Senior Communications Officer at African Development Bank - AfDB

This advertisement is posted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) on behalf of the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), which is the employer for this position. Engagement as staff of ADEA does not offer any expectation for future employment as staff in the AfDB.

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) is a forum for policy dialogue on education. Its vision is to create “high-quality African education and training geared towards the promotion of critical skills for accelerated and sustainable development in Africa”.  It acts as a catalyst in promoting innovative policies and practices through pooling of ideas, experiences, learning and knowledge.  ADEA’s overall goal is to contribute to the development of equitable and high quality education through the concerted efforts of African governments and their partners. The position of Senior Communications Officer is located in ADEA’s Secretariat which implements the organization’s work programs and budget; organizes major events such as Triennales and Ministerial Conferences; manages communication and knowledge management; coordinates the work of the Working Groups; and implements the decisions and resolutions of ADEA’s governance entities.   .

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Executive Secretary, the Senior Communications Officer will be required to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Implement ADEA’s communications strategy in order to uphold a positive image of the organization;
• Comply with institutional guidelines for activities and programs that promote corporate communications objectives;
• Organize high profile events such as international press conferences and side events at conferences and the Bank’s Annual Meetings to showcase ADEA’s brand and impact on education;
• Develop  and produce informational material (brochures and leaflets, films, audio-visual productions) and statutory documents with a view to promoting ADEA’s programs and activities;
• Manage ADEA’s website and use social media tools in communication (twitter, podcasts, etc.),
• Prepare press releases, information notes, advertising insertions, summary, review and update.
• Collect, generate and disseminate information within ADEA and in member countries through media networks and relevant organizations;
• Create and maintain strategic professional partnerships with key print and electronic media organizations;
• Handle routine queries, and monitor internal processing mechanisms and timelines to allow for speedy and accurate response;
• Attend to media aspects of ADEA events: seminars, conferences and workshops; and contribute to the development of an efficient mailing list and distribution system of ADEA information products;
• Manage publishing, and dissemination of major publications produced by ADEA, in particular those stemming from Triennales and Ministerial Conferences; and
• Write, edit, proofread and produce various articles.

Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Marketing, Social Sciences  or related fields;
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Public Relations or Media activities working in an international organization, government, NGO or a reputable private sector organization;
• Self-confidence, excellent communications skills and ability to interact effectively with staff and external partners;
• Excellent writing and editing skills in French and English; and experience managing the production of Newsletters and other publications;
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital and social media including internet navigation, various office applications, etc.;
• Diplomacy,  extroversion, strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives;
• Proven rigor in producing high quality documents; and  resourcefulness in delivering accurate information to stakeholders in a timely manner;
• Ability to synthesize complex messages and articulate them in a concise, comprehensive and intelligible way for the target audience;
• Capacity to keep abreast of technical and professional innovations in media technology and practices;
• Open to change, proactively support continuous improvements in work processes and able to roll up the sleeves and manage innovations;
• Strong team player with a proven track record of effective networking, client orientation and operational effectiveness; and
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft applications and social media tools.