COMMUNICATION OFFICER
Introduction
HelpAge International is a global network striving for the rights of disadvantaged older people to economic and physical security; healthcare and social services; and support in their care-giving role across the generations. We are looking for an experienced communications professional to design and implement our communications work in Africa.
Background
HelpAge International has a secretariat of four regional offices, eight country offices and a head office working with almost 400 affiliate and partner organisations in 50 countries. It is the only global network representing older people’s organisations, undertaking grassroots programming and local, regional and international advocacy work.
The Tanzania national office is based in Dar Es Salaam and co-ordinates a regional office in Mwanza. In its work with over 15 partner and affiliate organizations and as part of the Programme team, the Communications officer will have a key role in profiling the HelpAge work in Tanzania to national and international audiences in the processes contributing to the communications work of the organisation as a whole in collaborating with the Nairobi based Africa Regional Management Centre and the London based International Communications Team.
Overall Purpose of the Job
Manage the profile of HelpAge International in Tanzania and design communication systems and strategies to reach key stakeholders.
Job content and key tasks - Strategic
1. To co-ordinate communication activities and resources across a range of projects in the programme and support advocacy work in key areas such as Social Protection, HIV/AIDS, Rights and emergencies etc.
2. To be an active member of international communications team contributing to the development and implementation of HelpAge Internationals’ International Communications Strategy and co-ordinating activity between Tanzania, London and other regional offices.
3. To design communication elements in major country funding proposals to enable the growth of communication work in the programme.
Personal Specification
Essential
Experience and knowledge
· Substantial experience of developing, managing and implementing communications programmes targeting development audiences
· Proven track record and demonstrable experience of building profile amongst identified stakeholders.
Skills and ability
- Attention to detail, tact, diplomacy and an understanding for the need for accuracy and reliability in producing materials.
- Proven ability to write accessibly for different audiences and to edit and proofread material, including for writing narrative reports of a standard required by international donor organisations and writing for media and website.
- Project management including budgeting, commissioning and managing external service providers and ability to monitor and evaluate the impact of communications work.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to advise staff and management on communication issues and support programme staff to deliver communication objectives
- Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload under pressure to deadlines and willingness to be self-servicing
- Awareness of gender issues
- Willingness to travel in the country, region and internationally if required, and to work some evenings and weekends – including acting ‘on call’ for journalists outside normal office hours.
- Fluent spoken and written English and Kiswahili.
- Strong computing skills preferably with knowledge/experience of Word, Access and DTP
- Ability to work as part of a team.
Desirable
- Experience of working in an international NGO
- Understanding of ageing issues
- French would be an advantage
- Ability and willingness to be administratively self-supporting.
If you believe you satisfy the above requirements you are encouraged to send your Application Papers as follows: a) a cover letter setting out why your competencies and experiences are suitable to the job; b) a summary of your key qualifications (do not send any certificates now); c) most recent CV (not more than 3 pages); and d) your contact details.
Interviews are planned from the week of 21st March, 2011. Short listed candidates will be asked for copies of relevant certificates and details of 3 work related referees.
REMUNERATION:
This is a middle management position in Grade F with an attractive package offered to the right candidate:
Please send in your applications to the following address
Office Manager,
HelpAge International
P.O. BOX 9846,
Dar Es Salaam,
Email: ssimon@helpagetz.org
Or personal delivered to Plot 134 Migombani Street, Regent Estate, Dar es Salaam, to reach before 11th March, 2011.
Those who applied during the first advertisement should not apply again.
