United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Overview

PivotPath was selected by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to lead the public engagement, visibility, and communications strategy for the Sustainable Off-Grid Renewable Energy Access (SOGREA II) Programme in Sierra Leone.

SOGREA II is a flagship initiative designed to expand clean, reliable, affordable energy access for underserved communities — including rural households, small businesses, health centers, and public institutions — through mini-grid and off-grid electrification.

PivotPath’s role is to ensure that communities, stakeholders, and national partners are informed, engaged, and empowered throughout the program’s implementation.

The Challenge

Reliable and accessible energy is central to economic growth, household wellbeing, small-business development, and service delivery. However, information gaps, low community awareness, mistrust, and limited behavior adoption can slow the uptake of energy solutions.

UNOPS needed a communications partner with:

• deep experience in behavior change communications (SBCC)
• strong understanding of Sierra Leone’s cultural context
• capacity to engage rural communities
• proven success with development-sector visibility
• the ability to deliver both digital and on-the-ground communications

PivotPath was selected based on prior success with EU/DAI, public-sector clients, and global development organizations.

Our Approach

1. Strategic Communications & Visibility Plan

We developed a comprehensive plan aligned with UNOPS guidelines, ensuring consistent messaging, high visibility, and compliance with development communication standards.

2. People-Centric Storytelling

We conduct field visits, interviews, and human-interest stories across SOGREA communities to amplify:

• energy access impacts
• community transformation
• women and youth economic participation
• productive use of energy
• the role of mini-grid operators and partners

3. Behavior Change Communications (SBCC)

PivotPath tailors messages to address:

• energy adoption gaps
• household usage behaviors
• payment culture
• community perceptions of renewable energy
• affordability and long-term benefits

4. Multi-Channel Campaign Execution

We design and execute campaigns across:

• social media
• local radio
• press coverage
• digital content
• video and photography
• printed IEC materials
• community engagement activations

5. Stakeholder Engagement Support

PivotPath provides communications that strengthen engagement between:

• UNOPS
• community leaders
• district councils
• mini-grid operators
• CSOs
• women’s and youth groups

6. Monitoring, Metrics & Reporting

We measure impact through:

• engagement statistics
• reach and visibility metrics
• community feedback
• behavioral indicators
• qualitative stories of change

Expected Impact

Through SOGREA II, PivotPath’s communications will:

• Increase public awareness of sustainable energy access
• Drive household and community adoption of mini-grid solutions
• Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups
• Strengthen trust between communities and implementing partners
• Support behavior change toward responsible energy use
• Elevate UNOPS visibility across Sierra Leone’s energy sector
• Document and showcase real stories of transformation nationwide