Vacancy title:
Communication Officer

Jobs at:
War Child Canada

Deadline of this Job:
5th May 2017 by 5:00pm

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda with regular field travel.

Job details:
Communication Officer
Duty station Kampala, Uganda with regular field travel.

War Child Canada is a registered Canadian charity based in Toronto. War Child Canada works with war-affected communities to help children reclaim their childhood through access to education, opportunity and justice. War Child Canada takes an active role in raising public awareness around the impact of war on communities and the shared responsibility to act. When war itself ends, the consequences endure. A lack of employment opportunities, the absence of effective economic or social structures, an under-educated population and a culture of impunity around rights violations combine to create conditions that make a return to conflict all too possible But by making a long-term investment to create an environment in which childhood can thrive, the cycle of violence can be broken.

Position summary
Reporting to the Country Director, Uganda, and working in close collaboration with the Head of Programs, Uganda and Communication Manager at WCC Headquarters, the Communication Officer is an integral part of the War Child Canada's Program Team in Uganda. The position holder will be responsible to lead and coordinate War Child Canada Uganda‘s communication and outreach work and ensure regular documentation, internal and external dissemination and promotion of WCC projects activities, operations and events in Uganda. The position holder will also support the country team in the design and production of information, Education and Communication (IEC), internal and external communication, advocacy and visibility materials.

Responsibilities
Communication and Outreach Management (50%):

• Work closely with the Country Director, Head of Programs and Communication Manager at WCC Headquarters in the development and implementation of country level communications strategy and protocols.
• Lead on the implementation of War Child Canada's Uganda's communication work and ensure that it is fully understood by the country team.
• Ensure that all trainings, workshops and public education activities are adapted in accordance to the Uganda context, and all WCC communication and brand guidelines are followed at each level.
• Work with and support project teams in developing and implementing context
• appropriate Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials and community outreach communication packages, including radio spot packages and panel discussion programs.
• Build and maintain internal communication activities to keep staff informed of organizational vision, mission, values, and program achievements. In consultation with the Country Director and Head of Programs, lead on the timely and appropriate production and dissemination of success stories of projects, operations and events through publications, internal/ external newsletters, media, WCC website, and social media.
•  Lead and coordinate all activities related to the photography and production of documentaries of WCC Uganda projects
• Work closely with program teams and provide technical support in program design and development process, with particular focus on communication and visibility.
• Conduct regular field visits to WCC project sites in order to gather information, data, and documentation of best practices and success stories.
• Assist the field program staffing writing and producing high quality success stories and other communication materials.
• Assist the country team and ensue that they fully understand and adhere to War Child Canada‘s branding guidelines and compliance to communication strategy, policy and protocol.
• Represent WCC Uganda in external communication forums, working groups and networks.

Media Engagement (30%)

• Build and maintain contacts and relationships with key electronic and print media outlets (radio, TV, press) and communicate WCC work, success stories and events, and raise the profile of the organization.
• Assist the Country Director in all activities related to media engagement including interviews.
• In consultation with the Country Director, be responsible to organize and accompany all media visits to WCC project locations, including photography and filming of projects.
• Ensure that War Child Canada‘s branding guidelines are followed when it comes to communication with media and use of media.

Documentation, Reporting and Learning (20%):

• Ensure all policy documents, communication policy, tools and templates are rolled out and staff and partners clearly understand these.
• Prepare and submit regular communication related updates as well as monthly, quarterly and annual reports to the Country Director.
• Work with the Head of Programs and field program teams to collect, document and disseminate success stories, high resolution photos or any other communication material required as per HQ for internal and external dissemination.
• Lead on producing internal WCC Uganda monthly updates and quarterly newsletters.
• Liaise with WCC Communication Manager at HQ as well as Communication Officers in other WCC operation countries, to share best practices and learning.

Requirements:

• University degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relation, Media Studies or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible and relevant experience working in the field of communication or public relations.
• Experience of working in various media formats, including photo, audio, video, print and web.
• Proven experience in managing digital communication and social media.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrable skill in computer systems including interactive digital media.
• Excellent written and spoken English language, including strong writing skills and ability to adapt style and key messages for different audiences.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, diplomacy and presentation skills.
• Strong strategic, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced team environment, while simultaneously managing multiple tasks.
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and meeting of deadlines
• Willingness and ability to travel outside Kampala, often at short notice and for an extended period of time.

Job application procedure
Interested applicants are invited to submit hard copies of their curriculum vitae and an accompanying cover letter in a sealed envelope to:
Human Resources Manager
War Child Canada (WCC)
Block 244, Plot 1006, Muyenga – Kampala

Please ensure your application envelop has the subject treading of application for Communication Officer, WCC Uganda". Applications sent in any other form, including fax, e-mail, etc. will not be considered.

War Child Canada is committed to providing a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Final candidates will be vetted in accordance with War Child Canada’s Child Protection Policy, including appropriate reference and security checks.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be notified. No phone calls please.

For more information about War Child Canada, please visit www.warchild.ca 
Deadline: 5th May 2017 by 5:00pm