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.

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.