UNDP Jobs - 45237- Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Location :

Accra, GHANA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

02-Jun-2014

Application Deadline :

18-Apr-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

2 years

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Ghana Cocoa Platform (GCP) has been established to enhance private-public dialogue and joint action planning to support the scale up of sustainable production in the sector. The GCP will evolve around a model for sustainable production and trade of Cocoa in Ghana, and also provide an avenue where all stakeholders will engage in dialogue and jointly develop and implement action plans to sustain the industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design and implement the communications strategy in line with the Platform vision, goals and objectives, focusing on the following results:

In consultation with the National Coordinator and UNDP/COCOBOD team;
Develop a communications strategy to effectively support the Platform;
Lead an annual communications planning exercise resulting in an annual work plan and budget for this area;
Monitor progress and adjust throughout the year;
The incumbent will help build and maintain a database of Platform members to catalogue their respective projects and experiences;
As a means of improving the visibility of members and of the Plenary in general;
Define activities aimed at facilitating information and knowledge sharing among Platform stakeholders;
Support the National Coordinator to plan;
Organize and evaluate plenary sessions to deepen stakeholders’ participation.

Communicate Platform’s key messages and results using the following methods:

Write and edit content for the full range of Platform communications products and tools;
Liaise with the National Coordinator and UNDP team;
To produce and disseminate quality corporate and programmatic materials, including: monthly updates, annual report, quarterly newsletter, publications, brochures, fact sheets, and audio-visual materials;
Package organizational and programme achievements and success stories for information sharing and to aid resource mobilization efforts;
Ensure regular content update of the platform website and supervise expansion and maintenance;

Design media strategies to increase the visibility of Platform and its members and to position Platform to better influence policy agenda:

Create, manage and enhance social media platforms;
Increase the production and sharing of multimedia content (photo database, videos, documentary, etc.);
In consultation with Platform Management Unit, develop strong, clear and concise media messages;
Support their delivery through appropriate means such as interviews, events, media briefings, and story placements;
Write, monitor, evaluate and respond to media publications and news (both national and international) that are likely to promote cocoa marketing in Ghana and advise the National Coordinator and key partners to take appropriate actions;
Manage press engagement;
Maintain a media database and media monitoring reports as needed; •Develop and maintain relationships with journalists;
Leading media outlets (newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the internet;
Writing, editing and distributing press releases and other relevant information materials to targeted media;
In close coordination with National Coordinator and UNDP/COCOBOD team;
Contribute to the overall visibility of the Platform;

Performing other duties required. Reporting:

The Communication Officer reports directly to the National Platform Coordinator of the Ghana Cocoa Platform.

Competencies

Communications strategies:

Proven ability to develop and implement communications strategies.

Writing skills:

Proven expertise in developing publications;
Excellent written skills;
Developing other communications materials for advocacy purposes.

Knowledge development skills:

Demonstrated ability to lead in the development of knowledge management strategies.

Excellent Communications skills:

Written, verbal and visual communication skills;
Proven ability to write compelling communication reports and articles;
Superb attention to detail;
Strong organizational and project management;
Prioritization skills and an ability to work on tight deadlines;
Ability to work effectively with a multi-cultural team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree in Communications, Social Sciences, Development or related field.

Experience:

At least 5 years of relevant work experience in communications, public relations and project management.

Language:

Fluency in one of the UN Languages preferably English;
Working knowledge in Akan will be an added advantage.