The incumbent will be line managed by the Regional Coordinator; he/she will work with a team of other professionals in the programme that includes other disciplines based at the Sub-region. The coordinating office of the GWP EnA is located in Entebbe, Uganda hosted by the Nile Basin Initiative Secretariat..
I Scope of Work:
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator, the Development Communications Officer will be working together with other officers of GWP to promote public and media awareness of and involvement in the GWP EnA and to mobilize among the member Countries confidence and trust on the programme. The officer will do this by:
⦁ developing and implementing, the programmme communication strategy as part of communications strategy of GWP which encompasses external, internal and programmes’ communications;
⦁ designing, managing and facilitating the implementation of the GWP programmes and Projects’ communications work plan - including monitoring and reporting duties associated with that work plan; and
⦁ developing and managing a strategy for the production and dissemination of a wide array of public information products – including publications, writing and editing of public information materials, reports, brochures, new letters and information briefs/progress updates.
II Key Functions
With the support from the Regional Coordinator and GWP Secretariat, the incumbent will lead outreach activities to enhance GWP EnA awareness, participation in special meetings and by leading special events in promotion of GWP agenda.
⦁ Planning and design of internal and external GWP EnA strategies for communications and outreach activities.
⦁ Support to GWP EnA’s in the activities of engaging media houses in the member countries,
⦁ Work closely with the IT team at the NBI Secretariat in the design and maintenance of the GWP EnA web site, web-based knowledge management system, but also be prepared to be an web editor for the GWP Eastern Africa website based on the ⦁ www.gwp.org website platform.
⦁ Ensure that the GWP graphical policy is properly applied by the RWP and CWPs, and that the GWP brand and reputation is maintained and enhanced.
⦁ Effective leadership in communications activities in the programme and supervision of all Communication events.
Ensure planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:
⦁ Elaboration of the GWP EnA communications and outreach strategy based on the Global GWP Communications Strategy.
⦁ Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for GWP EnA Programmes and the entire GWP EnA region.
⦁ Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in the work-plans of GWP National focal persons in the GWP EnA countries.
⦁ Elaboration and implementation of the GWP publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
⦁ Coordination and management of all GWP EnA publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.
⦁ Doing some layout/design work and coordinate printing contacts (folders, brochures, banners and programmes for meetings etc).
Provide support to GWP EnA’s activities in support of media development in GWP EnA Countries focusing on achievement of the following results:
⦁ Keeps abreast and disseminates information on the status and progress of the development initiatives of GWP Programme in the news media in the GWP EnA Countries and beyond.
⦁ Be prepared to create a regional journalistic network and work with water knowledge sharing for media⦁ Substantive leadership in the formulation of Communication activities in support of increased availability of news reporting on the status of the progress of GWP EnA Programme and cooperation on the member countries. ⦁ Relevant advisory services to programme activities supporting the growth of the interest of regional media in the benefits of cooperation on the Nile. Ensuring appropriate responses to requests for NBI’s position in the media by implementing NBI Communications Policy and facilitating the media contacts of Senior Management and by ensuring Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues. ⦁ Develop partnerships with journalists and media. Maintain contact with the media, issue press releases and background briefings for the local and international media, arranging media trips for local and international press coverage and tracking what information is reflected in media reports, as well as correcting misinformation and hostile reporting.
Ensure effective information sharing and dissemination and web-based information systems focusing on achievement of the following results:
⦁ Work closely with the IT team at the NBI Secretariat in the design of the GWP EnA web sites based on programme requirements. Also work closely with the GWPO secretariat’s communications team on the ⦁ www.gwp.org/easternafrica website.⦁ Use social media tools for communication, such as twitter, facebook, flickr and blog.
⦁ In close liaison with the IT team oversee the preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency and appropriateness of the materials.
⦁ Organise relevant training and coordination of teams providing content to web sites especially the National Programme Coordinators.
Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
⦁ Identification, synthesis and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to GWPO programmes/projects.
⦁ Monitor practices, and programme/ project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the GWP EnA projects that reflects the best and most current available information.
⦁ Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including programme communications repositories.
⦁ Document GWP Eastern Africa activities, i.e. reporting/newsletter writing/taking pictures.⦁ Communicate with the partners in the region via regional newsletter etc.
