Communication Officer at African Union (AU)

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Communication Officer under the supervision of the Director AU-IBAR shall be responsible for providing strategic guidance on the Communications activities of AU-IBAR. Project

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities of the incumbent shall include the following:

• Provide strategic guidance on the communication activities of AU-IBAR including coordination, advocacy and communication strategies, planning and implementation.
• Work closely with the knowledge management officer, information systems officer, the webmaster and Projects and Programmes Unit (PPU) to develop and/or update the information, communication and knowledge management strategy based on AU-IBAR's strategic plan.
• Provide advocacy, communication and social mobilization support to AU-IBAR projects and activities to promote Information sharing and Communication: and assure maximum visibility of AU-IBAR through
  
  • Working with Project coordinators to bring out, package and promote AU-IBAR achievements;
  • Guide programme activities needing communication support and proactively seek out achievements and disseminate such in the best communication approach;
  • Establish strong linkages with relevant Media/News/Communication outlets, organisations and Institutions to enhance AU-IBAR Communication activities;
  • Develop and roll-out mechanisms for wide sharing of outputs of AU-IBAR achievements;
  • Contribute to the development and management of the Animal Resources Knowledge Portal;
  • Contribute to the promotion of collaborative tools that facilitate sharing of ideas, information and knowledge such as the Intranet, outlook etc.
• Establish a viable media relationship between AU-IBAR and relevant media organisations at continental, regional and national levels;
• Facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge on development and communication in general as well as learning through nurturing and training activities.
• Help to capture and document information and knowledge on animal resources in Africa such as the documenting of lessons learnt and best practices and success stories.
• Work closely with Project Coordinators to document outputs and provide content for publishing of bulletins, policy papers and scholarly articles for wide dissemination
• Disseminate information widely among AU-IBAR's target groups through publications, knowledge fairs and exhibitions; organization of Radio and TV programmes; Development of
• Communication materials etc.
• Work closely with the Webmaster and the Communication Expert to maintain and improve the AU-IBAR news and information dissemination facilities including the website.
• Support AU Member States in advancing good communication practices to enhance visibility of animal resource development activities across the continent.
• Develop and roll out cost-effective training on evidence-based advocacy for increased public and private investment in the animal resources sector

QUALIFICATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, or other related field.
• An advanced degree preferably in knowledge management and/or development
• Communication will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications including Communication IT tools is mandatory

Work Experience:

• Experience in Development communication activities, media relation, advocacy management, organization of focus groups, public communication and social mobilization;
• Familiarity with developing and delivering development Communication and knowledge management programmes;
• Experience in developing and delivering Communication programmes and packages with and for different stakeholders and partner organisations;
• Experience in the animal resources sector would be an added advantage;
• At least five years of progressive experience in areas of communication preferably within an International or continental organization
  
  

OTHER RELEVANT SKILLS:

• Professionalism: Demonstrated technical knowledge and analytical skills related to communication management.
• Leadership: Ability to influence a team of professionals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Planning and organizing: Ability to plan and organize work within a project and ability to make timely decisions.
• Communication: Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly the ability to present information in a concise yet accurate manner; ability to develop consensus among people with varying points of view.
• Teamwork: excellent interpersonal skills and ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity.
• Computer literacy: Working knowledge of data analysis; SAP ERP System, etc

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:

Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages is a must. Knowledge of one or several other working languages is an added advantage.

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of two years, of with one will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance, deliverables and funding availability.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

The AU- IBAR is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

REMUNERATION:

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US 85,212.07 inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US 66,751.81 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff.