Jobs at:
AfriChild

Vacancy title:
Communications and Advocacy Officer (Re-advertised)

Deadline of this Job:
not later than December 19, 2016 at 5.00pm

Duty Station:
Kampala, Uganda

Job details:
The AfriChild Centre for the Study of the African Child is a multi-disciplinary research and training centre that contributes to knowledge building and skills development to improve the well-being of children in Uganda and Africa. AfriChild Centre seeks to employ suitably qualified, self-motivated and hardworking candidate for the position of a Communication and Advocacy Officer.

Summary of the position
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Communications and Advocacy Officer will design, manage and lead the implementation of the AfriChild communications, advocacy campaigns, and publication activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Communication and advocacy

• Develop and implement the AfriChild communications and advocacy strategy,
  
• Integrate advocacy and communication activities into relevant programmes,
  
• Develop and maintain close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector to promote the uptake of research to inform child-focused policies and programs,
  
• Develop and promote advocacy materials to enhance AfriChild visibility and research uptake,
  
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews and launches to disseminate research findings.

Documentation and visibility:

• Develop content for the web site and social media and work with the Website Specialist to regularly update content on the website,
  
• Develop and maintain regular media contacts and provide newsworthy information to the media,
  
• Identify and document best practices and lessons learned in research, training and dissemination of research findings,
  
• Identify and develop storylines for publications and articles for local media and contribute to debates on key development issues;
  
• Coordinate and manage all AfriChild publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to research print reports.
  
• Participate in writing proposals and donor reports
  
• Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments;
  
• Work with the program team to develop quarterly and annual progress reports
  
• Build capacity of Centre staff in communication and advocacy.
  

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
Functional Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
  
• Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies;
  
• Ability to develop and manage media campaigns;
  
• Proven networking skills, and ability to generate interest in children issues and research;
  
• Strong multi-tasking skills;
  
• Networking skills with various stakeholders including government, donors, media houses and CSOs
  
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners
  
• Ability to meet tight deadlines.
  

Education:

Minimum of a bachelor degree in mass communication, journalism, public relations, business development, international development, or other related humanities or social sciences degrees.
Training in Media relations, photography and creative writing is an asset

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in public relations, communications, advocacy or international development;
  
• Previous experience working with NGOs, government and media houses is an asset
  
• Knowledge and experience working to promote children’s rights
  
• Experience in using computers and office software package including Power point, Publisher, Adobe CS, or other publication design software, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems, including social media platforms;
  
• Specific training in media relations, photography or creative writing would be an asset;
  
• Experience in public speaking and/or event management would also be an asset.
  

Job application procedure
Interested applicants should send their CVs and expression of interest addressed to the Executive Director via email to info@africhild.or.ug or hand delivered to The AfriChild Centre, located on Plot 103, Mary Stuart Road, Opposite Lumumba Hall, Makerere University not later than December 19, 2016 at 5.00pm. Those who had previously applied need not apply again. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in the second week of January 2017.