PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Qualifications and EducationBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, finance, international relations, social sciences, or other related field from a recognised university.
A master’s degree or other relevant post-graduate qualifications would be a strong advantage.
Essential Experience, Knowledge and SkillsAt least 10 years’ experience in a strategic communications role, with at least 5 years at senior management level.
Strong project management skills and experience, including managing multiple priorities, motivating staff, and managing budgets.
Experience with both traditional media and social media, including strategy and execution. Experience in the strategic use of social and other digital media to expand organizational branding, reach and impact.
Proven track record leading marketing and communications staff with measurable impact in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent command of both written and oral English (evidenced by a portfolio of quality written products in a variety of forms).
Proven ability to break complex topics into easy-to-understand communications.
Experience working in a multicultural environment, including in Africa.
Strong diplomatic skills: Confident presence, ability to interact with senior level interlocutors, and to exercise sensitivity in all interactions and situations.
DesirableTrack record working on complex donor-funded projects, managing risk and ensuring value for money.
Working knowledge of ICT and digital media tools for photography; Web Content Management Systems (CMS); Graphic design; Infographics; Audio production; and video editing.
Knowledge of other languages a plus (Portuguese, local African languages).
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS
1. Strategy & Planning
Lead on the development, coordination, and implementation of a communications strategy that leverages and optimises the FSD Network’s unique position, thought leadership and influencing capacity and collaborative programming efforts:
Develop an understanding of the social, political and media environment of the FSD Network, and commission research as required to gather relevant information on potential audiences and opportunities.
Infuse strategic communications perspectives into Network-level programming, policy influence, partnerships, and advocacy planning.
Support the FSD Network Directorate Director in clarifying the Network’s communications agenda; liaise with the Council and Taskforce and other key stakeholders and development partners to understand mindset changes and other influencing challenges that are required for the collective success of the Network.
Coordinate a network-wide process of prioritisation, leading to the development of:
A multi-year strategy articulating the contribution of communications to the achievement of the FSD2.0 strategy
Innovative strategies for the use of social and other digital media to maximise the brand recognition and reach of the FSD Network
Annual business plans and budgets for the Communications function; aiming to deploy limited Network resources for optimum value for money
A results management framework, making a link between the expected impact of communications on organisational success, the strategies and plans articulated, and realistic mechanisms for evaluation
Monitor the impact and effectiveness of FSD Network communications, evaluating various metrics and making necessary adjustments to drive continuous improvement.
2. Function LeadershipLead the Communications Function for the FSD Network, taking responsibility for oversight of a portfolio of strategic, network-wide, initiatives:
Keep abreast of emerging developments in the communications field; act as an expert resource to FSD Network members, especially communications leads.
Ensure that the communications function is resourced with the expertise necessary to deliver on plans through a combination of: engagement of FSD colleagues with relevant skills and knowledge, procurement of consultants and recruitment of staff (if approved).
Liaise with the ICT Manager to source, manage, and fully utilise digital platforms and technological advances to maximum effect, including the FSD Network intranet.
Tactfully manage relationships with FSD peers, always ensuring that Network communications efforts fall within the Network’s strategic mandate with reference to the unique identities of the FSDs.
Assist the Network Communications Steerco in coordinating the FSD Communications Working Group (CWG), comprising communications leads from all FSDs.
3. Project ManagementManage all communications projects, marketing campaigns, publications, engagement strategies and tools for the Network Directorate and cross-FSD initiatives:
Plan and organise the work of the communications function to accomplish strategic and project goals and targets in the most cost-effective and impactful manner possible.
Support the design, content development and implementation of campaigns and other activities to achieve the Network’s goals and impact.
Ensure that FSD colleagues who are involved in communications projects and campaigns are resourced with the knowledge and expertise necessary to deliver; provide support and training as required.
Monitor implementation against the milestones of the communication plan and the FSD Network’s Measurement and Results Management (MRM) framework performance indicators.
Manage the budget associated with network communications activities in line with organisational policies, ensuring that optimal value for money is achieved.
4. Public RelationsLead the FSD Network’s PR function, including the press office and portfolio of events; when called upon, act as the spokesperson for the Network, ensuring that its values, insights and positions are well articulated:
Manage and nurture relationships with relevant media and key stakeholders to enable proactive outreach (including in partnership with FSD communications leads); maintain good working relationships with journalists and generate positive media coverage.
Participate in high-level meetings on behalf of the FSD Network when called upon, ensuring its values, insights and positions are clearly presented and understood.
Coordinate the conceptualisation and implementation of impactful Network events and conferences, as well as leverage publicity for such activities by partnering with FSD communication leads.
Identify potential reputational risks and proactively develop appropriate mitigation tactics for deployment in potential crisis communications.
5. Knowledge ManagementWork closely with the FSD Network Directorate Director, Comms Steerco and FSD communications leads to ensure that knowledge is managed and communicated effectively to relevant target audiences across the Network:
Carry out audience analysis and mapping to identify specific audiences that will potentially benefit from the knowledge generated by the Network, and what requirements they might have in terms of content and presentation.
Liaise with colleagues involved in learning and knowledge management to support the development/maintenance of a central Network knowledge hub; utilise the system to enhance delivery of communications strategies, especially to facilitate the sharing of best practice around the Network.
Liaise with the Network MRM function and other colleagues involved in communications to appropriately allocate responsibilities and ensure that sufficient resources (people, systems, and infrastructure) are in place for quality delivery.
Job Requirements
Required education
: Post-graduate education
Required relevant work experience
: 10 years
Required languages:
English (Spoken: fluent | Written: fluent)
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