Communications Officer - West and Central Africa at African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)

Description

• Under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager Communications & Partnerships , and overall guidance of the Executive Director, the Communications Officer – West and Central African will have responsibility over building the visibility of AATF, telling its story and promoting the brand among target audiences both in and outside Africa.
• S / he will be responsible for designing and implementing AATF’s communications outreach utilising a fitting mix of channels and tools.
• S / he will work closely with AATF management, projects and partners to ensure alignment of communication efforts with the organisation strategy and initiatives.

Functions / Key Results Expected
Corporate Communications:

• As a key member of the Communications Unit, you contribute to development of the AATF communications strategy and direction in support of raising visibility and positioning the organisation appropriately
• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of AATF East and South Africa regional communications in line with the overall communications and corporate strategies and project goals
• Provide strategic advice to AATF management, staff and partners on communications ensuring preparedness for media engagement and other presentation opportunities including preparation of press releases, talking points and speeches
• Cultivate a healthy working relationship with regional media maintaining a database, managing media activities and ensuring appropriate plans are drawn, implemented and monitored in support of engagement with AATF
• Ensure consistent use of messages across the organization and among project partners, monitoring effectiveness of the messages in delivering results and making necessary adjustments
• Anticipate and prepare staff and partners to proactively manage possible controversies through a well-structured and disseminated issues management plan
• Develop and disseminate appropriate knowledge products and communication materials (technical and non-technical) including reports, leaflets, brochures, web materials and videos, ensuring clear messaging and adherence with organisational branding guidelines
• Guide effective identification, selection and utilisation of events for organisational visibility, ensuring brand alignment and fitting media coverage.
• Liaise with human resources department to build internal communications systems to support to build team cohesiveness
• Monitor and report on progress with communication initiatives, working closely with Monitoring and Evaluation office
• Guide on consultancy support needs and requirements and oversee performance in line with AATF policies.

Project Communications:

• Work with project leads in developing workplans, identifying and packaging stories that demonstrate AATF’s work and results for dissemination to key audiences
• Work with advocacy teams to support outreach to key audiences as per project goals. Any other duties assigned from time to time.
• Produce talking points, website stories, media briefings, AATF project brochures, thematic summaries, executive bios, and Q&As
• Produce photos and video of AATF programmes for AATF photo archive
• In collaboration with programme team develop and disseminate quality communication materials to a range of external and internal audiences, including AATF project brochure, thematic summaries, Q&As and talking points to keep external stakeholders effectively informed and engaged
• Assist in collecting testimonies and case studies from the field as required
• Produce for projects regular contextual analysis documents, briefings, trends report, situation updates, research, draft advocacy position papers, talking points, key messages, and ad-hoc reports
• Provide media relations and support public relations activities for AATF projects , including distributing press releases, coordinating interviews, and hosting media visits to AATF projects
• Assist in collecting testimonies and case studies from the field as required, or other tasks as needed at AATF

Impact of Results

• The key results have impact on AATF’s corporate brand positioning, visibility and reputation, including overall success with implementation of AATF projects, initiatives and strategies. The results will build AATF as a strong development partner.

Requirements / Competencies
Education:

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or any other related and equivalent disciplines from a recognized institution.

Experience:

• At least Five (5) years’ experience in public relations and communications
• Documented experience with the production of written materials – such as reports, briefing notes, position papers, talking points, etc.
• Experience of leading communication activities (including information management) in a challenging environment understanding of media handling, pitching and media management
• Experience delivering communications assets across multiple channels, including print, social, and digital, with a solid knowledge and use of media and multimedia platforms

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in written and spoken English. A working knowledge of French would be an added advantage

Corporate Competencies:

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with key constituents (donors, research institutions, media, government institutions, etc.)
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• High level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including ability to build alliances and collaborative relationships with sensitivity to diversity.
• Ability to maintain high standards of integrity; establish straightforward, productive relationships; treating individuals with fairness and respect.
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Portuguese would be an added advantage.