Communications Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications Officer reports directly to the Country Director (CD). He/she receives guidelines from the Marketing and Communications Team at Right To Play Headquarters. The Communications Officer is responsible for managing the communication plan and activities in the country of operation. He/she is expected to assist in enhancing the organization’s overall public image in the country. The incumbent works closely with the Program Manager, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer and the People and Culture Specialist.

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INDIRECT ADVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent deals with the country staff especially Project Managers.. He/she is expected to provide advices to the country staff when necessary.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In accordance with Right To Play (RTP) approved policies and procedures, the incumbent:

Planning and Compliance: 35%

• Develops and implements an annual Communication Plan, in line with HQ Communication Plan.
• Provides leadership for overall communications related to Right To Play in country of operation.
• Ensures that all communication materials and messages are in-line with all project grant agreements.
• Conducts field visits to project sites and ensures proper dissemination of information for events, success stories, etc.
• Ensures proper documentation of communication materials.
• Conducts ongoing review of the communication plan and communications components of country action and strategic plans to ensure compliance; identifies gap areas and recommends solutions.
• Ensures Right To Play promotion of various International “Days” (Child Day, Diabetes Day etc.) are in-line with national strategy and behavioural and social goals.
• Facilitates relationship building with country and community opinion leaders and celebrities (including Athlete Ambassadors/Supporters) to endorse and disseminate behaviour modification messages for social mobilization campaigns in region.
• Ensures compliance with RTP Brand Book, Child Protection Communication Policy and other policies related to communication.

Communications: 45%

• In coordination with the Marketing and Communications team at HQ, develops systems for effective and efficient communication and best practice sharing within the country office.
• Coordinates with the Marketing and Communications team at HQ, to develop a system to produce personal stories, quotes and photographs of Coaches and children in our programs; oversees photo archiving.
• Develops informational and promotional material on RTP projects.
• Trains country team on the value and usage of the brand.
• Liaises with printing and design companies, edits design when required.
• Oversees and approves all print proofs in the country before being printed including T-shirts, documents, etc.
• Acts as a focal point on the “play-space” intranet.

Media and public relations: 25%

• Develops and maintains relationships with country, and locally based media.
• Closely monitors and tracks media coverage for RTP and Sport for development in country.
• Establishes contacts with media, writes media releases, success stories etc.
• Conducts media development activities in country to build capacity of local media.
• Promotes partnerships across the organisation and beyond, and represents RTP on all relevant communication networks.
• Accompanies and supports high-profile visitors to the country when delegated.
• Works with Country Office team to develop and implement media relations strategy for any high-profile visit to the country/region including preparing background materials, relevant packages.

Performs other duties as assigned 5%

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING:

The incumbent is expected to plan and organize his/her work in line with country work plan.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Must have):

EDUCATION/TRAINING/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, public relations, journalism or any related fiedl

EXPERIENCE:

•  At least three years of relevant experience.
• Experience in developing communication plans and material, working with I/NGO in the country of operation, and media relations.

COMPETENCIES/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS:

•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal
• A solid team player with respect for others
• Ability to understand and motivate others
• Proven ability in transferring knowledge and experience
• Adaptable with the ability to deal with stress using healthy coping skills
• Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude
• Effective organization skills
• Open to giving and receiving assessment and feedback
• Belief in principles of inclusion in sport and play
• Written and verbal communication skills, and confidence using these in a cross-cultural environment

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Strong MS Office and the ability to use PowerPoint
• Strong in using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
• Understanding of principals in sports and play

LANGUAGES:    

• Excellent written and spoken English and local language

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (An Asset):

• Graphic design, photography and printing experience
• Demonstrable experience in networking
• Understanding of human right and social change issues
• Experience working in child protection

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

The opportunity to work with a passionate, innovative and collaborative team where you have the ability to make things happen. You will gain experience working for a globally recognized organization with a healthy culture premised on our Culture Code (accept everyone, make things happen, display courage, demonstrate care and be playful). In addition, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package including personal learning and development days.