The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) is a member of a consortium of four agencies implementing a DFID funded Accountable Grant on Public Financial Management, Revenue and Anti-corruption in Sierra Leone. Christian Aid is the lead partner, along with Center for Accountability and the Rule of Law, Restless Development, and Budget Advocacy Network. The purpose of the Communication Officer is to develop communication and advocacy strategies to support a one and a half year project funded by DFID and implemented by CARL,
ROLE PROFILE
BASIC INFORMATION
Job title Communication Officer
Location Freetown, with regular travel to the countryside
Reports to The Executive Director
Deadline for application 8th March 2019
Send application to: 51 Upper Brook Street, Freetown or info@carl-sl.org
Role Definition
Role purpose:
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) is a member of a consortium of four agencies implementing a DFID funded Accountable Grant on Public Financial Management, Revenue and Anti-corruption in Sierra Leone. Christian Aid is the lead partner, along with Center for Accountability and the Rule of Law, Restless Development, and Budget Advocacy Network.
The purpose of the Communication Officer is to develop communication and advocacy strategies to support a one and a half year project funded by DFID and implemented by CARL, among other agencies, on Public Financial Management, Revenue and Anti-corruption. The Communication Officer, with the supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for planning, designing an advocacy and communication strategy to support CARL’s activities under the “Strengthening Public Financial Management, Anti-Corruption And Accountability Institutions in Sierra Leone” programme. The post holder is required to provide technical support and assistance in the design, formulation, management, execution and monitoring of a policy reform and behavioural change policy. Key deliverables include developing a framework for designing and communication Information, Education and Communication materials in a syndicated fashion, among other things. He/she will engage and network with partners and beneficiaries alike.
Role Context
The Communication Officer role is critical to achieving the advocacy goals of the project. The overall impact of the programme is to contribute to Strengthening Public Financial Management, Anti-Corruption and Accountability Institutions in Sierra Leone
The Communication Officer will work from CARL’s office in Freetown but will be required to liaise with other partners in planning and communicating the work of the consortium, in general.
Key Outcomes
- Implement the tasks in the advocacy and communication section of the project;
- Coordinate the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g. briefing notes,
- images, video, etc.) that meet the standards of CARL and its partners;
- Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest
- stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based/social media and additional media, as appropriate;
- Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.) to meet standards approved by CARL
- Establish or maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.
- Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, drafting and maintaining contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country
Role Requirements
Relationships
External
Establishes and maintains a wide network of consortium partners, other NGOs, media networks, Private Consultancy and Knowledge Sector alongside government agencies.
Internal
Reports to the Executive Director – Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law. Maintains a close liaison with various CARL teams and members, including the Project Coordinator, regional and district teams, media and communication, among others
Decision-making
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the role has decision-making authority around strategic media strategy, identification of channels, production of materials, among others. Working collaboratively with the Executive Director and other Consortium partners, the post holder will make decisions relating to the delivery of the project, including ongoing monitoring and assessment of media and advocacy activities.
Person specification
Applied skill/knowledge and expertise
Essential
- Significant experience in evidence-based advocacy, communication and behavioural change.
- Experience in journalism, media and public relations;
- Experience working with non-governmental institutions, supporting efforts towards transparency and accountability on revenue and anti-corruption measures.
- Understanding of the political and economic landscape of Sierra Leone, including policies relating to public financial management, revenue mobilization and anti-corruption.
- Ability to design and draft media and communication strategy
- Proven experience in the management and delivery of highly demanding advocacy and communication-based projects.
- Outstanding communication and networking skills and ability to work individually and in a team.
- Willing and able to pioneer new ideas and to innovate for
- University degree or equivalent in Journalism, political science, international relations, development studies, or a relevant subject.
- Knowledge and expertise in working with donors.
- Excellent writing skills.
Desirable
A postgraduate or equivalent qualification in journalism/communication administration, political science or a specialised professional qualification in a relevant discipline
Further details of specific tasks and duties will be agreed with the Executive Director as part of the performance agreement. Any reasonable duty may be assigned that is consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility.
The post holder will be required to abide by the code of conduct, policies and procedures of Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law