Communications and Public Relations Officer at Fairtrade International

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Oversight
  • Lead the development and execution of an integrated continental communications and public relations strategy to build FTA’s reputation and brand recognition with key audiences.
  • Provide strategic advice and support to the Executive director and the senior leadership team on all facets of communications and campaigns.
• Media Management
  • Establish, nurture and sustain strategic partnership with mainstream media and public relations partners to boost FTA’s public image, profile and visibility.
  • Develop and implement FTA’s media strategy aligned to the organization’s Strategic Plan and programs.
  • Manage risk and brand reputation to ensure media work benefits Fairtrade Africa and safeguards our staff, programmes, partners and the producers we work with.
  • Analyze and advise FTA’s Senior Leadership Team on changing trends and opportunities in the continental and global media landscape
    Ensure that FTA’s events calendar is managed to leverage national and international moments to maximize communications opportunities.
    Ensure crisis communication preparedness, and communication procedures are known and respected.
• Content Development
  • Gather internal organizational knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages and disseminate it to the right audiences through identification of the most effective distribution channels.
    Produce high quality materials including information packs, opinion pieces, press releases, speeches, news reactions, photos, blogs, annual reports, newsletters and videos.
    Support regional offices in ensuring adherence to communication policies, protocols, standards and brand compliance.
• Capacity Building
  • Provide technical support, mentorship as well as on the job training to staff at the regional level on communications and campaigns.
  • Providing overall direction and support to communications teams at the regional level about capacity building of producers on communications and media relations.

External relations

• Work with regional teams, programmes staff and partners to ensure production and availability of high-quality communications products for a wide range of audiences including donors, policy makers and the public, at global, regional and national levels.
• Lead in the production and dissemination of positions papers and statements, key messages, fact sheets on identified campaign themes.

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of University Degree or equivalent in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies or International Relations. A Masters’ Degree in any of these fields is highly desirable.
• At least 7 years of experience in managing and developing communications and public relations strategies and plans.
• Superb storytelling and case studies writing skills that create compelling angles for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to identify and understand different audiences and utilize appropriate communication channels and content.
• Fluent English is essential; knowledge of French an asset.
• A well-developed network of media contacts in Africa.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Capacity to operate successfully in a fast- paced and multicultural environment

Skills:

• Strong organizational and influencing skills.
• Must be flexible and have a well-developed interpersonal skill
• Ability to work under pressure within an office environment and perform routine and ad hoc tasks.
• Able to work independently under minimal supervision in a multi-cultural working environment
• Respect for confidentiality; affinity with the aim, objectives and beliefs of FTA.
• High proficiency in handling varied, demanding and complex tasks
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work with the ability to be part of a team
• Able to manage competing priorities to tight deadlines