External Communications Manager at Vodafone Ghana

Role purpose: 

• To lead the development and execution of communication strategies with a focus on managing corporate brand related risks and opportunities to protect and build reputation       and brand value.  
• Provide strategic communication solutions for the business and offer oversight responsibility for engaging with stakeholders.
• Develop a process to manage and align the company’s external messaging in a way that builds and sustains Vodafone’s image and reputation. 
• Work closely with local and international media houses to manage Vodafone’s media exposure. 
• Coordinate the external communications and the stakeholder engagement work streams to deliver the strategic objectives of the business.
• Be the main SPOC for Vodafone Ghana on all external communications, studying trends across other VF Opcos for best practice sharing etc.
• Responsible for managing the PR of the Foundation to promote brand affinity and ensure a strategic communication plan for the Foundation all year through. 

Job Responsibility
Communications and Media Relations: 

• Liaise with the Foundation and Sustainability manager in facilitating internal and external communications and visibility on the Foundation and Sustainability issues
• Public Profiling /Awareness Creation on the Work of the foundation
• Act as the communications business partner for senior management and various functions, providing relevant communication solutions to help build the Vodafone Brand
• Develop and execute integrated communication plans aligned to the strategic objectives of the business
• Fashion out policy standards applicable to Corporate Communications in line with Group standards
• Manage the media exposure of the C.E.O. and all SMT members through the necessary preparations, Q and As, fact sheets and interview schedules. 
• Monitor news items and ensure that the right mitigation measures are taken on negative stories about the VF brand.
• Supervise the tracking, on a daily basis, of reporting on VF Ghana and competitors in key news channels.
• Pitch stories in a way that generates positive news for the Vodafone brand.
• Develop and sustain relationships with key media personnel to help Vodafone’s story telling.
• Create content for news releases, articles, speeches, presentations for various channels including Vodafone’s website, Facebook, Twitter and any other social media channels
• Develop and implement a social media strategy for VF to enhance competitive advantage
• Develop and apply monthly themes to the various content created and distributed across news channels.

Reputation Management and Public Relations:

• Develop programs to enhance the profile and reputation of Vodafone as the telecom company of choice in Ghana
• Prepare position papers for Vodafone on critical industry issues and ensure consistent messaging across audience 
• Position Vodafone as a thought-leader in the telecoms industry through relevant engagements and exposures
• Provide guidance and direction in a way that ensures that Vodafone leverages the PR value in its key events and sponsorships. 

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Media relations management and Communication strategy development
• Experience in providing communication guidance to senior management
• Stakeholder identification, mapping and analysis
• Project management, communication and reporting experience 
• Good knowledge of business structures and processes.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills (Essential)  
• Ability to develop and manage budget
• Ability to work with people effectively at all levels both within and outside the organization 
• Executes media relations, content and channel management for social media/digital storytelling, financial, corporate, policy and crisis communications
• Plan and activate specific communications and media profiling of CEO, Board and Senior Executives in line with company priorities.
• Provide communications for overall EA strategy and priorities to drive engagement and reputational improvements among key external stakeholders

Must have technical / professional qualification:

• Good understanding of the environmental and socio-economic agenda, through qualification and experience (Essential)
• Knowledgeable in Social Responsibility in general with focus on Ghanaian environment.
• Possess strong organization and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet short deadlines.
• Have good interpersonal skills to accommodate all shades of opinion from people with diverse background in the discharge of the role.
• Demonstrable expertise in understanding the needs of an organization’s audiences and delivering appropriate messages using a variety of channels
• Prior experience in developing and implementing an effective strategic external communication plan for a large organization
• Must have ten (10) years minimum experience in Corporate Communications or related field in a large organization