Communications Officer

While forcibly displaced persons face specific vulnerabilities, including psychological trauma, lack of opportunity and protection risks, host communities also struggle to pursue their own development efforts in an environment that has been transformed by a large influx of newcomers. As displacement has become increasingly protracted, responses are focusing more on durable solutions backed by more dignified, inclusive and comprehensive programmes for refugees and the communities that host them.

In response to the challenges facing both host communities and refugees, a new partnership initiative titled: ‘PROSPECTS - Partnership for improving Prospects for host communities and forcibly displaced persons’, has been launched by the Government of the Netherlands that brings together the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank. The Partnership has a four-year initial time horizon (2019-2023) where partners will join their efforts to develop a new paradigm in responding to forced displacement crises in 8 countries (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Sudan, and Uganda).

PROSPECTS Egypt

The overall objective of PROSPECTS in Egypt is to improve the living standards and inclusiveness of refugees, asylum-seekers and vulnerable host communities, by contributing to the expansion of socio-economic opportunities through better education and mainstreamed protection interventions.

With a geographical focus on Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and Damietta, PROSPECTS Egypt will work under three main pillars. The first pillar, Education and Learning focuses on increasing the number of forcibly displaced persons, children on the move and host communities with quality education and training. The second pillar on Employment with Dignity seeks to increase the number of forcibly displaced persons, children on the move (i.e. youth) and host communities with enhanced livelihoods and/or employment in decent work through improvements in labour market governance supporting transition to and entry into employment and formalisation. The third pillar on Protection and Inclusion aims at increasing protection, social protection and inclusion for forcibly displaced persons, children on the move and host communities through strengthening of legal, policy and enabling environment for protection, social protection and inclusion.

1. REPORTING LINE

The incumbent will perform its duties under the direct supervision of PROSPECTS Country Programme Manager and the overall guidance of the DWT/CO-Cairo Director.

1. Identify communication and information needs and priorities, and provide technical advice to PROSPECTS team on appropriate communication approaches and products to best reflect key messages and target different audiences.
2.  Develop a strategy and deliver quality, timely and widely accessible communication and information products and services using a range of multimedia and communication platforms.
3. Ensure the adequate dissemination and sharing of PROSPECTS programme key messages, and information and knowledge products to variety of target audiences (e.g. target beneficiaries, government, national and international partners …etc.), while maintaining the required branding and visibility for the programme as per ILO and donor rules and regulations.
4. Commission, research, write, edit and/or translate from/to the local language audience-specific communication and information products; including website materials, news releases, comment pieces, feature stories, fact sheets, brochures, talking points and speeches that communicate persuasive, evidence-based and solution-oriented messages.
5. Coordinate the production of PROSPECTS programme’s audio-visual communication and advocacy materials, including short documentaries/ videos that would document and capture the activities of the programmes. This will also entail coordination with relevant service providers and media, advertising companies.
6. Undertake field visits to capture and document progress along the different PROSPECTS components.
7. Establish and maintain contacts list of programmes’ collaborators (e.g. development partners, news agencies, service providers, excolls …etc.), and create appropriate mailing lists as required.
8. Maintain and compile PROSPECTS library for photos and audio-visuals of the programmes’ activities that can be utilised on different occasions.
9. As part of ILO DWT/CO Cairo team, provide inputs and feedback as requested to the drafting of communication materials in accordance with the strategic priorities established by the Country Office, Regional Office and headquarters.
10. Ensure proper coordination and alignment with other UN partners’ communication teams.
11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned by supervisor.

First level University Degree in Communications, ICT, Journalism or Public Relations.

• At least two years of professional experience in communication and advocacy within the international development context.
• Experience in a non-governmental organization or in the United Nations (desirable).
• Capacity to produce high-quality briefs and reports in both Arabic and English.
• Proficient in using state-of-art media technologies, web-based media outlets and social media networks.
• Familiar with ILO’s core issues and/or regional/international development/relations.

Excellent command of English. Good knowledge of  Arabic. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Knowledge and Competencies:
• Good knowledge of communication and/or information management principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of multimedia to develop a range of communication and information products.
• Knowledge of social media platforms.
• Knowledge of the working practices of the national media.
• Knowledge of research methodologies and resources.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for designing and assessing quality and efficiency of process execution.
• Good knowledge of protocol.
• Good knowledge of PC software (including word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software) such as Microsoft Office.
In addition to the ILO core competencies [Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation, Collaboration], this position requires:
• Ability to interpret and work within applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to identify and analyse information needs and classify them according to ILO standards.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Drafting and web writing/editing skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and skills in design, layout, formatting and editing documents.
• Ability to foster effective two-way communication and understanding and to manage and impart information to a varied audience.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new software and systems including for updating websites, desktop publishing, graphic design and producing communication and information products.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.