Communications Officer

Organisation: The Centre for Women in Governance (CEWIGO)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Reports to: Executive Director

About CEWIGO:

The Centre for Women in Governance (CEWIGO) is a national Non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2006 with a vision of governance that affirms the principles of gender equality, integrity, accountability, sustainable development and peace. CEWIGO was established with a desire and commitment to achieve the political participation of women beyond numbers, an effective women’s participation that would influence the governance agenda in Uganda to make it more responsive and sensitive to women’s problems, needs and concerns.

Job Summary: The Communications Officer will be responsible for raising awareness of CEWIGO among her partners and clients, developing and disseminating information to the general public, media, government, NGOs and other key stakeholders. The job holder contributes to the development of communication strategies for key programmes and campaigns and coordinates their implementation in terms of national, regional and international advocacy, media and online campaigning.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Communications/Media:

• Build strong and active relationships with the media to increase CEWIGO’s profile in Uganda, East Africa and internationally.
• Increase scope and content from the field for CEWIGO’s external communications across all platforms including traditional media, social media, website and multi-media, to raise the profile of CEWIGO’s grassroots activities and impact.
• Assist in the identification of opportunities for increased media coverage of CEWIGO’s work nationally, regionally and internationally.
• Take lead in the production of CEWIGO’s annual reports (written and photographs), Newsletter and programme brochures.
• Review documents and any other documentation from workshops, high level meetings as required and develop stories and blogs for external audiences.
• Commission short films/documentaries on relevant issues, or for specific events and in conjunction with field teams and staff.
• Develop CEWIGO’s communication strategy and ensure its adoption across the organization.
• Periodically review and give oversight to all external CEWIGO communications, including articles, blogs, website and social media, in compliance with CEWIGO’s recognized policies.
• Where required edit reports, articles and proposals for clarity and conceptualize graphics that drive or support the written material.
• Co-ordinate the production and publication of the communications calendar including daily twitter, weekly blogs, monthly e-newsletter, monthly reports and annual reports.
• Research and author articles and blogs.

2. Advocacy:

• Produce and disseminate CEWIGO position statements and lobbying letters on key advocacy issues, proactively and in response to events.
• Aid on the identification and securing of partners and sponsors to develop joint advocacy promotions that increase awareness of CEWIGO’s activities and the Uganda Women’s agenda.
• Strengthen advocacy partnerships and initiatives with local ecognizedna and CEWIGO partners.
• Represent CEWIGO at meetings with partners as required, acting as key liaison with

stakeholders, key government officials and individuals, donors and representatives of

international agencies and local organizations.

• Optimize CEWIGO’s representation within human rights advocacy/lobbying networks in Uganda.
• Help in raising awareness among the public and those in positions of authority of CEWIGO’s work
• Ensure consistent messaging across the organization.
• Research and document areas that can generate a need for CEWIGO’s intervention in relation to CEWIGO’s organizational goal.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of CEWIGO’s advocacy strategy

3. Management:

• Develop, direct and deliver a communications and advocacy strategy with measurable outcomes, and ensure effective monitoring/evaluation and reporting.
• Steer the Communications and Advocacy team, including direct line management of staff, consultants, interns and volunteers.
• As the lead person on Communications and Advocacy contribute to the development of recognized policies, strategic and annual plans, budgets and risk assessments.
• Offer training support to staff and partners on advocacy and communication issues including legal frameworks, media skills, presentation skills and photography.
• Manage the Communications and Advocacy budget.
• Perform any other pivotal duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Work closely with colleagues across the organization to ensure that communications and advocacy targets are met, and marketing of CEWIGO’s work is effective to create newopportunities for partnerships and support.
• Create and execute an innovative three year communications and advocacy strategy and annual action plan and budget for its implementation.
• Develop information material for different audiences through different media channels. You will work across the organization to mobilize and align communications, media and advocacy activities to engage partners.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant should possess a bachelor’s degree in Law, Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, English and Communication Skills, Education with a bias to English Language or Literature, or a relevant degree from a recognized institution.
• Possess an additional post graduate qualification in a Communications related field will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of five years in the management communications of a reputable organization
• Possess a good understanding of the human rights framework , appreciation of gender and women’s rights
• Prior experience in managing a communications and media team, including: oversight of strategic development; development of quality written, photographic and video material; quality editing skills for internal and external audiences;
• Strong understanding of marketing and branding and its role in communications; ability to maximize media opportunities and respond effectively to media inquiries.
• Excellent track record of advocacy work, including development of advocacy strategies, influencing policy with government and civil society, and a strong understanding of the international development partners and affiliated bodies
• Demonstrable success in developing and implementing integrated communication strategies to diverse audiences.
• Strong knowledge in Information Technology (IT)and use of various internet tools and social media platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team
• Ability to use a still and video camera with excellent result.

How to Apply:

All candidates should send their applications to the Executive Director with updated CVs, cover letter, copies of certified academic documents, testimonials, contacts and details of at least three (3) referees (one of which must be from the current employer) to info@cewigo.org; cewigo@gmail.com

E-mail: 30^th January 2014.