02/10/2024
Job Description: Project Communication Officer
Organization: Speak Out Africa Initiative (SOAI)
Project: Green-2-Growth Gambia – Socio-Ecological Transformation of the Food System
Location: The Gambia
Reports to: Project Manager through the Project Associate
Duration: Full-time, Project-based
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Role Overview:
The Project Communication Officer will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the internal and external communications of the "Green-2-Growth Gambia" project. The role will involve managing the project's public relations, developing communication strategies, and ensuring the dissemination of key information to stakeholders, partners, the public, and the media. The Communication Officer will play a critical role in promoting transparency, raising awareness, and enhancing visibility for the project’s objectives, particularly around the advocacy for organic fertilizer usage and the transformation of the food system in The Gambia.
Key Responsibilities:
Communication Strategy and Management:
• Develop and Implement Communication Plans: Design and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the goals of the Green-2-Growth Gambia project, ensuring key messages reach all stakeholders.
• Content Creation: Develop high-quality communication materials such as press releases, newsletters, brochures, reports, and social media content, highlighting the project’s achievements and activities.
• Media Relations: Establish and maintain relationships with local and international media outlets to enhance media coverage of project events, milestones, and success stories.
• Branding and Messaging: Ensure that all communication materials adhere to SOAI’s branding guidelines and that consistent messaging is maintained throughout the project.
Information Dissemination and Public Engagement:
• Project Visibility: Oversee the visibility and outreach efforts of the project, ensuring that the target audience is well-informed about project goals, progress, and outcomes through various channels (print, electronic, social media, and events).
• Community Engagement: Facilitate the development of community outreach materials that effectively communicate the importance of organic farming, sustainable practices, and the use of organic fertilizers, particularly targeting farmers, women, and youth in rural communities.
• Digital Communications: Manage and maintain the project's social media platforms, website, and other digital channels to keep stakeholders updated on project progress.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Plan and coordinate public campaigns, such as town hall meetings, organic fertilizer expos, and student debates, ensuring that they receive appropriate publicity.
Technical and Reporting Functions:
• Monitoring Communication Impact: Track and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns, providing insights on engagement levels and adjusting tactics as necessary.
• Reporting: Prepare periodic communication reports that document media coverage, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement, and contribute to donor reports and project updates.
• Media Monitoring: Monitor media coverage of the project, organic farming, and related issues, and advise the project team on how to respond to media trends.
• Crisis Communication: Manage project-related crises by developing appropriate messaging and strategies to handle any negative publicity or misunderstandings.
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaboration with Partners: Work closely with project partners, stakeholders, CSOs, and community leaders to ensure the consistent flow of information and alignment of communication efforts.
• Advocacy Support: Assist in the development of advocacy materials and communication tools that support policy reforms for the production and use of organic fertilizers and the promotion of sustainable agriculture in The Gambia.
• Capacity Building: Organize communication training for project team members and key stakeholders to ensure that they are equipped to engage effectively with the media and public.
Administrative and Managerial Responsibilities:
• Budget Management: Oversee the communication budget, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and in compliance with project guidelines.
• Logistical Support: Coordinate the logistics for communication-related events, such as press conferences, public campaigns, workshops, and media visits.
• Documentation and Archiving: Ensure that all communication-related documents, media coverage, and project publications are archived properly for future reference and reporting.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in communications, public relations, or media, preferably within the NGO, agricultural, or environmental sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in managing communication strategies for development projects, particularly in rural or agricultural settings.
• Proven ability to work with media, manage digital platforms, and develop content for different audiences.
• Experience in using communication tools for advocacy and policy change is desirable.
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to produce clear, concise, and engaging content.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English and knowledge of local languages being an advantage.
• Proficiency in social media management, website maintenance, and the use of digital tools for communication.
Skills and Competencies:
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement comprehensive communication plans that align with project goals.
• Content Development: Proficiency in creating content for various platforms (print, online, audiovisual) and tailoring messages to different audiences.
• Public Relations: Strong media relations and networking skills, with the ability to manage public campaigns and handle media inquiries effectively.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage various communication activities simultaneously.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Capacity to assess the impact of communication efforts and adjust strategies as needed for maximum effectiveness.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work with diverse populations, particularly in rural and agricultural settings, and convey messages in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Tech-savvy: Knowledge of communication software, social media management tools, and digital platforms for project promotion.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Technology Integration: Use digital tools, such as mobile apps or SMS-based platforms, to disseminate information about organic fertilizer use and sustainable farming practices to farmers.
• Innovative Communication: Explore innovative methods of engaging farmers, women, and youth in rural areas, such as radio programs, community theater, or interactive social media campaigns, to raise awareness about the project’s objectives.
• Crisis Management: Be prepared to manage any communication-related challenges or crises, ensuring that clear and effective messaging is disseminated to stakeholders.
Benefits and Compensation:
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and training within the field of communication for development.
If eligible and interested, please send your APPLICATION LETTER AND CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) TO [email protected] NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 10.
Sign:
management
Non-profit organisation
