Communications Officer
Media, Pr & Communication, Graphic Design Jobs
Job Description
Communications Officer: CIRAD
Deadline: 25 September 2020
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe, with mandate in Zimbabwe and Zambia
Background
The Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) project in KaZa site will contribute to the local, economic and social development of Zambia and Zimbabwe by promoting sustainable use of natural resources, including wildlife and fisheries, through Community Conservancies (CCs). It will improve the coexistence of humans with wildlife by reducing the costs of protecting livestock and field crops. In addition, the SWM project will contribute to global environmental conservation by promoting, through the CCs, the conservation of protected and endangered species. The project will also contribute to the actualization of a number of regional and international treaties. The project is innovative as it not only quantifies the trade in wildlife but also addresses the socio-economic dimension, and promotes alternative sources of proteins (in particular, livestock, aquaculture, non-timber forest products) to reduce the pressure on wildlife as a protein source. The communities will be largely involved in the project activities, for instance in the setting up of CCs, participating in socio-economic and ecological analyses, management plans, monitoring, evaluation and learning systems. The local communities are at the forefront of SWM’s approach as the involvement of local people is essential for the long-term success of any conservation project in the countries. The SWM team works with traditional chiefs and local communities, and provincial, national and international partners, to sustainably manage and conserve the biodiversity and cultural values of KaZa’s wildlife and wild places.
The Communications Officer will co-design and follow the implementation of the communication plan for the SWM-KaZa site, and design targeted and strategic communication materials to publicise and explain the SWM-KaZa’s work to villagers, government and NGO partners, donors and internationally. He will also give elements to update the SWM programme website, create and leverage media opportunities, along with social media if relevant, to spread the role of SWM-KaZa and broader conservation objectives. This role will also involve the production and design of environmental education materials on topics such as forest conservation, climate change, and sustainable development. This position will involve close liaison with the Communication officer of CIRAD in charge of support for these kind of programmes (based in Montpellier, France), and the SWM communication coordinator based in FAO (Roma, Italy). All new communications materials have to be validated by the central SWM communication team (FAO, CIRAD, WCS, and CIFOR). The position will involve attending meetings and working with SWM project staff and other conservation organizations in both countries.
CIRAD is seeking a dynamic, experienced candidate for the post of Communications Officer to lead the SWM-Project ‘s media engagement work and lead development and production of environmental education materials.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Co-design and lead the implementation of the SWM-KaZa communications strategy and implement the SWM-KaZa annual Communication plan; Lead the development of conservation education and awareness materials (this will include: developing key messages for each programme activity, particularly around the need to bring natural resources harvesting to sustainable levels, designing infographics, posters; producing short videos; develop education resources for participatory, active awareness sessions); Translate scientific and technical information into simplified mode for understanding specifically in simple English. Help this translation in local languages (Tonga, Lozi, Shona and/or Ndebele) with the possible support of translators paid for this duty; Coordinate the development of SWM’s awareness and training materials, particularly those for Community Liaison Officers, Community Facilitators and communities; Promote the relationship with media: draft press releases, organize relevant media events (visits in the fields), take photos and videos, design newsletters, brochures, annual reports for specific audiences; Maintain and update SWM-KaZa website and other social media platforms; Act as liaison between SWM-KaZa management, stakeholders, the public and the media; Coordinate the designing and production of various manuals and reference materials produced out of SWM-KaZa activities; Attend national technical working groups, conservation and education awareness workshops, and open days as directed by the SWM-KaZa Representative; Perform other duties as directed by the SWM-KaZa Representative.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications and requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in media, communication, and/or journalism related qualification is preferred, as well as at least two years of experience working in a media or a communication agency and/or education field. Candidates without a Bachelor’s degree but with further (4+ years) work experience will also be considered; Superb verbal and written skills in English. Basic knowledge in local languages (Tonga, Lozi, Shona and/or Ndebele) is highly desirable; Photo/video shooting and editing skills are appreciated; Excellent graphic design and artistic skills to work on posters, education awareness materials, etc; Experience in producing awareness materials; Experience in engaging with media and in writing press releases and social media stories are required; Knowledge of African communication networks; Radio and theatre experience would also be an asset; Familiar with commonly used computer programs (i.e. Word, Photoshop, etc.); Knowledge of environmental and conservation issues is highly desirable; Experience and a track record of working as an enthusiastic part of small team is essential; Good interpersonal communication skills thus ability to interact with a variety of people of different cultural backgrounds, classes, genders, age groups and social status; Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines; Genuine commitment to the mission of SWM-KaZa.
How to Apply
To apply
Please send a CV and letter of interest to ciradzim@cirad.fr with the subject line: Communications Officer. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview
