PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To implement the approved World Vision International (WVI) Central African Republic (CAR) Response advocacy strategy through analysis, research, training, networking, and developing advocacy products.
The position will further oversee the production of key communications resources for donor and public engagement; position the ministry of with CAR in-country and international media; lead external communications on a range of humanitarian and justice issues; direct communications in potential emergency and PR crisis situations; and manage internal communications processes both in-country and internationally.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy Implementation and Enhancement:
- Under the guidance of the CAR Response Manager, the communication Specialist will lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications strategy and annual operating plan aligned to organizational priorities for outreach, income and impact.
- Build and manage a high-performance communications function that is structured, focused and staffed for productive and quality work.
- Ensure the professional development of individual staff and occasional volunteers, including coaching and motivating through ongoing supervision, appraisal, learning and development.
- Oversee the management of the communications and guest relations department budget and resources.
Staff Engagement Internal Communications Management:
- Develop and deliver a staff engagement Communications strategy to ensure staff and volunteers across WVI (CAR Response) and the partnership at large are informed and engaged with the organizations work.
- Establish systems and safeguards for the appropriate and effective flows of relevant information to and from WVI (CAR Response) staff when required.
Donor/Public Engagement Communications Management:
- Manage the planning and production of compelling and issues-oriented fundraising, advocacy and publicity materials (web-based, electronic, print, photo and video content) for effective donor and public engagement by WVI (CAR Response) -- both in-country and internationally, and in collaboration with other World Vision Offices and stakeholders.
- Ensure that stories, photos and other materials are produced to quality and branding standards required for informing, educating and engaging donors and publics via Partnership websites, magazines, adverts, donor appeals, media releases and other communications channels and outlets.
- Lead WVI (CAR Response) Public Relations Events.
Media Communications Management:
- Oversee proactive in-country media engagement to generate proactive and positive news coverage as well as opportunities to raise the visibility of WVI (CAR Response).
- Prepare and position the Response Manager for important media opportunities and interviews that promote and protect the public image and ministry of World Vision, while raising public awareness on key issues of poverty and justice.
- Lead the process to identify, train and position other media spokespersons within WVI (CAR Response) from the project-level to senior leadership as a strategic and appropriate way for responding to media inquiries and achieving positive coverage.
- Develop a crisis communications management plan to protect the reputation of WVI (CAR Response) from actual or potential media crisis.
Emergency Communications Management:
- Plan and manage communications in response to both slow- and rapid-onset emergency disaster/relief situations - ensuring that the WV Partnership is provided with response situation reports, media opportunities and fundraising content from the field.
Advocacy Communications Management:
- Work closely with the advocacy department in defining key issues, messaging, and identifying appropriate communications channels for public advocacy initiatives.
- Support advocacy campaigns by engaging the media to gain exposure and credibility, managing media sensitivities and risks, and increasing public discussion and fundraising.
Development Communications Management:
- Develop and facilitate community-level Communications for Development (C4D) programming, together with appropriate project staff and community members, for the amplifying of Child and Community Voice that engages supporters and donors, and builds staff and community connections and life skills.
Guest Relations Management:
- Ensure that guests are provided friendly, efficient services by the guest relations team to create, maintain and enhance the reputation and goodwill of the organization.
- Support High Profile/VIP visits to the organization to create, maintain and enhance the reputation and goodwill of the organization.
Quality Assurance:
- Ensure CAR Response Office adherence and alignment to Partnership communications policies, protocols, standards and branding.
- Support and ensure that all communications to various stakeholders, media and public are aligned to WVI quality and brand.
- Support the Program Managers and their teams in addressing alignment, compliance and quality issues and needs of National Offices related to communications during humanitarian emergencies.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- The incumbent must have a bachelors degree or equivalent in communication and/ or other related fields.
- Commitment to and understanding of international humanitarian standards, especially the Red Cross and Red Crescent Code of Conduct, Sphere, and the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) Standard.
- He/ She must have had a minimum of 5 years post-qualifications experience in communication and related activities in the domain of Advocacy & Communication.
- Strong familiarity with WVIs relevant policies on advocacy, communications, with work experience in the areas of protection, building peace in conflict environments, and/or child rights.
- Demonstrated interest with some experience in research projects.
- At least 3 years experience managing and coordinating program activities involving coalitions and partnerships, including with NGOs and Government.
- Strong understanding of the international humanitarian community, preferably experience working with/in coalitions of other INGOs and the UN.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders from various institutional arrangements; local NGOs, INGOs, faith-based organizations, political and government institutions.
- Excellent oral and written skills in both French and English.
- A high level of diplomacy and networking skills is required.
- Ability to work in a cross-cultural context with people of various backgrounds.
- Ability to work in a volatile and, at times, insecure environment.
Preferred:
- Computer literate and well-versed in basic software (Word, Internet Explorer, Excel, etc).
- Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse staff and partners.
- Committed and enthusiastic for World Visions aims and mission.
- Confident and organized self-starter who can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously, take initiative and is able to respond rapidly and effectively to new opportunities.
- Experience in capacity building and training of local staff.
- Willingness to participate in chapel and group devotions; and Commitment to WV Core Values and Mission Statement.
Work Environment:
- The position requires ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time.
HOW TO APPLY:
