COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to:         Chief Strategy Officer
Location:             Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration:             Twelve Months, renewable

 

OVERVIEW:

Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Communications Officer will plan, research, and produce accurate, analytical and thematic content for corporate and programmatic publications, social/digital media, stakeholder briefs and internal communication.

The ideal candidate will be a strong copy editor and have excellent stakeholder service skills.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Content Development

• Develop and implement improved and consistent communication approaches in AFAP including the communication of AFAPs social and economic impact and achievements.
• Update the AFAP Communications Strategy, Policy and Plan.
• Develop consistent communications tools, strategies and materials for use across the organization.
• Utilise and repackage monitoring, evaluation and learning evidence information for communications purposes.
• Assist in the development of appropriate measures to better track the communication of performance, results and learning for AFAP.
• Conceptualise and write creative copy content for internal and external publications: speeches, presentations, media messaging, newsletters, website content, editorial-style articles, briefing notes, video and radio scripts.
• Develop and issue creative content that engages target audiences and demonstrates an understanding of newsworthy copy that journalists will publish for local and international media.
• Manage AFAPs day-to-day interactions with key communication partners to ensure adherence to internal and external partner communication and branding guidelines.
• Review and edit content to ensure the voice is consistent with AFAP brand and proper usage of English (USA) grammar, spelling and structure.
• Work out a message simplification strategy to communicate with a broader stakeholder constituency.
• Facilitate internal intelligence sharing of information of programs.
• Manage AFAP’s style guide.

 

Media

• Day-to-day management of the AFAP website, including updates, ongoing monitoring and obtaining input from other AFAP staff as necessary.
• Research, plan and implement the medium-to-long term development of the AFAP website to ensure it continues to achieve its objectives.
• Develop and manage social media platforms.
• Develop and leverage an Africa-wide media contacts list.
• Proactively seek media opportunities that support organization- and program- objectives with key media partners, including African outlets – local and national newspapers, trade magazines, radio and television, PR agencies and contractors.
• Co-ordinate the development, production and distribution of PR and media materials (TV and Radio), web-based advertisements and other broadcast media materials.
• Develop and distribute releases to media outlets including TV, radio and print, to high standards consistent with AFAP messaging and editorial guidelines.
• Make use of search engine optimisation, including keyword strategy, key term discovery and optimised content development and prioritisation on the Web.
• Sub-edit and proofread articles.

 

Graphic Design

• Design all organizational presentations: PowerPoint and Word designs, email footers and website banners; to promote core organizational activities, as well as to provide communications support to all Business Units.
• Direct all outsourced artwork and designs in order to maintain corporate image and standards.
• Develop marketing artwork to advertise the organization’s actives and events.

 

Events

• Contribute to the planning of, and arrangements for, AFAP events, in particular regarding the design and production of materials.
• Manage press briefings and press attendance at conferences and workshops.
• Design and disseminate invitations, reports and any other material to the AFAP database, specifically or more broadly.

 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Diploma or Degree in journalism, media studies, copywriting, communications, marketing, advertising or relevant qualification
• Strong research, analysis, editing and interviewing skills
• Portfolio that reflects creative copywriting proficiencies
• Experience within African agriculture a distinct advantage
• Computer literate – proficiency in Microsoft Office products: Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel; Website maintenance (content management)

 

BEHAVIOURAL QUALITIES:

• Excellent analytical writing skills
• Versatility – ability to work across the board, transitioning between functions as necessary
• Team orientation – can work in an integrated team environment
• Consultative capabilities – able to work with all levels of people
• Resilience – maintains composure and deals effectively with stress
• Flexible and adaptable – in light of changing situations
• Methodical and systematic, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Action-oriented, confident and takes initiative
• Operates with integrity
• Delivery and deadline orientated
• A passion for exceptional service
• Willingness to work long hours from time to time
• Own car and holds a valid driver’s license

 

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants, please send your CV and a one-page cover letter to support your application, along with salary requirements to spires@afap-partnership.org

 

The closing date for submission of applications is 19^th July 2019. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.