Job Title: Communications Specialist                                                                                                     Date: 9 March 2016

Location: Freetown

Reports to: Delivery Team Lead

 

The President’s Delivery Team for the Recovery Priorities, established within the Office of the Chief of Staff, coordinates and drives delivery of the President’s top priorities for the nation’s recovery in the areas of: education, health, social protection, private sector development, water, energy and governance.

 

The Communications Specialist, reporting to the Delivery Team Lead, will manage a team of two Communications Officers and will oversee the public relations and community engagement strategy in respect of the development and implementation of the Recovery Priorities’ initiatives.

 

Overview of Responsibilities

• Research, develop and implement an integrated communications strategy that supports the Government of Sierra Leone’s Recovery Priorities. This is to include the creation of a strong brand with a logo and strapline.  The communications strategy should utilize media platforms including but not limited to:

  • Radio (including community radio)

  • Television

  • Print

  • Website

  • Social Media

• Support community engagement, in coordination with Paramount Chiefs, District Council representatives and local civil society

• Support public relations officers and communications officers from the MDAs to ensure their MDA Delivery Teams have effective communication and community engagement strategies within their result areas;

• Develop key messages for all audiences (donors, media, civil society, community leaders, etc.) to promote understanding and implementation of the Recovery Priorities;

• Develop and manage the communications budget;

• Oversee the writing of press releases, content development and regular updating of Recovery Priorities website;

• Manage national and international media relations and build relationships with print and electronic media;

• Serve as direct supervisor of communications team;

• Other tasks as assigned by the Chief of Staff and/or Delivery Team Lead to ensure the successful delivery of the Recovery Priorities’ initiatives.

 

Requirements

• Master’s degree, preferably in Business, Marketing, Communication or related field, and management experience of 8 years in the area of communications, public relations, and/or programme management.

• Strategic thinker; Strong writing skills; Strong advocacy skills; Excellent relationship management; Problem solving skills; Proactive in decision making skills; Strong presentation skills; Good project management skills.

• Excellent computer skills and proven experience in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

• Good understanding of political and governance issues, particularly at the local level in Sierra Leone.

• Strong work ethic, team player, of strong character and high level of integrity.

 

Interested candidates should submit their applications, including a CV and three references with contacts to job@jobsearchsl.com before 17:00 on March 14, 2016. Candidates should indicate the position for which they are applying. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Government of Sierra Leone is an equal opportunity employer. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.