Effective leadership of GWP Communications activities, training and support to GWP EnA National Focal Offices on Communication while focusing on achieving the following results:
⦁ Provide guidance in the preparation of the National Communications work plan
⦁ Management of translations and contractual matters, including a pool of contracted translators and writers/editors.
⦁ Provide advisory and quality control services on issues related to corporate branding, editorial guidelines, media products, communication strategies.
⦁ Awareness and understanding among GWP personnel of the role and importance of appropriate media relations and information to the GWP EnA region population about GWP activities
⦁ Be part of the global communications team (i.e. be ready to share experiences with other regional Communication Officers and the global secretariat communications unit.
III Progress Reporting
The Communication Officer will report to the Regional Coordinator as follows:
On weekly basis. Through weekly team meetings, the Communication Officer will update the Regional Coordinator and other team members on work planning, activities, progress, and other relevant issues.
On a monthly basis. A brief narrative report (maximum 1 page) outlining the work accomplished in the preceding month, an outline of the work expected to be completed during the next progress reporting period and, if appropriate, comments or recommendations relating to any unforeseen conditions which may affect the progress or the quality of the work.
Submit Monthly reports to GWP global secretariat which feed into the GWP monthly electronic Newsletter NewsFlow.
Distribution: To the Regional Coordinator for incorporation into the monthly report. Analysis of media coverage will also be posted in media monitoring database on NBI website.
On a semi-annual basis. A substantive progress report, prepared against the agreed work plan, outlining in greater details activities undertaken, substantive accomplishments made, and a discussion of issues, which will affect the work plan for the coming 12 months.
Distribution: To the Programme Manager for incorporation in the semi-annual Programme Implementation Progress Report.
On an annual basis. A work plan outlining activities planned and the time frame for their implementation.
Distribution: To the Regional Coordinator and Programme Manager for incorporation into the overall Programme work-plan to be reviewed at the annual Steering Committee meeting.
Ad hoc reporting: In addition to the above, the GWPO may also request the Communication Officer to prepare ad hoc reports on specific aspects of the GWP EnA for specific purposes as they may arise.
IV Duration and Nature of Appointment
The initial appointment will be for 1 year, with a 6- month probation period. Based on performance, the appointment can be extended on a one-year basis through to the completion of the programme. The Communication Officer will work at NBI-GWPEA office in Entebbe, Uganda and will travel within the region and internationally in accordance with programme needs and funding availability.
V. Required Competencies, Skills & Knowledge
⦁ A minimum of 5 years’ experience in designing Development communication strategies in regional or international organizations.
⦁ State-of-the-art knowledge in field of communications and public affairs, and ability to address a range of issues related to the GWP EnA business and development programs.
⦁ Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of communications and public affairs, and proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement major campaigns, strategies or programs.
⦁ Excellent analytical and writing skills.
⦁ Ability to effectively assist GWP EnA management to assess the political climate for achieving their underlying objectives (e.g., development assistance, resource mobilization, policy advocacy, confidence building, etc.), and enhance their operational effectiveness in dealing with external constituencies.
⦁ Demonstrated political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and to otherwise cultivate effective, productive client relationships and partnerships.
⦁ Sound knowledge of disciplines relevant to GWP EnA’s work (e.g., economics, water resources management, social development, or other relevant field).
⦁ In-depth knowledge of national/international trends, political-economic issues, and conditions and developments related to GWP EnA countries.
⦁ Strong interpersonal skills; proven experience in working as both a leader and a member of a team.
⦁ Highly developed oral and written communications skills and ability to persuasively present and defend controversial issues/positions.
⦁ Fluency in both written and spoken English with a working knowledge of French OR Fluency in both written and spoken French with a working knowledge of English a requirement.
Academic Qualifications
At least Master's degree in Communication, Media Relations or Journalism
Submission of Applications
Qualified candidates may submit physically their application, including a letter of interest, comprehensive Curriculum Vitae to GWPEA Regional Coordinator’ Office in Entebbe or submit them electronically via emails: psafari@nilebasin.org and copied to kjembere@nilebasin.org and cmwine@nilebasin.org.
Applications should be submitted not later than 15th February 2014Additional Considerations
Please note:
⦁ Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.⦁ Only those candidates that are short listed for interviews will be notified.⦁ Qualified female and Nationals from the GWP EnA Region are strongly encouraged to apply.