Communications Officer NGO Jobs.

Communications Officer NGO Jobs.
Communications Officer International Labour Organization (ILO)

The Communications Officer, CO, will work under the overall guidance of the Programme’s Chief Technical Adviser. The CO will work in close collaboration with the programme team, notably the Programme Officer, and all the tripartite partners (including civil society in all its manifestations), international and local media, donors.

The CO will also liaise and work with relevant UN Somalia M&E and information inter-agency working groups. Given the major role communications plays in distance managing and then evaluating the work undertaken in collaboration with partners, this role will have a distinct monitoring and evaluation element ensuring all stakeholders in the programme are kept informed of data availability and that information is available to those charged with taking decisions on all aspects of the Programme.

KEY FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications and Media
• Reviews the existing Programme communication and knowledge management strategy, including outreach and advocacy elements, to support the overall Programme Strategy and develops work plan and enacts key elements.
• Conceptualize, design and plan and implement internal and external activities for communications, outreach and knowledge sharing based on the strategy.
• Advise on, coordinate and manage media, public relations and advocacy for the Programme. In collaboration with the Programme team organize and support media and public awareness events and campaigns including press conferences, interviews, visits to project sites by media and key stakeholders including the local administration, donors and partners and other public relations events and launches.
• Act as focal point for joint UN information and advocacy programming work. Represent Programme in joint UN Information Group. Contribute to forging “one UN image”.
• Track and monitor media and official (donor, UN, Somali Support Secretariat and governmental) reports relevant to the Programme in liaison with the team (notably the Programme Officers). Under the guidance of the CTA, build a media approach proactive to issues being tracked in media and ensure no misinformation is promulgated.
• Coordinate and manage, in collaboration with the Programme Officer, the content and timely updating of the ILO Somalia web site hosted on the ILO Area Office. Input to wider ILO electronic media outlets.
• Put in place mechanisms for capturing and communicating project approaches, achievements, best practices and knowledge generated for lesson learning. This to maximize beneficiary impact, ownership and contributions to successful programme implementation.
• In collaboration with Programme technical team, Programme Officers and Project Officers and managers, identify and synthesise achievements, best practice and lessons learned and package for sharing to suit needs of different target groups.
• Spearhead and actively support resource mobilizations efforts by facilitating access to relevant and timely information and communications to key stakeholders/donors.
• Support the Administration Officer in ensuring the Programme file server intranet digital document management and sharing system, including a photo and video clips/footage management system, is complete and all team members upload all new information.
• Provide overall effective leadership in communications and knowledge management activities and give guidance to field staff on all aspects of the same.
• Provide advisory and quality control services on issues related to Programme branding, editorial guidelines, media products, communication and knowledge sharing strategies.
• Proactive skills training for personnel as appropriate with demonstrable outcomes defined ahead of the training
• Organize and source training, consultancy and advice to the Programme team on communications.
• Management of contractual matters related to publishing and translation.

Monitoring and Evaluation
• Manage the establishment of a communications framework and system to ensure reporting reflects the full extent of effective implementation of the Programmes activities.
• Manage, in close collaboration with the Programme Officer, existing distance management monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and tools, baseline survey tools to track and measure effectiveness of components of the Programme; and develop further as required.
• Work with, and train, partners to ensure each have adequate baseline and effective monitoring and evaluation communication systems in place to ensure compliance with M&E procedures and to improve their accountability to beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
Project management
• Be an integral part of programme development including the preparation of project proposals; and in the project cycle management.
• Contribute to programme development and inputs/activities work planning.
• Timely preparation, implementation and management (including budgetary management) of objective-based work plans for self and ensuring colleagues work plans reflect defined Programme information and communication priorities and outcomes.

3. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE and PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in corporate communications or information management or other relevant degree. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
At least 5 years professional work experience in communications (previous experience in the development programming or humanitarian assistance area an advantage)
Knowledge of the Somali context
Have high degree of professionalism, consistently approaches work with energy and positive, constructive attitude. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
Maturity to mentor, assist and develop peers in all facets of work related to areas of technical expertise.
Actively engages in a dynamic team environment being able to respond positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
Aptitude and attitude to learn and develop personally within the present and future requirements of the programme
Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
Ability to develop sources for data collection.
Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Ability to work in a multi-disciplined and multi-cultural team.

Communication: Ability to write in clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Ability to speak, read and write in Somali a distinct advantage

How to apply
- Qualified candidates may submit a written application with a cover letter clearly demonstrating how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements for the functions and responsibilities described.

Include your latest CV and updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11) with 3 (three) references to the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) Somalia Programme. Please send your application by e-mail to hrsomalia@ilo.org subject line marked “Communications Officer – ILO Somalia”

Closing date: 25 Jan 2011
Location: Kenya – Initially 3 months with possibility of extension with a one year contract

- Closing date for receipt of submissions 25th January 2011.
- Only short listed candidates will be contacted for possible interview.

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED