Job Title: Communications Officer

Project Description:

The Resiliency in Northern Ghana (RING) project is a 5 year integrated project funded by the USAID Feed the Future (FtF) Initiative. The project is designed to contribute to the Government of Ghana (GoG) efforts to sustainably improve livelihoods and nutritional status of households in Ghana.

Reporting Relationship: Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Coordinator

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

•   Draft and edit reports, press releases, communication products (success stories, flyers, posters, leaflets, booklets, project event calendars, etc.) and other documents as required. Must show demonstrated ability to convert technically complex concepts into plain language.
•   Develop the project public relations strategy to enhance effective communication of the project interventions to partners and the general public.
•   Support the BCC Coordinator in all aspects of the project branding and as well as effective communications of the project to partners and the general public.
•   Based on RING interventions, create and implement the project media outreach strategy and will work closely with the press to ensure accurate coverage of programmatic activities.
•   Undertake regular visits to project sites as required, to interact with beneficiaries and implementing partners (MMDAs), document their communication needs and gather communication materials (interviews, success stories/challenges, videos, photos etc.) for both internal and external use.
•   Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media and other special interest groups. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.
•   Provide technical assistance in the development and implementation of Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) strategies and public relations campaigns supporting efforts to promote positive behavioral change in nutrition, WASH, agricultural livelihoods and governance
•   Assist in collaborating with the media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo/radio coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
•   Foster strategic alliance with key media platform and material development service providers as well as other government and non-governmental institutions.
•   Act as first point of contact for PR and Media.
•   Respond to the specified deliverables and goals of contracts and grant agreements, ensuring achievements in a timely manner and in full support and compliance with USAID/RING contractual agreements.

The duties listed above are not inclusive of all duties at USAID/RING. USAID/RING reserves the right to change and update the position descriptions at any time.

Qualification Required & Experience

a)  Education

•   University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Information Management, or a related field.  Additional degrees in social/behavioural sciences, (Sociology, Psychology, Health Education etc.) with emphasis on strategic communication for behavior change, social mobilization, participatory communication, and research will be an asset.

b)  Work Experience

•   At least four years’ experience in media relations, broadcast media or interactive digital media including communicating information to a wide range of different audiences;
•   Proven ability to develop and present information and communication products for a wide ranges of different audiences;
•   Strong experience in the review and editing of reports and other written documentation for dissemination and publication;
•   Proven ability to create and manage publications from conceptualization to completion;
•   Familiar with development and humanitarian relief issues;
•   Strong ability in identifying project beneficiaries communication needs and gathering of communication materials from the field;
•   Worked on a USAID project, a plus.

c)  Technical Knowledge

General knowledge of:

•   Communication practice, methodology and practical application. Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
•   Knowledge and expertise in management, communication strategy and networking.
•   Fundamentals of working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
•   Computer systems, including office applications, internet navigation, and specifically, interactive digital media.

Specific technical knowledge of:

•   Development and human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women. Gender equality and diversity awareness.
•   Knowledge of current developments in the fields of: communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation, strategic communication planning, behaviour analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
•   Knowledge of and skills in programme communication networking, advocacy and negotiation.
•   Knowledge of community capacity building and experience to organize and implement training.

d)  Core Values and Functional Competencies  

•   Strong proficiency in English (written and oral)
•   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as relating and networking
•   Efficiency, proactivity, and teamwork in delivery of set targets within stipulated deadlines
•   Excellent graphic design and proofreading skills
•   Excellent business and journalistic writing skills
•   Planning and organizing skills with strong drive for results
•   Ability to speak two Ghanaian languages (preferably Northern region dialects) is a plus.
•   Strong commitment and integrate in the delivery of job duties.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Please, send your applications with cvs to the following address:-

hrghana@ghanaresiliency.org

Indicate the job title in the subject line.

Closing Date: 11 February, 2016