Communications and Outreach Officer at African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)

Academic Qualifications

A Degree in Communication Studies or any other related discipline from a recognized university is required. A Master’s Degree in the relevant fields will be an added advantage.

Skills and Competences

• Proficiency in English and French is compulsory. Knowledge of any other international language will be a great advantage;
•  Strong interpersonal and networking skills to work well with wide range of stakeholders to elicit accurate information and expression of views on relevant issues;
•  Strong coordination, facilitation, negotiation, networking, lobbying and advocacy skills;
•  At least 3 years proven experience in communications, outreach and public relations, preferably with an international organization;   Good writing and presentation skills in English and French; 
• Strong skills in the web-design and layout of documents for publications; and
•  Female applicants will be given high priority for this position.

Personal Attributes

•  Good communication leadership characteristics
•  A Self-starter with a strong desire to learn
•  Ability to work as part of a team
•  Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership in the communications and outreach department of the ATPS in serving its diverse network members with contents that meet the needs of its different network categories;
•  Develops communication strategy for ATPS and for different projects and programmes as may be required;
•  Markets the ATPS brand across its wide stakeholders including donors, development partners, policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and the civil society actors among others;
•  Regular maintenance and updating of the ATPS website with contents as well as running all the social media platforms on behalf of ATPS;
•  Writing, editing, proof-reading and web-designing and laying-out of all ATPS publications on a timely basis including ATPS publication series, Annual Reports, Quarterly Newsletters, popular articles, book volumes, Research and Working Papers, etc.;
•  Collecting information and stories necessary for the publication of in-house newsletters four times a year, news articles, bibliographies, brochures, program promotions, media outreach, etc. on a timely basis;
•  Assisting in the fundraising effort of the ATPS communications team through proposal writing and bidding for contracts etc.;
•  Assisting in running the ATPS Information Resource Centre;
•  Working with consulting designers, editors and other suppliers to publish institutional documents;
•  Assisting in organizing media and public awareness events and campaigns and other special events, such as the Scientific Revival Day for Africa;
•  Preparing the ATPS promotional and advocacy materials;
•  Maintaining contact with the press, information professionals, communicating with libraries and publishers for documents and information requested by ATPS staff;
•  Assisting the team in media outreach and information dissemination-related activities and supporting the implementation of relevant public events; 
• Designing and implementing the ATPS advocacy and communications strategy plans;

Delegation of Responsibilities for this position:

•  80% time to be spent in Communication and Outreach activities
•  20% time to be spent in fundraising activities