Job Title: Communications Officer

                                              

Date: August 2019

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Apply by: 15 August 2019

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Job title of immediate supervisor: Country Director                               

Location:  Freetown, with some travel to the provinces

Salary range: Le5,000,000 to Le7,000,000

                            

PURPOSE OF FUNCTION

Based in Freetown, with some travel to the provinces, the Communications Officer is expected to support the Country Office through the development and implementation of a ‘INGO – development’ focused communications strategy. The strategy is intended to support effective internal and external communications that facilitates fundraising growth, brand awareness and with Digital Fundraising ensuring that all aspects of are successfully managed whilst following prescribed CORDAID and Donor Regulations.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under overall guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Communications Officer will be responsible for all following functions, in no particular order of priority, for the efficient and effective running of the Country Office.  The Communications Officer will support and maintain internal and external communications with project and program collaborators, implementing agencies, service providers and lead the execution of the communications strategy.  The main overarching steps to be taken are:

 

• Carry out periodic Communications Audit

• Develop Strategic Communications Plan for 2020

• Implement Communications Plan 2020

• Strategic Communications Plan

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The CORDAID SL Communications Officer will work strategically and collaboratively with the management team and all staff of the country office as well as headquarters, to communicate the impact and value of CORDAID and specifically CORDAID Sierra Leone through innovative storytelling. The Communications Officer will be responsible for communicating the diversity and impact of CORDAID Sierra Leone programs, impact and achievements both in a detailed and in an overview manner i.e. from case studies to quarterly newsletters.  Core areas of strategic communications include general communications management, digital communications, marketing, public relations, news and media relations, web and interactive communications including social media, and visual communications.

 

To support implementation of specific elements of the strategic communications strategy and involve key staff members from both country office and headquarters as well as partners in the effective delivery of these communication tools the following is a list, though not exclusive of the key functions that need to be managed:

• Support the implementation of key messages defined in the Communications Strategy across all functions and media in consultation with the project/program teams

• Develop and/or manage the delivery of CORDAID corporate and program specific communications and fundraising tools e.g. case studies, brochures, program and organisation information leaflets, corporate brochures, annual reports, newsletters, videos, photographs

• Support program teams in program specific hard copy and digital IEC and other program collateral development

• Assist in conducting awareness raising campaigns, events, information dissemination workshops, etc. for target groups

• Manage the Digital Asset Database to meet the needs of Communications, Fundraising and Programme teams.

  • Maintain CORDAID Sierra Leone relevant content for the website and landing page core content e.g. news stories, case studies, films, research and digital marketing collateral development

  • Manage CORDAID’s social media presence and optimise SEO activity

  • Regularly and proactively review and audit communication vehicles such as website, posters, brochures etc. and suggest recommendations on varied issues (as and when required)

  • Update and maintain database of partners, stakeholders, and potential guests for Cordaid Events

  • Help coordinate Cordaid social and networking events

• To build and maintain excellent relationships with key media players, journalists and broadcasters.

• To support CORDAID staff on communicating through the media, whether proactively or reactively, and on the risks of external messaging

• Provide the media with information about CORDAID and its programs including the preparation of news releases, photographs ads etc.

• Arrange and manage news conferences and launch events in collaboration with program and country office teams

• Monitor, evaluate and draw conclusions from media coverage generated

• Support program and corporate events, talks, conferences and exhibitions– including presentations, posters, exhibitions stand and collaterals.

  • In collaboration with HQ develop and circulate a suite of CORDAID Sierra Leone specific internal and external communication templates e.g. presentations, letter heads, memos, etc.

  • Monitor adherence to the brand for all external communications and tools

  • Work with management to ensure and manage that all staff are trained and supported in brand guideline implementation

 

CARITAS LIAISON

• Support the Country Director and Management team in developing and managing a strong, meaningful and productive relationship

• Act as the focal point for communications and reporting of CARITAS and Catholic Development Agencies in Sierra Leone activities

• Proactively update CORDAID Sierra Leone Country Director about any activities, information, feedback pertaining to the CARITAS network in Sierra Leone

 

GENERAL

• Assist to ensure compliance of activities with project communication strategy by following donor and CORDAID guidelines

• Keep abreast of (and appropriately communicate to the team) information and developments relevant to our vision, strategy and objectives.

• Undertake sporadic field visits to monitor programme implementation and liaise closely with target groups

• Participate in donor visits for showcasing project progress and achievements

• Take lead in dissemination of communication materials to relevant stakeholders

• Monthly monitoring and report on communications performance metrics and personal objectives

• Establish and maintain a network of graphic designers, printing houses and other service providers of marketing and communications collateral in an effective and cost friendly manner that fits with program and country office budget

• Any other assignment that can reasonably be asked

• Support the country office team in the dissemination on social media and in the traditional media with job ads, corporate updates and other relevant notices

• Provide internal updates where necessary or as instructed by management

• Carry out any other duties within reason

 

 EDUCATION AND ABILITY

• Degree in Communication or English

• Fluent English writing and verbal skills

 

RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum five (5) years demonstrated working experience in communications, strategy, development and implementation; two (2) of which should be at a level where you were working independently or at management level

• Demonstrable participatory work with communities and other key development stakeholders

• Previous experience working in the development context

• Experience in procuring services from vendors

• Track record in communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail

• Experience in delivering IEC materials

• Track record taking part in media exposure i.e. on radio and television

 

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Proficient in Social Media, Adobe, and light design packages

• Ability to work with Microsoft Word & PowerPoint

• Database and mass communications expertise

• Knowledge of and experience with media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.

• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and visual)

• Dynamic team player, result oriented, proactive and inventive

• Track record of being adaptable and flexible

• Strong attention to detail

• Field visits play a large part of this role and as such, it is expected that the communications officer is willing and able to take part in such activities as and when needed and sometimes with short notice.

 

Functional Competencies:

• Plans, coordinates and organizes workload while remaining aware of changing priorities and competing deadlines

• Short course in public relations or use of social media platforms

• Proficiency in Krio and/or other Sierra Leonean languages

• Experience in event management

• Existing network of media contacts and vendors

 

TO APPLY, send your Cover Letter and CV by email to the Human Resource & Operations Manager at: jobs_sl@cordaid.org and copy job@jobsearchsl.com

Please address the Subject of your email as: COMMS OFFICER

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS August 25, 2019