Regional Communication Officer – West Africa Network at Fairtrade

ABOUT THE ROLE

To position Fairtrade Africa as a champion of decent livelihoods and fair working conditions for farmers around the continent and a thought leader on matters (Fair) trade through engagement with strategic stakeholders and dissemination of relevant information across a mix of channels/platforms.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Performance Areas

Communication Strategy

• Work with the regional programme team and the External Communication Coordinator todevelop, implement and evaluate the regional communications strategy.
• Support advocacy initiatives with key stakeholders, including government, NFO bodies,service providers, and media.
• Manage the implementation of FTA’s regional engagement and communications plan.

External Relations and Media

• Develop press materials including press statements and releases, and information kits/factsheets.
• Implement a robust media management strategy that includes establishing and sustaininglinks and contact with relevant journalists within the region to increase awareness of FTA work among journalists.
• Organise and management quarterly media briefing engagements to convey information toJournalists on ongoing or new FTA projects within the region.
• Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and act as a spokesperson for the region.
• Maintain records of media coverage and collate analytics and metrics.
• Manage crisis communication as it arises and escalate to management.
• Analyse M&E reports and generate impact stories for publication on newsletters, website andsocial media.
• Produce and oversee production of FTA’s publications; newsletter, annual reports, project profiles, product brochures etc.
• Manage the development and production of content for the website, social media and printpublications.
• Develop effective internal communications mechanisms to ensure that news and events are known internally and publicized externally as appropriate
• Plan events, workshops and press conferences and oversee production of merchandising and branding materials.
• Undertake an evaluation of each event, maintaining accurate data, including reviewing and reporting against the objectives of the various events. Member/Producer Support
• Create and manage a producer mailing database and identify strategies and extensive effective communications of impact stories to producers, donors, and NFOS.
• Plan all member communications and create e-shots for forthcoming events and activities
• Build first-class relationships with key contacts at member organisations
• Support with implementation of specific marketing activities relevant to membership, promotional and recruitment campaigns
• Contribute to the production of written materials for website promotional documentation

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Communications, media or related field
• Be a member of a professional PR or Communications body

Experience and Knowledge

• At least 3 - 5years work experience in communications, writing and content creations, in an NGO setting
• Experience in using social media channels and extending their reach
• Knowledge of desktop publishing software

Skills

• Strong writing skills
• Ability to create engaging news stories and content for external audiences
• Technical skills in publications production and design to include photography and digitizing
• Good interpersonal and team working skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, content management systems and social media platforms.
• Problem solving and analytical skills