Mercè Pau | Communications Consultant
Portfolio / Networks for Peace
Addressing identity-based discrimination in South and Southeast Asia
Client
Project
Networks for Peace
Work duration
January 2023 - January 2025
Brief
Identity-based violence and hate speech are rising in South and Southeast Asia. Yet actors working to address these issues often do so in isolation or lack support to magnify their impact. The USAID-funded Networks for Peace project used its regional convening power to collectively engage and support more than 19 organizations in advancing tolerance and peaceful coexistence, mitigating the growing polarization of ethnic and religious identities across the region.
The project needed a communications focal point to develop and implement a communications strategy and provide technical support to organizations so they could amplify their impact.
Mercè's Contribution
As the Communications Lead, Mercè was responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy, ensuring cohesive messaging across multiple platforms and stakeholders.
Her role involved strategic planning, content creation, design and branding, and stakeholder coordination to produce a range of impactful communications materials, including donor updates, social media content (video, graphics), blog articles, impact stories and learning briefs, and newsletters.
To create these materials, Mercè conducted in-depth interviews, gathered insights from diverse stakeholders, and collaborated closely with partners to ensure accurate and compelling storytelling.
Additionally, she provided virtual and in-person training to project partners, covering essential communication skills such as: storytelling and narrative development, communications strategy and photography for impact.
Results
The communications strategy significantly enhanced the project's visibility and support. The materials produced generated strong interest from donors, leading to multiple follow-ups on specific stories and partner organizations. Additionally, the social media content developed achieved record-breaking engagement on USAID Asia’s channels, attracting sustained public interest and interaction at an unprecedented level.
