Communication Officer - P3 at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Role Overview

• Under the overall guidance and supervision of the PPO, Information and Communication, the Communication Officer shall structure, collect, process and disseminate information on Commission’s activities and programmes.

Role and Responsibilities

• Structure, collect, process and disseminate information on Commission’s activities;
• Assist in enhancing and promoting Commission’s projects, programmes activities  and achievements;
• Assist for continuous improvement of internal and external communication of the Commission;
• Contribute to the definition, development  and implementation of communication plans and strategies;
• Contribute for content and design of various publications
• Implement successfully public awareness campaigns on the organisation’s activities;
• Strong computer skills (Word, Power Point & Internet surfing);
• Draft speeches, communiques, press releases and reviews;
• Design and structure press kits;
• Design advertisements
• Assist in drafting and designing the Commission’s information bulletin;
• Produce Regular updates for content of the Commission’s website;
• Provide continuous information to a dedicated network of regional and international media;
• Media coverage and support for communication related needs for meetings , press conferences, seminars etc;
• Assist in the coordination of interviews and media interaction’s for Commission’s management with local, regional and international press;
• Initiate partnerships and establish strong networks with regional and international media to increase visibility and raise awareness about Commission’s activities;
• Carry out any other assignment that may be assigned and regularly at short notice.

Academic Qualification and Experience
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Mass Communication or related field from a recognized university.
• 5 years experience in journalism, communications and public relations;
• Knowledge in developing communication strategies and plans for internal and external communication;
• Ability to coordinate and manage complex communication campaigns and events;
• Ability to conceptualize and contribute to design communication campaigns that target  and multicultural audiences;
• Proven knowledge of communication and the ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.

Age Limit:

• Be below 50 years old. This provision does not apply to internal candidates.

Ecowas Key Competencies:

• Ability to lead a team of trainees / junior staff and instil a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities;
• Ability to respect chain of command in an appropriate manner;
• Ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues and the subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.
• Ability to proactively interact with clients and build strong trusting relationships based on mutual respect and regular discussions;
• Demonstrate respect for cultural differences, fairness and ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds, nationality, gender, ethnicity, race and religion;
• Ability to listen actively, consider people’s concerns and apply  judgement, tact and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, sectors, programmes and policies;
• Knowledge of rules and procedures of ECOWAS associated assigned responsibilities and ability to explain these clearly to others;
• Ability to study data/information from a variety of sources, identify anomalies, trends and issues, present findings, and make  recommendations;
• Knowledge of and ability to apply techniques to generate creative ideas and new approaches to meeting goals;
• Demonstrate operational computer proficiency  using appropriate tools;
• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a succinct and organized manner through both writing and verbal means;
• Exhibit interpersonal skills, make presentations, express opinions and debate ideas with others in a constructive manner;
• Fluency in oral and written expressions in one of the ECOWAS official languages of the Community (English, French & Portuguese). Knowledge of an additional one will be an added advantage.
• Ability to develop,  implement an individual action plan for achieving specific work  goals;
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and work within timelines, giving attention to details, stakeholders, indicators and risks.

Annual Salary
UA49,106.81, USD77,480.72