Country Communications and Marketing Officer Job

Job Title: Country Communications and Marketing Officer

Organisation: SNV

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About US:

SNV is an international development organisation that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has annual revenues of over €120 million, and 1300 staff working in 25 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation that uses project financing to implement our mission.

Job Summary: The Country Communications Officer is part of the country office and is responsible for communications and profiling activities at country and project level. Key responsibilities include providing technical advice and support in the development of strategic communication and profiling of products. This includes but is not limited to developing communication strategies, knowledge development, management and learning strategies, branding, and marketing materials in order to support SNV’s business development and programmes.

The Country Communications Officer contributes to SNV’s project and programme work by delivering marketing communication services and positioning and profiling SNV’s work at events, websites, and media forums. He/ She is expected to formulate and implement internal and external communications policies and related processes (e.g. knowledge management), based on corporate marketing and communication policies and standards to contribute to effective SNV branding and increased internal communication and knowledge development, learning and sharing.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Content Development: She/he leads in the gathering and development engaging visual and written material, that effectively explains project teams and the Country Office for a wide range of external audiences:
Regular compilation of news items, relevant publications, and attractive stories about the Country Programme activities.
Production of professional quality publications and key communications materials. Where appropriate engage and manage professional writers in this regard.
Ensure sufficient and adequate visual project material is generated and stored appropriately (photographic and video).
Communication Database: Identify potential visuals and documents for usage in internal and/or external communication, advise country team on development of these visuals and documents and coordinate collection and archiving.
Internal Communication: Collaborate with corporate communications on internal communication products to be developed or shared at country level. Develop content to project and corporate publications such as the annual report, magazines, brochures, leaflets, and videos.
External Communication: Develop an external communication strategy for approval. More so, based on corporate strategy, he/she will lead planning for the country / region, branding and desired positioning, formulation, editing, production, and distribution of communication materials (e.g., reports knowledge products, policy briefs, promotional videos, visuals). More importantly the successful candidate will be expected to translate the corporate communications strategy into country and project level.
Communication Advice: Support management, project communication officers and advisors on communication related matters, corporate branding, and promotional activities.
Internet / Intranet: Develops, maintains, and improves the content of the website, to support execution of the country communication plan, creating online exposure supporting SNV’s brand. Writes and edits texts, selects photos, gathers, and publishes regular contributions on the website and cross-promotes these. Manage the quality of the country website and contribute to staff awareness and usage of site.
Coordinate Press / Media Contact, Develops and maintains contacts with relevant media and press and responds to media requests. Monitors references to SNV in the media and media coverage of topics of relevance for SNV, responds to these topics where relevant and prepares communication lines and actions for sensitive issues that may generate media interest.

Knowledge Development, Management, and Learning-

Support Knowledge development and learning strategies at country and project level.
Support Project teams to develop quality knowledge products, in line with their knowledge agenda.
Support project teams to develop learning agendas and ensures knowledge documentation, dissemination and learning across project, sectors and externally through effective platforms.
Support the development and use of case studies, set up and maintain infrastructure and process for knowledge exchange and enhancement within the country by providing advice and circulating relevant materials.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in communication, media, information, or relevant related fields.
At least eight years of work experience progressively heading a communications department.
Proven experience in editorial, knowledge management web site and intranet management including excellent proven oral and written communication skills.
Advanced skills in different computer design, software, photography, and video.
Proven experiences in organizing events.
Excellent teamwork skills.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
High level of integrity and accountability.
Understanding of project work and advisory practices.
Well-grounded and seasoned communication professional, with experience in developing communications /marketing materials.
Ability to adapt the corporate communication plans and strategies to the country level seamlessly.
Ability to develop marketing and communications materials.
Demonstrated experience in managing partnerships with private business companies.
Excellent social and networking skills with various stakeholders.
Highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills who takes individual accountability seriously.
The position involves a lot of travel around the country