Communications Officer

Introduction

Ship to Shore Rights South East Asia (SEA) (2020-2024) is a multi-country, multi-year programme on labour migration focused on the fishing and seafood processing sectors in the South East Asia region. It is an initiative of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN); it is implemented by the ILO in collaboration with IOM and UNDP.

The programme delivers technical assistance and support with the overall objective of promoting regular and safe labour migration among South-East Asian countries. The programme addresses the specific characteristics of work in the fishing and seafood processing sectors as well as the opportunities and risks in labour migration into these sectors. The programme promotes decent work and safe labour migration through three specific objectives, including:

1.    Strengthen the legal, and regulatory frameworks related to labour migration and labour standards, focusing on the fishing and seafood processing sectors in South East Asia
2.    Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all migrant workers, from recruitment to the end of the contract
3.    Empower migrant workers, their families, organizations and communities to promote and exercise their rights

The programme started in August 2020 and builds on the achievements of the EU-funded Ship to Shore Rights Thailand (2016-2020), and expands the countries of action. In addition to Thailand, the programme is active in Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Viet Nam, Philippines and Indonesia on sectoral issues and labour migration management in SEA. Regional activities also cover Malaysia and other sub-regional structures as necessary. 

This programme promotes gender-responsive labour migration laws, policies, practices and services that address the characteristics of working in fishing and seafood processing sectors.  It supports the organization and representation of migrant workers in these sectors, including in the protection of fundamental principles. It addresses the legal, policy and institutional gaps and barriers faced by migrant workers in these sectors including in the protection of fundamental principles and rights at work as well as enhance their access to safe, orderly and regular migration by addressing exploitation, forced labour and trafficking.

The programme works with a wide range of stakeholders across the region, including governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations, civil society organizations, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN sectoral bodies, and others. The programme also implements a Communications and Visibility Strategy.  

Reporting line:

The Communications Officer will work under the technical supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser (in Bangkok) and will be directly involved in the planning and implementation, monitoring and reporting of all communications and public reporting components of the programme. The incumbent will work closely with National Programme Coordinators in all countries of implementation, as well as ILO constituents and implementing partners. 

Description of Duties

The Communications Officer will perform the following technical and general tasks:
 
1.    Support the implementation of the Communications and Visibility Strategy of Ship to Shore Rights SEA including the development of original materials to publicly disseminate the work and results of the programme in creative and user-friendly ways.
2.    Support the design, development, and implementation of Ship to Shore Rights SEA information campaigns  and IEC materials at regional and national levels, for example, sector-specific, corridor-specific, labour migration information for migrant workers; international labour standards promotion and ratification of ILO Conventions; promotion of occupational safety and health materials and tools; attitude and behaviour change towards migrant workers in fishing and seafood processing sectors.
3.    Coordinate the design, development, and content uploads to Ship to Shore Rights SEA website and other relevant online and social media platforms, including AP-Migration and other relevant repositories. 
4.    Coordinate the drafting, design, development, and dissemination of quarterly Newsletters for the programme, monthly updates to the programme website, regular Twitter posts, news releases, programme updates, event notifications and invites, tools and other content for dissemination via social media, online platforms, and other traditional media forms.
5.    Coordinate the publication, design, and printing process of publications developed under Ship to Shore Rights SEA, including the development of social and multimedia products to accompany research and publications. 
6.    Lead the development of press and social media packages following publication or event schedules. 
7.    Coordinate internal clearance processes for news releases, publications, and other products in close coordination with ROAP Regional Communications Unit and other ILO stakeholders
8.    Establish and maintain close links with external stakeholders including media representatives, other UN agencies, donors, social partners and civil society organizations and others. 
9.    Coordinate external consultants and service providers in relation to the provision of services related to communications and visibility, such as graphic design, copywriting, editing, content creation, web design, and other aspects.
10.    Maintain and update existing mail and email lists of target audiences, and regularly provide information through these sectors.
11.    Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisors.

Required qualifications

Education

 A university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines. 

Experience

At least three years of professional experience in the field of public relations, campaign management, strategic communications, labour migration, labour rights and/or human rights. Knowledge and experience working with the ILO and/or other UN agencies in the ASEAN region is an asset. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures particularly with technical cooperation projects would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English and Thai in speaking and writing.

Competencies

1.    Excellent writing skills including an ability to nuance and adapt messages to different audiences;
2.    Advanced working knowledge of relevant computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; proven proficiency in InDesign, Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or other equivalent graphics software; proven proficiency in web management;
3.    Proven skills in external communications and liaison and mobilization work with media and civil society;
4.    Proven ability to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and meeting all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards; 
5.    Ability to promote knowledge sharing and learning culture, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group levels; 
6.    Commitment to women empowerment, gender equality and human rights; a clear understanding of  principles of gender equality and ability to communicate these principles with partners;  
7.    Excellent report-writing skills and communication skills and ability to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners; 
8.    Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team;
9.    Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and gender-sensitive behaviour and attitude.

Conditions of employment

Conditions of employment:

Starting salary:             Baht1,588,105.- per annum
Allowances & benefits: Affiliation to the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
                                     Affiliation to the ILO-ITU Staff Health Insurance Fund
                                     Dependants' allowance
                                     30 working days of annual leave