Communications Specialist at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

Communications Specialist Job Responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the Communications team, develop compelling visualizations that engage target audiences through strong design, clear messages and catchy narratives.
• Handling of all digital design needs of AGRA’s communications, ensuring timely delivery of compelling visual design solutions fully consistent with AGRA’s branding, under tight deadlines for external and internal use and for print and digital products.
• Manage the organization’s online presence by maintaining websites, e-newsletters, blogs, social networks and intranet and in ways that drive visibility and engagement. This would include working with the communications team and consultants / agencies to design and develop innovative graphics and content, sound, videos and games and improve the user experience, aesthetics and information architecture of existing and new AGRA online assets.
• Manage Search Engine Optimization (SEO) implementation and monitoring and constantly work towards improving site performance in terms of key metric & qualitative goals.
• Create static and animated info graphics for the AGRA’s website, social media, high-level presentations and publications. Interactive data presentations: Identify and implement solutions for visually compelling dynamic demonstrations of the organization’s work.
• Lead and participate in strategy meetings to discuss and deliver content projects, e.g. digital concepts, campaigns, engagement pushes, communications tactical briefs, media (including electronically published products) and design options, keeping to predetermined technical specifications, costs, schedules/deadlines.
• Provide guidance and support throughout the project production process; Coordinate and follow-up with contractors and other relevant parties and ensure that project in on schedule.

Competencies:

• The successful candidate should demonstrate an ability to work in a highly collaborative and multi-cultural team environment and show a willingness to learn and grow. S/he should have a proven record in online content development and management, website administration through different content management system, social media management and online marketing campaigns.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Knowledge of standard industry production, multimedia processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of typography, layout, photography and color theory as deployed in digital projects and meeting and exceeding laid out objectives.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.
• Must have pride in work and in achievements, demonstrating high personal standards and spirit of excellence; must be conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; be motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; and remains calm in stressful situations.

Qualifications for the Communications Specialist Job

• The candidate must have an appropriate undergraduate Degree especially in Information Technology, Communications and Design.
• Relevant advanced academic and professional qualifications in the above fields will be a definite advantage.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience is required, three of which should be in the management of content and digital strategy for a national, regional or global organization.
• Demonstrated experience in online content development and engagements (including knowledge of current web standards) and motion graphics is necessary. This should include site development process, architecture, coding and navigation protocols and a variety of software used in online production
• Experience in web systems administration and CMS frameworks (Expression Engine, Drupal, and WordPress experience preferred); Familiarity with HTML, CSS and PHP
• Ability to compile, analyze and maintain website statistics and other technology metrics (Google Analytics experience preferred).
• Experience in social media and social networking management and knowledge of blast email strategies and online campaign implementation, as well as familiarity with online campaigning tools such as CampaignMonitor, MailChimp and Communicator Corp
• Deep knowledge of online trends and best practices and demonstrated ability to plan own work and manage priorities and deadlines
• A strong interest in agriculture and sustainable development issues and have the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong writing skills, exceptional communication and organizational skills
• Fluency in English. Ability to work in French will be a definite advantage