Plan Ghana an international child centred community development organization, is looking for a dynamic and results oriented person to fill the position of Communications Specialist. This is a middle management position based in the Country Office, Accra. The position reports directly to the Country Director (CD).

JOB PURPOSE:

To coordinate, advise on and implement communication and Public Relations programs, projects and activities, and to contribute to Plan becoming a recognized voice for child rights and children’s issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•   Develop communication and PR strategies and annual plans, to improve communication both internally and externally and to promote Plan to key country audiences.
•   Support program and advocacy initiatives of Plan with technical coordination and advice to their communication plans to meet the required standards
•   Facilitates the creation of a strong professional image of Plan amongst external media to reach the right audience
•   Organize the roll-out of corporate and region-wide initiatives on Communications and PR at country level to promote Plan.
•   Develop    and    manage    relationships    with    national    media, journalist networks as well as NGOs and government authorities in the area of   communication to ensure Plan communications reach the right audience
•   Support   the   production   of   Plan’s   corporate   program   and sponsorship reports/documents to meet the required standards
•   Contribute   to   sharing    and    learning    about   Plan’s    country program  work   through   efficient   use  of   internal   and   external communication   channels   and   systems   to  ensure  what   Plan Ghana does is well communicated.
•   Supports   measures   to   strengthen   the   capacity   of   staff   to communicate   using   a   variety   of   channels   and   for   different audiences   to   support   the   effective   dissemination   of   Plan programmes and projects
•   Ensure gender mainstreaming into communications and public relations activities and maintain gender sensitive towards staff to avoid discriminations
•   Support/facilitation of media visits at country level to ensure the objectives are well met
•   Produce   regular   communication   materials   for   use   on   Plan’s international, internal and external websites (at least one story per month! to tell the Plan Ghana story
•   Develop and produce; and ensure the dissemination   of   press releases,     publications,  flyers, posters and other PR and information/communication     material destined  for external audiences
•   Implements the development of region-wide communications and publications on programs and projects to conform to the required standards and objectives.
•   Ensures that communication and PR activities meet Plan’s child protection standards and standards for ethical  journalism
•   Produces, manages and monitors PR budget of the country office to ensure value for money is attained at all times
•   Efficient management of communication in crisis/disaster situations to create the right environment. Report on emergency/disaster situations then according to required standards
•   Building good relationship and networking with media partners for effective collaborations to meet theorganization’s objectives
•   Set up data bank and ensure proper documentation of Plan information which is made available at all times

Qualification Required & Experience

•   A master’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications and Public Relations, or equivalent
•   At least, five (S) years of relevant professional experience including management and implementation of communication strategies, and communications and marketing products, both within the country and across multiple countries, preferably in West Africa.
•   Experience in the NGO sector preferably with child rights and community development background
•   Experience of working with local and international media and liaising media activities in a national and regional environment.
•   Experience in building individuals and organizational capacity in communications and PR skills

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ATTITUDE  REQUIRED  FOR THE POSITION:

KNOWLEDGE:

•   Seen   as   a   source   of   communication   and   public    relations expertise, and proactive in sharing knowledge and advice
•   Strong     competencies     to     plan,     prioritize,     and     execute autonomously with strategic approach
•   Able   “to put in practice” concepts and strategic thinking in the delivery of communications and pubfic relation roles
•   Capacity to prioritize subjects based on an adequate reading of local reality .
•   Good knowledge of data management software  (SPSS, Epi Info, EXCEL, World, Power Point, Access)

SKILLS:

•   Excellent   writing,   editing   and   reviewing   skills   – fluent   in   the English, and/or French language
•   Communicates clearly and effectively
•   Strong negotiation, facilitating and influencing skills
•   Ability to understand different cultural contexts and marketing / PR realities related development issues would be an advantage.
•   Strong team building and motivational skills
•   Ability to deliver to tight deadlines and budgets
•   Proven experience in a similar senior management level in a reputable international organization similar to Plan
•   Excellent human relations and ability to work with minimum supervision
•   Good training skills

ATTITUDES:

•   Influencing staff to improve upon communication of what they do
•   Open to   feedback   and willing to try new   approaches   and processes
•   Team spirit
•   Promotes innovation and learning
•   Ability to facilitate participative processes that aim to decision making and agreement

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested applicants should submit the following documents in addition to a cover letter:-

•   Detailed Curriculum Vitae stating current and latest posts (WITH DATES) as well as summary of job responsibilities
•   Certified photocopies of relevant certificates of highest academic qualification
•   Names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three (3) Referees (work-related)
•   Personal contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses
•   Salary expectation and other benefits

Applications should reach:

The Country Human Resource Manager,
Plan Ghana,
Private Mail Bag, Osu Main Post office, Accra,

Or to

Plan Ghana Country Office,
No. 10 Yiyiwa Street, Abelemkpe, Accra

Closing Date: 22 November, 2013

•   Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.
•   Female candidates are encouraged to apply

Plan is an equal opportunities employer, committed to the protection of children and gender equity and our recruitment procedure reflects this. Selected applicants will be expected to comply with the child protection policy of the organization.