Position Summary:
The Communications Specialist has the responsibility for developing and implementing a communications and outreach strategy that will help communicate project activities and achievements to USAID and other project stakeholders in Ghana.

Duties:

•  Develop a communications and outreach strategy aligned with IFDC’s overall communications strategy and approach. This includes a clear identification of key audiences, key messages to communicate and how the project will use different channels (videos, training programs, radio messages, etc.) to best reach those audiences.
•  Propose guidelines on the project’s working relationships with media (payment or not of the press, development and approval process for press releases, dissemination of press releases with media networks, etc.). Develop and ensure good working relationships with key media in the region.
•  Develop appropriate templates of standard tools for outreach and communications, including case studies, regular project briefs, standard presentations and others.
•  Develop and disseminate communications materials. These may include, but are not limited to:
1) Success stories
2) Newsletters and project-briefs
3) Fact sheets on technical achievements and lessons learned
4) Videos
5) Project brochures
6) Press releases
7) Regularly updated project website with appropriate content
•  Oversee maintenance of an email contact list (including media, client, partners, etc.) for the wide distribution and outreach of newsletters and other project materials.
•  Conduct interviews with project beneficiaries and field partners to gather information used in communications materials.
•  Oversee planning, scheduling, logistics and execution of sometimes complex communications events, such as conferences, speeches, briefings, etc.
•  Coordinate the tracking and cataloguing of media coverage of the project.
•  Assist the project leader and IFDC’s senior management in communicating project achievements to the media, field partners and the donor.
•  Upon request, edit the work of colleagues to professional written communication standards.
•  Train project staff in branding and marking requirements according to USAID requirements, and check compliance of all project documents with these requirements.
•  Build capacities of project staff (with support from a consultant if needed) in basics of photography, to improve the contribution of field staff in collecting illustrative pictures, and in writing skills, to improve reporting.
•  Recommend procedures for the Communications Specialist to work with the technical staff in order to obtain the inputs needed to develop effective communications and outreach outputs. These procedures should include proposals on sharing pictures and other bulky documents relevant to communications.
•  In liaison with IFDC’s division communication specialist and headquarters chief of communication, develop relevant materials for IFDC’s website and outreach documents.
•  Develop synergies with other IFDC projects/initiatives to highlight IFDC’s holistic approach to food security and agricultural development.

Supervision:
The Communications Specialist will be supervised by and report to the project COP.

Any other assignment that the supervisor deems necessary for the success of the project or contribution to the work of IFDC as a global institution.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Duty location: The Communications Specialist will be based in Tamale (Ghana) but should be available to travel within the country when called upon to.

Qualification Required & Experience

Qualifications:

•  University Degree in Communication, Journalism or related discipline;
•  Minimum of five years of relevant experience in journalism or public information and background in communication and one or more of the following areas: institutional capacity building, media, awareness creation and public dialogue.
•  Excellent knowledge of the MS Office software, email and of Internet (Web sites design is an asset);
•  Proficiency in English languages;
•  Ability to successfully perform multiple tasks;
•  Excellent analytical, writing, planning, communication, and facilitation skills;
•  Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
•  Ability to work independently and to take initiative;
•  Ability and willingness to travel frequently.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

Interested applicants are kindly requested to send their applications in English in the form of a letter of a one page letter and current CV describing their experience, qualifications and three references by email to reach:

The National Administrative and Finance Officer, jfagbegnon@ifdc.org
with copy to the Regional HR Officer, lbello@ifdc.org

Applicants are invited to indicate the Position to which they are applying in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview scheduled in Accra for May 15, 2013. No telephone queries will be responded to. The interview will consist of a panel interview, of a written and oral test in English.

Closing Date: 30 April, 2013