Communication Specialist - West Africa Region at International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)

Main Purpose

• Under the oversight of the Head of region, the direct supervision of the Project Managers and in close collaboration with other team members, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing, planning, designing, implementing and carrying out project communication activities.
• S/he will also monitor the progress of all projects communications and its compliance to the West Africa Communication and Visibility Plan (CVP).
• The Communications Specialist plans and organizes communications activities and produces a variety of visibility materials and outputs specified in the Plan, aligned with the approved WA project’s objectives, work plan, available communications budget and in line with partner and donor visibility requirements and communications guidelines.
• S/he is responsible for the timely production of highquality communications outputs within the projects assigned

Functions / Key Results Expected

Communications Information Systems and Database:

• Develop biannual work plans for a digital marketing presence, social media (Twitter, LinkedIn), and web-based activities and a yearly work plan for crosscutting communications activities according to the Plan.
• Design and organize communications support for all ongoing projects, meetings, workshops, and activities with a focus on visual and promotional content;
• Draft and upload content and articles of upcoming meetings, by updating the events sections and photo gallery and by developing the existing structure;
• Provide support to the development of an overall West Africa communications plan;
• Plan, develop and organize communications activities and initiate and implement processes for the production of content (visual, digital, written) by: o Editing texts; o Proof-reading and organizing translation; o Draft script for videos; o Developing infographics, presentations, layouts, and visuals;

Writing:

• Write press releases, speeches, and talking points as required
• Write and organize background briefings for media.
• Coordinate with various partners and project teams to write and/or edit articles for globally distributed ICMPD news publication(s)
• Review and edit outputs and written content (reports, studies, project reports etc.) as well as online content (newsletters and articles) suitable for all Project’s communication purposes
• Compile and draft inputs on communications activities for internal and external project reviews and reports;
• Identify, develop and draft inputs for new communications concepts, proposals, work plans and budgets;

Public Information:

• In consultation with Head of Region and Project Managers, draft publicity materials including country profile, program/project fact sheets, and “success story” one-pagers.
• Share visibility materials or communications concepts; developing presentations for conferences, workshops meetings, and events, where applicable;
• Draft and/or edit success stories with appropriate photographs

Media Relations:

• Coordinate with, and mobilize expertsfor, media, press, and communications outreach during project events, meetings, and outputs. Monitor communications activities and progress;
• Draft content for internal and external news websites, making regular updates and offering recommendations for useful technical and/or informational modifications
• Ensure that communications activities are implemented and outputs generated in an efficient and cost-effective manner in line with the Plan and budget and in accordance with partner and donor visibility requirements and communication guidelines;
• The incumbent will assist in reviewing the daily press for development topics of interest and ICMPD news, prepare press clips and forward to the Head of Region and Project Managers for the latest information on crucial topics.

Events Management & Administrative Tasks:

• Expected to be proactive and offer innovative ideas for the promotion of all ICMPD events in the region
• Ensure that projects do no exceed budget allocations. Contribute to budget revisions and potential savings
• Ensure that administrative processes such as procurement and contracting are carried out promptly, in accordance with ICMPD rules and established business processes and in compliance with donor rules, where applicable;
• Participate in conferences/meetings/seminars relevant to the project’s communications.

Qualifications, Experience and Language Skills

• Master's Degree related to the area of work.
• A minimum of 3 years of position-relevant work experience in digital marketing management, in an international context.
• Good advocacy skills.
• Experience in working with International Organizations or NGO
• Experience in the use of digital platform tools (SEO).
• Experience with graphic design programs (Canva, InDesign, Illustrator, and Adobe).  Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in (verbal/written) English.
• Proficiency in use of standard IT tools.

Required Expertise:

• Ability to manage websites as well as digital platforms.
• Ability to maintain a social media presence and measurement and report on the performance of digital marketing campaigns.
• Ability to identify content opportunities, produce the relevant materials and disseminate via the most appropriate digital channels.
• Identification of digital trends, evaluate emerging technologies, and use these to disseminate information.
• Ability to successfully build strategic networks and develop partnerships.
• Excellent photo and videography skills will be a plus