COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER- NOA (BW VIETNAM)

Better Work is an innovative partnership program between the International Labour Organizations and the International Finance Corporation. It aims to improve labour standards and competitiveness in global supply chains. Better Work involves the development of both global tools and country level programs. The focus is in on scalable and sustainable solutions which build cooperation between government, employers and workers’ organizations, and international brands.

 In Vietnam, Better Work covers the garment and footwear industries. The programme follows an integrated approach which includes assessment, advisory, and training services at factory level, with industry seminars to promote cross-industry sharing and learning culture. We work with different stakeholders such as MOLISA, VGCL, VCCI, international and local brands, vendors, factories and trade associations, and other relevant organizations that work with the apparel and footwear sectors.

For more information about the programme see www.betterwork.org/vietnam 

In its 3^rd phase (2017-2022) BWV developed a strategic plan that incorporates a communications strategy to promote the visibility of the programme, ensure appropriate branding, and to convey key messages to stakeholders to influence policy and support national ownership of the programme.   BWV has identified the need for a dedicated national officer to develop an effective communication strategies, targeting different stakeholders, that will help promote our work, and ensure the sustainability of BWV impact. It is therefore proposed to recruit a national communications officer following the job descriptions below:   

Function

The Communications Officer will lead the development and manage the implementation of a communication strategy of Better Work Vietnam to increase Better Work Vietnam’s visibility, promote best practices, share success stories, support stakeholder engagement and help build national ownership of the BWV results.   In addition, the Officer will support the tracking of data and Monitoring and Evaluation of program activities to use in BWV communication materials, events,  and reporting.

 Supervision

The position will work under the direct supervision of the BWV Hanoi office director. The Better Work Prgoramme Manager is the Responsible Chief and the Higher Level Chief.

Public Communications

1. On own initiative, draft, edit and layout articles, correspondence, stories, videos and summary reports and briefs for media representatives and constituents as required and draw the attention of the supervisor to matters requiring immediate attention and/or follow up. 

2. Manage the development and production of materials (e.g. collecting/producing photos, videos, reports, posters, briefing papers, brochures etc.), publications and promotional items for the Better Work Vietnam Programme, such as newsletters, information kits and training brochures.  Working with other members of the BWV team, develop public materials related to a diverse array of issues, including but not limited to factory compliance, women’s empowerment, productivity, training,  social dialogue and Vietnamese labour law.   

3. Ensure the timely gathering of programme information for inclusion on the BWV website and for all materials under previous points 1. And 2. Above.  This will include reviewing Better Work data and M&E materials, and may include visits to factories, interviewing workers and management or Better Work staff, summarizing reports or studies for the public, or other research or information collection as needed. 

4. Support the work with national stakeholders, such as the MOLISA, VGCL, VCCI and other partners in the apparel and footwear sector, to coordinate distribution of Better Work messages and materials.    Develop communications materials that appropriately target different audiences using the right tone, messaging and materials of the diverse group of BWV stakeholders.

5. Coordinate with the ILO Country office to contribute to the establishment of media networks, including monitoring national media.   This may include capacity building and knowledge sharing of the programme. Respond to requests for information and general enquiries on the programme and related activities and draw the attention of the supervisor to matters requiring immediate attention and/or follow up.

6. Produce and submit stories, documentation and/or reports for Better Work Global or donor agencies as required by the programme or its individual components.

7. Develop communication materials that support core service needs, such as audio visual guides and video clips that can be used by Better Work staff during factory visits and factory training programs. 

Digital Media

8. Adhering to ILO/BW guidelines and in close collaboration with ILO communications colleagues, strengthen the visibility of the programme by increasing social media outreach to stakeholders.  Develop content on a regular basis for ILO and Better Work social media channels, including (where appropriate) Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for targeted constituents and the public.  

9. Regularly assess the changing social media landscape and its opportunities and potential benefits for the programme. Make suggestions to supervisor(s) for remediation action.

10. Promote online communities of practice internally, support their use and communicate outcomes.

11. Under guidance from supervisor and management team members, plan and manage communications-related advocacy activities and define key issues and messaging for such activities.

12. With administrative and logistical support from the Administration Assistant, plan and organize promotional activities such as meetings and visits, seminars, exhibitions, press conferences and special events.  Assist and coordinate knowledge capture of forums, summits and meetings by implementing feedback mechanisms, consolidating results, extracting lessons learned and repackaging content for distribution.

13. Train and coach Better Work staff to develop communication skills to engage factory senior level managers, buyers and other key stakeholders about the benefits of Better Work.

14. Collaborate with BWV team on the other components of Better Work Programme in order to collect data, stories, and messaging at the individual (worker or manager), factory or program level that will lead to materials that the teams can use, as well as public promotional materials and for other reports.   Be able to engage with staff and coordinate with schedules to solicit timely inputs on a variety of issues.

15. Coordinate with BWV team, particularly the training team, to produce/capture materials (video) from events or trainings that can be used again for future events or training contributing to the development of a video/virtual library for the BWV team.

16.  Help manage the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) work of the programme, including tracking and abstracting internal data for various programme purposes, such as public events, donor reports, public materials, including the web site, as well as internal.   This will be a regular and ongoing part of the position.

 17. Coordinate with the global and local teams to support the research and knowledge management work of the programme. 

18. Ensure communication strategy includes message development that promotes ownership by stakeholders of Better Work Vietnam.  

19. Provide support to the Programme Manager in the development of a sustainability strategy for Better Work Vietnam, coordinating sustainability with M&E, research consultation needs, and communication strategies. 

University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media, Marketing, Development, Business, English, or related field.

• At least three years of professional experience working in public relations, communications, social media, marketing, donor communications and/or advocacy.
• At least two years of professional experience working for multi-lateral, governmental, or development organization or in the apparel or footwear industry, preferably dealing with issues related to compliance issues or corporate social responsibility.  
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation, research and knowledge sharing is an advantage.

Languages:

Native Vietnamese; Professional Working English.

1. Ability to prioritize work assignments, organize own schedule, perform routine work independently, make plans, meet deadlines and adapt to changing demands and multitasks;
2. Ability to develop, create, and oversee implementation of new, creative and clear communications activities;
3. Accuracy and excellent attention to detail;
4. Excellent computer, oral and written communication skills in English and Vietnamese;  ability to write high quality and engaging features and reports in English;
5. Proficiency in communications-related computer software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign needed, as well a video editing software would be an asset;.
6. Well-developed understanding of how the mass media and social media work in Vietnam;
7. Capacity to liaise and network with a range of stakeholders such as staff, donors, buyers, government officials, management, unions and NGOs;
8. Ability to work with monitoring and evaluation systems, track data over time, maintain data in an organized format, and translate data for easy presentations and analysis;
9. Ability to cultivate and maintain strong contacts with the media or media networks preferred.
10. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

All applicants must attach a 2 page statement explaining to the selection committee how they meet the required competencies. This document should include a heading for each competency together with justifications based on the applicant’s skills and experience. Applicants who do not attach this statement will not be considered for interview.

Better Work, as part of the ILO, values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities.

For more information please contact vietnamrecruitment@betterwork.org