Position: GEC Communications Officer
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
About RI: Relief International (RI) is a leading global change organization and home to teams of humanitarian activist-professionals committed to transforming adversity into renewal for the world’s most vulnerable populations. By partnering with beneficiaries and communities on the front-lines, RI innovatively bridges the gap between immediate relief and long-term community development. Reports to GEC Programme Director
Duration: 3 years
Position Summary: Relief International requires an enthusiastic, creative individual to lead communications activities in an exciting project, promoting girls’ education in Somalia.
The project, Educate Girls, End Poverty is being implemented by a consortium led by Relief International and funded by DFID. The purpose is to enroll more girls in school, inspire them to stay in school, and make sure they graduate with the knowledge necessary to break the cycle of poverty. The Girls Education Challenge (GEC) Communications Officer would play a key role in this project, both in relation to the development and implementation of campaigns, communication materials promoting girls’ education in Somalia, and in communicating externally, both with the donor and the public.
The role would require coordination with consortium partners, as well as working closely with Relief International staff in Somalia, the UK and the US.
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ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
A. External Communications Develop and support implementation of overall communications strategy of GEC project Compile, review and edit quarterly narrative reports from RI and consortium partners for onward submission to DFID Coordinate with Go to School campaign of Government of Somalia to highlight the importance of girls' enrolment, retention and learning Establish and maintain communication with local media, developing and circulating GEC-related press releases Coordinate and collect communications material from the project sites such as photographs and case studies of female students, teachers, community members Produce, edit, coordinate external communication materials, such as success stories, feature articles, in consultation with RI Somalia staff and consortium partners Research, write and edit GEC feature articles/blogs for RI website Provide guidance to RI Somalia team and consortium partners on DFID branding and style guidelines, and ensure regulations are implemented Manage, prepare and maintain an updated standard information package on the RI GEC programme for briefings and for distribution Manage RI’s social media presence in relation to GEC
B. Programme Communication Support development of public awareness strategies and tools, particularly in relation to an ‘Education before marriage’ campaign Work with consultants for translation of materials into Somali Support work with radio stations in Somalia to develop and implement an Information, Education and Communication campaign, including working with partners to develop themes and messages for the radio programmes; Support the development of behaviour change and other communication materials (both oral and visual) for use in communities Coordinate with RI's media programme in leveraging wider impact for GEC
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QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE - Masters Degree in journalism, communications, humanities, development studies or related field, or Bachelors with demonstrated experience.
Essential: - Experience of working in a communications role, preferably in a development or humanitarian context
- Experience developing communications materials, including success stories, marketing materials, such as newsletters
- Experience in working in an international environment, respecting different cultures and nationalities
- Experience of using photography and/or video footage for effective communications
Desirable: - Experience of donor reporting, ideally with DFID
- Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies
- Experience of producing press releases and working with the media
- Experience using design software
- Experience overseeing the design of radio Programmes and campaigns
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KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Essential: - Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with partner organisations
- Strong communication skills, including excellent written English
- Fluency in Somali
- Understanding of the range of possible media, communication, and advocacy tools available to influence key targets, and their applicability in a humanitarian situation
- Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
- Ability to multi-task and handle many tasks at one time
- Creativity, able to develop innovative communication messages to promote girls’ education
- An ability to coordinate and work with diverse groups of people based in multiple locations
- Willingness to travel to Somalia (60-70% of the time)
- Ability to use various desktop editing tools
- Commitment to Relief International’s mission and vision and a passion for promoting girls’ education
- Ability to use design and publication software
Desirable: - Knowledge of DFID contractual and reporting requirements and branding guidance
- Ability to distill key information and to edit content for multiple audiences
- Proficiency using a variety of social media channels
How to apply:
