NGO JOBS

Organization: Development Initiative Access Link
Country: Somalia
Closing date: 29 Sep 2013

DIAL is a non-governmental organization that has grown from a small grass root organization to a vibrant organization over the past decade. The organization works in the Horn of Africa especially in Somalia implementing projects in Nutrition, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Conflict resolution.

With a clear commitment to the target communities, donors and other partners, DIAL is guided by strong regard for humanitarian operating standards and the passion to assist the neediest while always looking at ways to improve its projects.

Since inception, the organization has been carrying out various projects to address the humanitarian challenges faced by the local communities in South, Central and Puntland regions of Somalia. The organization has offices in various locations in Somalia and in Nairobi and receives funding from various donors. DIAL seeks to fill the position of Communications Officer for a new donor funded Integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition project in Kismayo, Lower Juba in Somalia.

Position Description

The Communications Officer will report to the Program Manager and will work in close coordination with the Photographer, Storywriter and other project staff to provide communication and media support and promote the visibility of the Integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition project in Kismayo. He/she will carry out the following duties:

Responsibilities

A) Coordinate project communications

1. Manage knowledge documentation; support documentation and publication of work and lessons learned to help develop corrective measures for project implementation.
2. Support report preparation for the project that ultimately addresses best practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
3. Work in collaboration with the Photographer and storywriter to write and produce high quality communication materials and effectively communicate these across key audiences while ensuring that they conform to DIAL’s standards and promote the image and objectives of the organization and the project.
4. Spearhead documentation strategies, including photo taking, storytelling and video.
5. Work in collaboration with the WASH, Health & Nutrition project staff to gather stories, photos, and videos to support DIAL’s communications strategy.
6. Develop and coordinate framework to document stories to share about the integrated WASH, Health and Nutrition project maintaining an effective social media presence for DIAL through blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other means as appropriate; in the media.
7. Ensure regular learning sessions happen. Help build the capacity of the project team to document and tell stories.

B) Corporate communications and media

1. Create and execute publicity plans to improve the visibility of the project
2. Create communication collaterals (media brief, press release, etc.) for distribution to media and other target audiences
3. Liaise with media and partners as the media contact for the project
4. Draft and create DIAL collaterals for public consumption (handouts, brochures, flyers, etc).

C) Online Communications

1. Assist in the administration, content management and maintenance of DIAL website and online/social media platforms
2. Assist in the content management, content layout, production and dissemination of the DIAL eNewsletter to promote the visibility of the project
3. Multimedia content development

D) Program Support

1. Work in collaboration with the Program Manager to support Monitoring and Evaluation and reporting for the project; including creating tools to track individual and project progress.
2. Develop program specific materials including DIAL briefs etc. on an on-going basis, in consultation with the Program Manager and other project staff.
3. Work with other WASH, Health and Nutrition teams to design health messages for the project beneficiaries and community.
4. Ensure effective communications across different media and formats in adherence to DIAL’s standards.
5. Work to enhance internal and external communication through various communication platforms.
6. Communicate clearly and in a timely fashion with external audiences; either face to face, through email and telephone conferences where appropriate, and using any other forms.
7. Execute other tasks as assigned including maintaining and updating of documentation related to the project’s outputs and outcomes

Requirements

1. A university degree and background in Public Relations, Journalism, communication, Media Studies or relevant field;
2. Professional working experience in development and/or communications work preferably with Non-Governmental Organizations;
3. Candidates must be highly motivated, creative and passionate about their work;
4. Excellent writing and communication skills in both English and Kiswahili; an eye for detail;
5. Strong analytical, organizational and reporting skills and be a good team player;
6. Computer proficiency including web-based applications;
7. Flair for working with visual materials; a powerful creative eye;
8. Keen understanding of traditional media, social media and uses of new technologies for communication in humanitarian/development context.

How to apply:

If you feel you are the right candidate for this position, kindly send your application stating the position applied for in the subject line along with an up-to-date CV (including 3 referees and their current contacts) by email to: vacancies@dialafrica.org by 29th, September, 2013.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. DIAL is an equal opportunity employer.