Communications Officer (NGO Jobs in Uganda) at Acord Uganda

The Agency for Cooperation in Research and Development-Uganda (ACORD-U), has had
operations in Uganda since 1979. Currently, ACORD-U operates in more than 43 Districts
across the country with thematic focus on; Health, Livelihoods, Climate change, WASH,
IWRM, Research and Peacebuilding. ACORD-U recently received a grant from USAID for
OVC activities in selected Districts of Western and Central Uganda.
ACORD-(U) wishes to invite qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the following
positions under the USAID OVC West Central Activity:

Job Summary:

The Communications officer will be responsible for creating and implementing a communications strategy for the organisation and the Activity. The Officer will provide technical support and advice on visibility and communication. The Officer will provide specific communication support to the OVC West Central Activity and advise ACORD Uganda on matters of adherence and compliance to USAID communication, Marking and Branding Policy.

The Officer will liaise with and support the Communications focal point at the ACORD Secretariat. The Officer will work with the program team and will report to the Chief of Party with dotted reporting relationship with the Director of Programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

Policies

• Ensure compliance to all ACORD Uganda and Government of Uganda policies, procedures and guidelines that relate to the implementation of the programme.
• Ensure compliance  to  all  USAID  Communication,  Branding  and  Visibility requirements
• Ensure implementation of OVC West Central Activity Communications, Branding and Marking Plan and Strategy

Communication, visibility and documentation

• Participate in the Design and Development of the communication strategy for the USAID OVC West Central Activity in line with the USAID policies.
• Undertake and  coordinate  the  awareness  and  dissemination  of  project implementation proceedings and key events through blogs, newspaper articles, radio talk shows, website and social media platforms like Facebook and twitter
• Ensure publicity and visibility of the USAID funded project and other ACORD Uganda work at large
• Support communications in sourcing for marketing/fundraising materials in form of stories, photographs and videos
• Coordinate the process of identifying, documentation and dissemination of most significant change stories, and promising best practices using multimedia platforms
• Support in promoting USAID OVC West Central Activity’s visibility including the use of social media marketing among others.
• Support any ongoing documentation processes and initiate new ones.
• Facilitate any  internal  and  external  documentation  processes  including planning, coordination and getting relevant approvals.

Advocacy and lobbying, research

• Participate in the planning and organisation of conferences, meetings, dialogues

• Represent the organisation at different foras where called upon to do so.
• Develop effective relationships with programme partners and other stakeholders, including government actors.
• Take  active  part  in  the  strategic  planning  processes  of  the  Uganda  Area

Programme

• Monitor communication trends and advise the organisation accordingly.

Reporting and Documentation

• Support  the   ACORD   Uganda   including   the   OVC   West   Central   Activity Programming team in documenting lessons and best practices, and ensure that these are ultimately packaged and disseminated in relevant platforms using the most advanced channels.
• Develop relevant communication materials (newsletter, posters and leaflets) for

ACORD’s projects and ensure consistency and adherence to standards.

• Ensure the Chief of Party, Country Director and Director of Programs are kept abreast of all activities designated to the Job responsibility and any difficulties that may arise, through regular briefing and meetings.
• Ensure project reporting (internal and external) is completed in a timely and accurate manner

Qualifications, Experience and other Requirements:

• Degree in Mass Communication/ Journalism, Social sciences or any field related to development. A master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

• Knowledge of OVC programming is an important aspect and an added advantage

• Skilled in working in a digital environment, personal computing, email and other general office productivity software and other programs related to Communication.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills with strong English language capability

(written and oral) and ability to clearly communicate complex ideas and principles required

• Proven experience developing communication material for a diverse audience

• Experience working on an USAID PEPFAR funded projects is an added advantage

• Experience working with non-governmental organizations on similar tasks

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

• Experience using social media for communication (i.e. blogs, Twitter, Facebook)

• Strong research, analysis, M&E and advocacy skills.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast-paced working environment.
• Highly motivated, flexible and committed to teamwork and desire to work with diverse categories of people.
• Ability to influence and adapt to different stakeholders, internally and externally.

Personal Skills

• Strong documentation, research, analysis, M&E and advocacy skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast-paced working environment.
• Highly motivated, flexible and committed to teamwork and desire to work with diverse categories of people.
• Solution and Result-oriented
• Verbal and written communication skills; both internally and externally.
• Analytical skills;
• Presentation skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and to work with multiple agendas.

How to apply:

Send CV and Application Letter to:  hr@acorduganda.org

Application Closing Date is 4th November 2022 by 5:00pm.