Overview
The communications officer will support the development and implementation of a communication strategy to ensure effective communication with key stakeholders, including both internal and external audiences and to raise AWARD’s global and regional profile.
Duties and responsibilities
- Assist in overseeing AWARD’s internal and external communications activities and ensure that they support in building an informed focus on gender-responsive agricultural research in Africa.
- Support the production and implementation of annual communication and knowledge management action plans.
- Conceptualize and develop high quality, brand-compliant, multimedia information products and visual assets including reports, presentations, posters, brochures, press releases, news articles, newsletters, videos, infographics.
- Support media engagement and outreach.
- Maintain AWARD website and other communication platforms as needed.
- Conceptualize and participate in field visits to document AWARD’s work.
- Support the updating and implementation of the social media strategy, expanding AWARD’s online outreach capacity.
- Coordinate production of bi-monthly electronic newsletter: produce and compile content, distribute, maintain mailing lists.
- Track the online footprint and media mentions of AWARD and amplify these where appropriate.
- Provide communications support to AWARD training events and other outreach events
- Support the maintenance of an inventory of AWARD’s information, education and communication materials and communication assets/equipment.
- Assist in maintaining contracts for communications consultants.
Requirements
Education
- A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, preferably in the development, science, agriculture, or NGO sector.
Language proficiency
- Fluency in English required.
- Proficiency in French is an advantage (highly desired but not required).
Knowledge and experience
- At least five years’ relevant, professional experience in a communications position.
Skills and competencies
- Superior writing and communication skills, with demonstrated experience in producing news articles and other knowledge outputs with professional editorial standards.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to synthesise written outputs for various types of audiences
- Strong self-starter with the initiative to identify opportunities and take appropriate action.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop (the whole Adobe suite).
- Direct, demonstrated experience with and knowledge of:
- Content management systems- mainly Drupal and WordPress.
- Online newsletter management.
- Social networking strategies, networks, tools.
- Displays the highest standards of personal integrity.
- Additional Information: (Provide any further information, not included in your previous answers, which you consider would assist others to achieve a better understanding of the job).
Education, knowledge and experience
- A bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, preferably in the development, science, agriculture, or NGO sector.
