Job Title: Communications Officer
Organisation: AfriChild Centre
Duty Station: AfriChild Head Office Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Executive Director
About US:
The AfriChild Centre is a multidisciplinary research institution that undertakes child-focused research, supports capacity building of academics, policy makers and practitioners; and advocates for evidence-based policy implementation/making and programming to improve the well-being of children.
Job Summary: The Communications Officer will support in Coordinating the development, implementation and monitoring the organization’s communications and public relations in line with AfriChild’s strategic direction and programme objectives.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in program operational planning and implementation processes in line with AfriChild’s strategy
- Participate in the writing of program / research concepts papers and plans.
- Coordinate and ensure the development of quarterly, half year and annual communications and advocacy work plans and budgets.
- Provide guidance in program planning and implementation & incorporating the issues of communication.
- Conduct field level visits with researchers (as assigned) and capture communication issues in line with advocacy or communications strategy.
Develop and roll out AfriChild’s Communications policy and Strategy
- Develop, roll out and monitor AfriChild’s communications strategy to maximize public awareness/engagement, donor support, advocacy and social change.
- Evaluate and report on the impact of AfriChild’s communications and advocacy on its activities.
- Develop and roll out campaign frameworks and protocols to ensure maximum effectiveness with international and national strategic goals and objectives.
- Develop and roll out policies and protocols for communications work during normal working environments and emergencies.
- Develop best practice in communications relating to issues of children.
Liaise with the research and policy units to plan, develop and monitor campaigns, documentation, brand profiling to increase public awareness, donors base, advocacy, and influence attitudes and behaviours
- Participate in the development and roll out of advocacy campaigns for mobilizing policy makers and practitioners to increase social engagement and advocacy on issues of AfriChild’s key priorities – Children.
- Strengthen media relations; organize media breakfasts /dinners editorial meetings etc. (regular meetings with media).
- Build capacity for all staff and assigned partners for effective media work on issues of children. Media training on camera, radio, social platforms (blogs). Effective writing of compelling stories, liaising with the media. Basic photo and video skills, basic website training Etc.
- Develop a common programme framework that ensures integration of communication, advocacy and fundraising in programme design.
- Draw up media plans for campaigns and events:
- Hiring, coordination, contracts, accountability, budget, finance, monitoring & evaluating.
- Publicize organizational events and publications.
- Coordinate visits by supporters, potential donors, national and international media to project events and ensuring that they are availed information in the most suitable way to profile AfriChild.
Maintain and uphold AfriChild’s standards of documentation, branding and profiling
- Ensure that communication is focused on Children, people who support our work and the impact of our research work with more participatory and interactive communication approaches.
- Develop and promote the AfriChild brand to deepen our position as a key player on issues pertaining to children.
- Carryout audience mapping to include all critical relevant stakeholder or our target group.
- Develop toolkit and materials to support identity building and rebranding of AfriChild.
- Develop, maintain and grow digital media usage and platforms such as website, Facebook, twitter, SMS etc.
Develop staff communication capacity, roll out and uphold robust internal & external communications policies, practices and systems to ensure efficiency, timeliness and effective interactive communications practices
- Support the process of systematic collection of research impact and case studies.
- Develop systematic ways of conserving institutional memory.
- Develop capacity of staff to work with the media and engage on social platforms.
- Maintain and manage the AfriChild Resource Centre.
- Publish regular updates on AfriChild Communications activities.
- Oversee the maintenance and updating of AfriChild’s website.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mass communication, Media Studies, Public relations or any relevant degree.
- At least 5 years or more of relevant experience in communications, advocacy or international development from a reputable organization
- Previous experience working with NGOs, government and media houses is an asset
- Knowledge and experience working to promote children’s rights
- Experience in using computers and office software package including Power Point, Publisher, Adobe CS, or other publication design software, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems, including social media platforms;
- Public Speaking
- Communication planning
- Communication monitoring and evaluation
- Media management
- Video production and editing
- photography and photo editing
Essential Knowledge
- Events management
- Documentation and reporting
- Materials development and Publishing
- Web site designing and management
- Video production and editing
- graphic design and layout
- Development communications approaches (communications activism)
Essential Skills
- Report writing
- Communications skills
- Planning and organisation skills
- Time management, and coordination skills
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Good knowledge on the use of the computer accounting packages.
- Ability to interact with people of different backgrounds and cultures
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested individuals should send their applications and CV addressed to the Executive Director of the AfriChild Centre to info@africhild.or.ug or hand deliver to the AfriChild Centre located at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Plot 103, Mary Stuart Road, opposite Lumumba Hall of Residence.
Deadline: 23rd January 2020
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