Communications Officer - Sierra Leone

International IDEA is collaborating with Action Appointments for this recruitment process. Applications should be sent directly to melissa@actionappointments.co.za

Context

Sierra Leone will hold its fifth consecutive democratic elections since the end of the civil war, in June 2023. International IDEA is designing a 3-year donor funded programme to support the electoral process in Sierra Leone. The project aims to support democracy institutions and civil society (including the media) in Sierra Leone towards the credible and peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections and provide support to reform processes in the years after the elections to contribute to further consolidation of democratic gains in Sierra Leone’s transition trajectory. This vacancy is advertised contingent on availability of funds for the project.

The programme will support the active and inclusive participation of traditionally marginalised persons in electoral and political processes; strengthen the capacity of the election management bodies (EMBs) in Sierra Leone to conduct credible and inclusive elections in 2023 and beyond; improve the capacity of the EMBs and relevant civil society organisations capacities to contribute to resolving election disputes; and enhance stakeholder capacity for electoral and legal reforms beyond 2023.

Working closely with the AWA Regional Communications Officer, he incumbent will contribute to all public information activities of the programme, including through print, igital and broadcast media; and will act as liaison for the programme’s implementing partners in all matters related to public communication and visibility. These tasks require interfacing with multiple partners to gather information, prioritizing content, and staying ahead of news and events. The Communications Officer handles writing, editing and targeting dissemination for the promotion of the programme’s events and results. The Communications Officer will ensure results are in line with International IDEA’s and the donor’s communications strategies. The Communications Officer provides support in accordance with the Programme’s needs and requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the development of the Sierra Leone country programme’s communication and visibility strategy and plan in line with International IDEA and the donor’s communication policies and procedures, with guidance from the Communication team at the International IDEA headquarters;
• Familiarizes country programme staff with International IDEA’s institutional communication policies and procedures communication and visibility policies and procedures and the donor’s communication and visibility strategy and plan and ensures that the programme communicates accordingly.
• Provides communication and media support to the International IDEA office in Sierra Leone, and to all partners within the Programme;
• Regularly coordinates and hosts communications meetings with the focal points of all project partners to stay well-informed about planned activities, upcoming events and campaigns, and provide guidance and support;
• Contributes to and regularly updates the programme’s press list;

• Coordinates inputs from programme partners, and uploads content generated by the programme to the relevant communication forums;
• Serves as a content editor. Writes and edits web articles, tweets, social media posts, press releases and other outreach content as necessary;
• Maintains the programme’s social media platforms;
• Responds to media/press inquiries and pitches Op-Eds and stories to media for placement;
• Undertakes regular media monitoring (on social and traditional media) for coverage of and reference to programme activities;

• Coordinates the timely content development of a monthly newsletter with programme colleagues and manages an editorial calendar for the proposed content and themes;
• Creates clear infographics and digital assets for use online and in presentations. Handles digital art manipulation;
• Provides content for the donor’s public communication channels in close coordination with the communication desk officer at the donor’s office and ensures adequate visibility of the of the programme donor(s) throughout all programme communication activities.
• Reviews and updates the programme’s social media guidelines as needed;
• Monitors and reports on results, impact and analytics. Generates monthly and quarterly analytics reports, as appropriate, for all social media platforms and for the newsletter.

General Profile

• Requires good knowledge, excellent skills and experience in the field of communication and media;
• Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values: Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Education and Experience

• University degree in communications, journalism, international relations or other relevant disciplines;
• Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in a similar role, or as a writer in communications for development, preferably within donor-funded programmes; experience working on EU-funded projects would be considered an asset;
• Experience in communications strategy development an implementation;
• Demonstrated experience in creating and maintaining social media campaigns;
• Strongt graphic design skills and ability to use all related Adobe tools;
• Knowledge of social media tools, Google Analytics, and content management systems including Drupal
• Experience of working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Creole/Krio is required.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Duration: Fixed term appointment with a maximum duration of 21 months or until the project end date of 30 November 2024 (whichever comes first).

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Sierra Leone for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.

Applying for this position:

Closing date 05 January 2023.

International IDEA is collaborating with Action Appointments for this recruitment process. Applications should be sent directly to melissa@actionappointments.co.za

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.