more accountable, effective and innovative civil society. We strive to promote excluded voices, especially from the global south.

Location: Remote

Duration: July 2026-June 2028

Type of contract arrangement: Services commissioned on an as-needed basis. Volume of work can fluctuate over course of consultancy.

Application deadline: 24 April 2026

Scope

The purpose of this consultancy is to enhance our communications efforts across various platforms and media. The consultant will work closely with the Communications department and other teams to deliver high-quality editorial and media content. The consultancy will cover the following areas:

• Write compelling copy: Write persuasive copy for various communication channels, including website, social media, and promotional materials. Ensure all written content aligns with CIVICUS voice and messaging.
• Editorial Support: Assist in editing and proofreading content for reports, newsletters, press releases, web content and other publications.
• Multi‑media content production and dissemination: Create and share engaging multimedia content across platforms to support communications and advocacy goals.
• Strategic media outreach: Design and deliver media engagement strategies and tactics. Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media kits and op-eds for the organisation’s research, advocacy statements, and other announcements. This work also includes building fit for purpose press lists.
• Training and capacity building: Conduct media training sessions to CIVICUS staff/partners to enhance media engagement skills. It will be particularly important to work with organisational spokespeople to do test interviews ahead of media appearances.
• Event and Campaign Coordination and Communications: Support the planning and promotion of campaigns, conferences and events, including creating promotional materials and managing event communications.
• Partner Communications Support: Provide support to CIVICUS project partners and networks as required – this includes the activities listed above and providing guidance and coordination as required.

On average, it is estimated that the comms consultant will receive 2-3 items a month. However, the workload may depend on CIVICUS and civil society moments and external context as relates to civic freedoms.

The successful applicant will be added to CIVICUS Preferred Supplier List and may receive additional requests which can be assessed based on relevance and availability.

Your Quotes – Application Requirements

To submit an expression of interest, please submit the following, with the subject line “Communications Consultant – Your Name”:

• Budget/cost estimate. Please provide a day rate and hourly rate. Please also give an indication of practical deliverables you would be able to fulfil within a day (e.g. # of infographics, press releases, word count for copy writing exercises)
• CV and portfolio. Please provide examples of relevant assignments.

Note

CIVICUS will supply translations, photos and access to relevant software.

• Write persuasive copy for various communication channels, including website, social media, and promotional materials. Ensure all written content aligns with CIVICUS voice and messaging.
• Assist in editing and proofreading content for reports, newsletters, press releases, web content and other publications.
• Create and share engaging multimedia content across platforms to support communications and advocacy goals.
• Design and deliver media engagement strategies and tactics. Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media kits and op-eds for the organisation’s research, advocacy statements, and other announcements. This work also includes building fit for purpose press lists.
• Conduct media training sessions to CIVICUS staff/partners to enhance media engagement skills. It will be particularly important to work with organisational spokespeople to do test interviews ahead of media appearances.
• Support the planning and promotion of campaigns, conferences and events, including creating promotional materials and managing event communications.
• Provide support to CIVICUS project partners and networks as required – this includes the activities listed above and providing guidance and coordination as required.

• Compelling copywriting
• Editorial support (editing and proofreading)
• Multimedia content production and dissemination
• Strategic media outreach
• Media training and capacity building
• Event and campaign coordination and communications
• Partner communications support

• CV and portfolio with examples of relevant assignments.