Communications Coordinator

JOB TITLE:                            Communications Coordinator

TYPE OF CONTRACT:         Service Contract (SC)

UNIT:                                     Strategic External Relations & Communications (SERC)

DUTTY STATION:                 Bogotá, D.C.

DURATION:                           Six (6) months, with possibility of extension

REMUNERATION:                 SB-4

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is the largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, that tackles causes, not just symptoms, by:

• Helping governments develop and implement anti-hunger strategies

• Helping the most vulnerable people eat more nutritious food

• Ensuring people have access to food − even in emergencies

• Helping make food systems in countries more resilient to shocks

• Integrating gender equality and women’s empowerment into all of its work and activities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Strategic External Relations & Communications (SERC) Unit and the guidance of the Country Director, the contract holder provides leadership, advice and services on communications issues with a view to strengthening the role, outreach and impact of WFP’s communication strategies and activties in Colombia, including in relation to situations  of a complex nature. He/She will ensure that the Country Office (CO) communications activities effectively and proactively serve WFP needs in the country of assignment, taking into consideration the overall regional communications plan and startegies, and WFP's corporate communications goals.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND ROLE

WFP Colombia’s strategy is constructed on the premise that supporting the Government of Colombia to reach Zero Hunger, and more specifically Sustainable Development Goals 2, 16 and 17, while contributing to other Goals, will achieve a more inclusive peace. . WFP's strategy aligns with emerging Government priorities, supporting peace building, humanitarian, recovery, development and technical assistance needs as required, and contributing to peace and reintegration.

High malnutrition rates, especially among indigenous populations, present immediate challenges to achieving the Government´s commitment to eradicate chronic malnutrition by 2025. With increased access to remote rural populations, WFP will address food insecurity and malnutrition in dispersed communities, especially those that have been marginalized for years. Special attention will be given to victims of violence, in particular vulnerable minority groups , women, girls and boys. Gender transformative and protection actions will be emphasized in all activities.

One of WFP’s added values is its ability to reach the most vulnerable in dispersed remote areas, with gender and nutrition sensitive approaches that help build resilience and enhance livelihoods. On the other hand, in the context of the current migration crisis, WFP is performing as a frontline actor in the provision of humanitarian assistance to several hundred thousand vulnerable migrants, “caminantes”, and local communities. WFP strongly values partnerships and collaboration with civil society, national institutions, NGOs and  other United Nations Agencies allowing  to establish synergies and achieve greater collective impact.  Five strategic outcomes guide the work of WFP Colombia, as follows:

·         Local institutions (government and civil society) have strengthened capacities to implement accountable programmes that contribute to reducing food insecurity and malnutrition.

·         Victims of violence, marginalized communities and ethnic populations have adequate access at all times to nutritious foods and diversified diets, and are supported enabling them to establish or strengthen their livelihoods.

·         Communities and families have strengthened capacities to prevent malnutrition in all its forms, with special focus on leaving no one behind in marginalized urban and dispersed rural areas.

·         Smallholder farmers sustainably enhance their production and marketing capacities.

·         Ethnic rural communities in vulnerable areas have increased capacity to recover from shocks and adapt to climate change.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working under the supervision of the Head of Strategic External Relations & Communications (SERC) Unit and under the overall guidance of the Country Director, and leading a small communications team, the WFP Communications Coordinator will, among others:

1.      Provide professional advice, support and guidance to the CD and the country office management in the discharge of their activities and responsibilities, in line with corporate strategies and standards, in order to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP, support fundraising activities, ensuring coherent and effective messaging aligned with WFP’s mandate;

2.      Provide advice and support to the Country Office (CO) and Field Offices on the design and implementation of communications plans, taking into account the specific context and audience in order to optimise communications outcomes;

3.      Develop an aggressive communication strategy in support of the CO programmes and initiatives; Plan and execute communications campaigns that favorably influence the views of the public, opinion leaders and donors in order to raise WFP’s profile and support fundraising activities.

4.      Oversee a contact list of journalists and media outlets, and ensure a regular flow of news/information about WFP’s work is distributed to the media, and reputational risks are identified and managed.

5.      Develop and implement an effective social media strategy and plan of action,  which leverages social media content, platforms, networks and partners to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities.

6.      Facilitate and oversee the generating of a range of donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, in order to support country fund-raising activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.

7.      Contribute to the organization of and accompany VIP visits and other events, organizing press conferences and press releases, support other initiatives when required as part of strategic CO communication.

8.      Consolidate and analysis media monitoring data, identifying trends and issues, presenting clear recommendations and influencing management to improve effectiveness of communications strategies.

9.      Identify opportunities to capture and share knowledge, and disseminate information about the most important progress and results of WFP programs and projects. Document best practices and lessons learned from WFP projects and develop key messages that contribute to WFP's visibility in Colombia.

10.    Lead capacity building of WFP staff on all aspects of external relations and communications, ensuring appropriate training is delivered to staff, and provide advice up the senior management level in order to ensure consistent, quality communications that deliver the desired impact.

11.    Identify opportunities to inform the Organization, which may arise from VIP visits, launch global, regional and national reports and around other knowledge products.

12.    Develop and keep updated a calendar of WFP events, ensuring that they are scheduled in advance; support management and project teams to develop and manage messages and informational material to ensure the success of events.

13.    Define performance indicators, and coordinate accurate and timely reporting, contributing to a WFP wide view of communications activities that enables informed decision-making, evaluation of objectives and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.

14.    Build effective partnerships internally and externally to augment the outreach and impact;

15.    Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.

16.    Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitoring the management of communications specific risks.

17.    Other as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

EDUCATION: Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Journalism and Communications or Social Communication, or First University degree in International Relations with minimum three (3) additional years of related work experience in Journalism or Communications.

EXPERIENCE:

•   A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, corporate communications, public information, campaigning, or related area is required, with at least five (5) years of experience in Colombia.

•   Desirable experience with international organizations or United Nations.

•   Experience in specialised communications practices and knowledge production of complex communication campaigns through various media.

•   Experience managing staff with somewhat varied areas of expertise in the delivery of innovative communications projects.

•   Has provided expert guidance in leading projects and substantial input into function practices and policies.

•   Experience handling of Office packages and basic design.

•   Excellent ability to write and edit and to clearly communicate relevant ideas and experiences, both in Spanish and English, which will be assessed with a practical test.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

•   Media and Influencer Relationship Management: Demonstrates ability to formulate and maintain strong relationships with key media and influencers. Leads in implementing identified strategy to raise the profile of WFP, build relationships and further organizational aims.

•   Media and Communication Expertise: Provides guidance to team members in facilitating open and informative verbal and written communication between media and influencers. Directs a team in the preparation of tailored written reports, presentations materials.

•   Sociopolitical Contextual Understanding: Demonstrates deep understanding of the multilateral/interagency environment in Colombia and LAC and the dynamics in which WFP operates which influences approach to working, policy development and decision making.

•   Communication Strategy and Planning: Conceptualizes and manages the development of the WFP communication strategy, ensuring effective focus on target groups, key stakeholders and media to raises the profile of WFP and support fundraising initiatives. Leverages specialist expertise within team as a key input into strategy and oversees its implementation.

LANGUAGES:           Fluency in Spanish and English language (level C minimum) is required.