Communication Officer, NOB, Centre d'Excellence, Abidjan

Title: Communication Officer

Level: Fixed-Term

Grade: NOB

Duty station: Centre d'Excellence, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire   

Vacancy announcement No: 105422

Closure date: 6 June 2019

1. COUNTRY CONTEXT/ ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Côte d’Ivoire has enjoyed remarkable economic success with a GDP growth rate above 7% per year since 2012, making it a major economic power in the subregion and one of Africa’s most vibrant economies. Although, the Ivorian economy remains vulnerable to external risks, including volatility in the prices of agricultural and mining products, climate conditions, global and regional security risks, and economic inequalities, the country plays an influential role on socio-economic development issues in the subregion and the government is taking a leadership role in contributing to end hunger and malnutrition in the region.

WFP has successfully developed and signed a MoU with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire on  5 October 2018 to establish a general framework for a strategic partnership, which will promote partnership, south-south cooperation, technical assistance, research and advocacy within the region, by capitalizing on good practices in food security and nutrition. This framework resulted in the creation of a Regional Centre of Excellence against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM), hosted and financed by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. CERFAM was officially launched on 25 March, 2019.

To enable it to operate, CERFAM is filling a number of key positions, including a Communication Officer.

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Under the general supervision of the Communication and Advocacy Lead and the technical oversight of the Communication team in the WFP Regional Bureau in Dakar, the Communication Officer will implement the communications plan by supporting and delivering a range of communications activities, providing research and analysis, and prioritising effectively.

3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority, the Communication Officer will perform the following tasks:

• Implement specific communication work plans designed to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of CERFAM, as well as support fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with overall communications and WFP strategies.
• Contribute to communications through good research, analysis of assigned area of work and timely preparation and distribution of information products to target audience(s).
• Maintain a contact list of journalists and media outlets and support the flow of news/information about CERFAM’s work to the media, in order to support regular and appropriate communications.
• Support the social media plan by developing social media content, and utilising platforms, networks and partners to enhance coverage and support of CERFAM’s activities.
• Generate donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, in order to support fund-raising activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.
• Monitor and analyse traditional and social media to inform the development and/or evaluation of communication activities and strategies.
• Collate outreach data to contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reports.
• Support communications activities that enable informed decision making and ensures consistency of information presented to the media and other stakeholders.
• Support capacity building of CERFAM staff on all aspects of communication, provides advice and guidance within area and level of expertise, in order to ensure that all activities meet desired standards of consistency, quality and impact. For example the design and review of training and presentation materials.
• Liaise and interact with CERFAM staff and external counterparts to support aligned activities and a coherent approach to communications within WFP.
• Perform other related tasks as required.

4. SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

• At least three years of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field of work.
• Experience in utilising specialist communications techniques to enhance functional outputs.
• Experience in organizing press conferences, media events, advocacy campaigns, including audio, video, photos…
• Experience in preparing briefing notes, briefing kits for the media, speeches, talking points, digital and social media contents…
• Experience in preparing and disseminating press releases, reports, publications and visibility materials for distribution to the public, media, educational institutions, non-governmental agencies and donors.

Competencies:

• Ability to work independently in a timely and organised manner.
• Willingness to explore and experiment new ideas and approaches in own work.
• Ability to work in a team and multi-task as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to liaise effectively with representatives from the international community, local and international media, governments, private sector, civil society, academia and other relevant actors, when required;
• Effectively, and in a timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally
• General knowledge of Information Management with some understanding of the basic theoretical background.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including substantive analysis and report writing skills.

Languages:

• Language: Fluency in French and English languages.

5.TERMS & CONDITIONS

     Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

     Applications received after the deadline on 5 June 2019 will not be considered.