Communications Specialist
Media, Pr & Communication, Graphic Design Jobs
- Plan International Zimbabwe
- Expires 13 Dec 2021
- Bulawayo
- Full Time
Job Description
Reporting to the Head of Programs, the Communications Specialist is responsible for the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a development communications for social mobilization strategy, plan of action and program activities in support of the country strategy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Accountabilities:
Program communication strategy, plan and implementation for social mobilization
In collaboration with program technical advisors, the Communications Specialist designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of a communication strategy and plans of action aiming at project beneficiaries, donors, government and the general public to achieve a) behavior development/change at individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development program for positive social change.
Support the development of sound country level strategies and plans which efficiently profile the importance of Plan’s program, gender transformation and influencing priorities
Support the M&E team in ensuring Knowledge Management and Documentation
Develop risk management matrix for children in contact with the media so as to ensure Safeguarding of Children and Young People
Media Management
Support media work on major humanitarian emergencies to manage media enquiries and link with relevant spokespersons as appropriate
Build and maintain strong linkages with media at national, regional and international levels, develop partnerships with media outlets and bloggers
Manage risk and brand reputation to ensure that media work benefits rather than harms Plan International’s strategic objectives and does not endanger staff, program, partners and the communities we work with
Monitor and evaluate the impact of media projects at country level and provide regular strategic reporting and give recommendations
Content Development
Gather internal knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to the right audiences through identification of the most effective distribution channels
Produce high quality materials including information packs, opinion pieces, power point presentations, press releases, speeches and talking points, opinion pieces, news reactions, photos, blogs, annual reports, newsletters, video and multimedia content
Provide opportunities for children to participate in media related programs to promote the rights of children
Support Program Areas in ensuring adherence to communication policies, protocols, standards and brand compliance
Implement guidelines and standards for producing communications content and ensure its being followed
Capacity Building
Provide technical support and mentoring as well as on the job training to a network of communications staff in the country
Provide support to spokespeople on a range of humanitarian, development and campaigning issues while training more spokespeople in the country office
External Communications
Support stakeholder identification and mapping to feed into a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy
Work with country team, program staff and partners to ensure production and availability of high quality communications products for a wide range of audiences including donors, partners including the private sector, policy makers and the general public, at global, regional and country level
Internal Communications
Manage Plan International’s internal communications for the country office, exploring new ways to get messages across using social media and online platforms
Create and manage content for Plan International’s Zimbabwe website content and social media accounts.
Generate content around high-priority Plan International issues and campaigns, edit and produce content that increases staff understanding of our core vision – internal newsletters, communiques, videos, talks
Child Protection & gender equality mainstreaming
Promotes and abides by Plan policies and procedures including but not limited to: Gender equality mainstreaming, Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct and the related mandatory reporting responsibilities.
Qualifications and Experience
Knowledge:
A university degree in Mass Communications, Public Relations or Journalism
Advanced university degree in the social sciences with emphasis on strategic communication planning for social change, participatory communication, and research is an added advantage
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate complicated and technical issues in a concise and clear way, to a wide range of target audiences
Demonstrated experience of the key responsibilities, including working with media, delivering communications strategies, managing internal communications, knowledge of digital media, and creating networks
A track record of achieving results and strategic impact on communications and media and in building capacity for teams to deliver
5 years’ experience
Development communication experience is an added advantage
Must show demonstrable impact in using communications as a tool for social change
Familiarity with the social, political and economic context of the Zimbabwean region, and its humanitarian and development issues
Fluency in English
Experience of working with international NGOs and understanding of a rights-based approach
Skills:
A university degree in Mass Communications, Public Relations or Journalism
Advanced university degree in the social sciences with emphasis on strategic communication planning for social change, participatory communication, and research is an added advantage
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, including ability to find, absorb, analyse and prioritise information from many different sources, and proven experience of strategy development
Ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines, with competing priorities and minimal supervision
Ability to travel – sometimes at short notice and to humanitarian crisis areas
Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to work in multi-national, multi-cultural teams
