Right To Play is a global organization committed to improving the lives of children and youth affected by conflict, disease and poverty. Established in 2000, Right To Play has pioneered a unique play-based approach to learning and development which focuses on quality education, life skills, health, gender equality, child protection and building peaceful communities. With programming in 18 countries, Right To Play transforms the lives of more than one million children each week, both inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to our work with children, Right To Play advocates with parents, local communities, and governments to advance the fundamental rights of all children.

Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has operations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Our programs are facilitated by more than 550 international staff and 15,800 local volunteer Coaches.The Africa Regional Office located in Kampala, Uganda, supports 8 country offices including; Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.

Job Posting – Communications Specialist
Organization: Right To Play International
Department/Division: Country Office
Work location: Accra - Ghana

The Ghana Country Office is currently seaching for a qualified and self-driven candidate to join a team of professionals in Ghana as Communications Specialist.

JOB SUMMARY

• The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Country Director (CD) in Ghana. He/she receives guidelines from the Marketing and Communications Team at Right To Play Headquarters.
• The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing the communication plan and activities in the country of operation. S/he also supports advocacy and fundraising efforts at the Country Office.
• He/she is expected to assist in enhancing the organization’s overall public image in the country.
• The incumbent works closely with the Program Manager, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist and the Training Officer.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Responsibility #1: Planning and compliance (35% of Time):

• Develops and implements an annual communications plan, in line with the country and regional office plan.
• Provides leadership for overall communications related to RTP in the respective country.
• Ensures that all communications materials and messages are in-line with project grant agreements.
• Conducts field visits to project sites and ensures proper dissemination of information for events and success stories.
• Ensures proper documentation of communications materials.
• Conducts ongoing review of the communications plan and communication components of country action and strategic plans to ensure compliance; identifies gap areas and recommends solutions.
• Ensures RTP promotion of various International “Days” such as Child Day, Diabetes Day are in-line with national strategy and behavioural and social goals.
• Facilitates relationship building with country and community opinion leaders and celebrities including Athlete Ambassadors/Supporters to endorse and disseminate behaviour modification messages for social mobilization campaigns in region.
• Ensures compliance with RTP brand book, Child Protection policy and other policies related to communications.

Job Responsibility #2: Communication (35% of Time):

• Develops systems for effective and efficient communications and best practice sharing within the country office.
• Develops a system to produce personal stories, quotes and photographs of Coaches and children in our programs; oversees photo archiving.
• Develops informational and promotional material on RTP projects.
• Trains country team on the value and usage of the brand.
• Liaises with printing and design companies, edits design when required.
• Oversees and approves all print proofs in the country before being printed including T-shirts and documents.
• Acts as a focal point on the “play-space” intranet, where applicable.

Job Responsibility #3: Media and public relations (25% of Time):

• Develops and maintains relationships with country, and locally based media.
• Closely monitors and tracks media coverage for RTP and sport for development in country.
• Establishes contacts with media and writes media releases and success stories.
• Conducts media development activities in country to build capacity of local media to advocate for the role of sport for development and the role sport can do in meeting development goals.
• Promotes partnerships across the organisation and beyond, and represents RTP on all relevant communications networks.
• Accompanies and supports visitors to the country when delegated.
• Works with the Country Office team to develop and implement media relations strategy for any high-profile visit to the country/region including preparing background materials and relevant packages.

Job Responsibility #4: Performs Other Duties (5% of Time):

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualification Required & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or any related field .
• 5 years’ experience with I/NGO in the country of operation including media relations and developing communication plans and material.
• Strong MS Office and the ability to use PowerPoint
• Strong in using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
• Understanding of principles of inclusion in sport and play

DESIRED QUALIFICATION (An Asset)

• Graphic design, photography, and printing experience
• Demonstrable experience in networking
• Understanding of human rights and social change issues
• Experience working in child protection

COMPETENCIES/PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Excellent interpersonal and confidence using these in a cross-cultural environment
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• A solid team player with respect for others
• Ability to understand and motivate others
• Proven ability in transferring knowledge and experience
• Adaptable with the ability to deal with stress
• Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude
• Effective organization skills

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to travel locally and internationally is required
• Ability to legally work in Ghana, without sponsorship.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to:

GhanaHR@righttoplay.com and kindly include “Gender Specialist” and your name in the subject line. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Closing Date: 08 March, 2018

Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safety and protection of children in our programs.