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Communications Officer

People in Need | Lusaka

People in Need

Innovating the future of tech solutions in Zambia.

Job Description

Job description

Name of the position: Communications Officer

Location: Lusaka

Contract duration: 1 year

Start Date: (January, 2025)

Line Manager: Country Director

Application deadline: 3rd January 2025.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, candidates may receive feedback up to 2 months from the date of application.

Salary: Candidates will be informed about the salary range in the beginning of the recruitment process

People in Need (www.peopleinneed.net) works in Zambia since 2017 delivering lifesaving and development assistance to vulnerable people in the sectors of nutrition, livelihoods, WASH, environment and good governance. We are part of Alliance 2015, a strategic network of seven European non-governmental organizations engaged in humanitarian aid and development projects. Lear more here: www.alliance2015.org

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of Country Director, the Communications Officer is responsible for overall management of PIN communication and visibility actions in Zambia. In partnership with Programme staff and support departments, Communications Officer prepares media outputs (fb posts, website updates and articles, press releases, etc.), supervises production of visibility materials and communicates with the local medias. In order to develop good quality content, he/she is expected to regularly travel to the project’s sites.

Key Responsibilities

  • Producing case studies, press releases, blog pieces, articles and other communications material about PIN’s overall activities, projects and beneficiaries directly in the field or in close cooperation with PIN teams
  • Creating short videos, photos and managing the photo archive of PIN projects and activities and assisting in the production of videos and photos prepared by external contractors
  • Take part in procurement selection of visibility and media material and agencies, coordinate with media agencies if/when required
  • Sharing collected materials with CD, PMs, HQ Communication & Advocacy Department on a regular basis
  • Networking with journalists and actively pitching stories to national news outlets and journalists, providing information about the programs and coordinating between the media and project staff, and accompanying journalists (national and international) on field visits
  • Maintaining the media contact list and implement media policy
  • Managing PIN Zambia social media platforms, particularly Facebook, by creating and sharing engaging content regularly
  • Regularly reviewing and drafting project visibility and communication plans in close collaboration with program managers and project staff
  • Creating and updating information materials (brochures, leaflets, annual reports, etc.) about PIN’s work in collaboration with project teams and ensuring they are in line with PIN’s brand
  • Organizing promotional, communications and other key events for PIN and secure the presence of the media. This may include acting as moderator
  • Identifying innovations and best practices and provide regular training and advice to PIN staff in regards to visibility and communication (e.g. good/bad practices in visibility and communication, speaking to the media, case study information gathering, etc.)
  • Submitting a report to the line manager outlining updates and highlights each week.
  • Assisting with other project-related tasks as assigned by the line manager
  • Creating PIN visibility materials such as t-shirts, banners and publications while ensuring they comply with donor requirements (i.e. disclaimers, size and type of logo, etc.) in collaboration with project staff and logistics department
  • Take responsibility of coordination for any visibility/PR related activities in the projects implemented by PIN and its partners (including support to third parties like government partners)
  • Support the CD and the CP, in general, with communication-related issues (manage letters from stakeholders, assist CD in PR)

Requirements

Essential skills

  • Demonstrates excellent ability to write, take photos and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
  • Willingness to travel with flexible planning
  • Ability to work in a team within the department and coordinating with other teams
  • Growing experience in public relations, communications or using basic advocacy tools
  • Ability to instruct colleagues working in the field regarding communication tasks
  • Ability to outsource graphic designers or videographers
  • Able to work with minimal supervision
  • Able to work with pressing deadlines

Requirements

  • Degree in communication, PR or any relevant field
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in managing communication and PR for firms
  • Knowledge of design apps/software
  • Ability to use devices (camera, video camera, …)
  • Writing skills are essential (portfolio to be shared with CV)
  • Design and editing skills are a plus
  • Deep knowledge of Zambia media landscape, proven relationships with media agencies is a plus
  • Previous experience in NGOs is an advantage

Benefits

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

  • 24 annual leave per year
  • Contributions of Health Insurance (Nhima) as by Law
  • Accident insurance for all injuries during work time
  • National pension scheme contributions as by law
  • Extensive Capacity Building program, both internal and external trainings – Induction training
  • Internal online opportunities, such as access to e-learning platform and webinars
  • Month contribution for phone tariffs
  • Annual Staff retreat
  • International environments with opportunities to learn from other country programs
  • Paternity leave of 5 days and maternity leave of 14 weeks
  • Breastfeeding breaks for nursing colleagues
  • Per diem for working and sleeping outside of duty town depending on the location
  • Friendly and fair environment in small collective structure where everyone knows each other
  • We have lunch break with meals available at the office (Mongu Office)
  • 2 health breaks per day
  • Salaries are according to People in Need Salary scale and shortlisted candidates to be informed about the salaries

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