Communication Information and Knowledge Management Officer-Uganda Job

Organisation: African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS)

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Ref: AFAAS/ CIKM /CIKMO/2013-007

Reports to: Executive Director

About AFAAS: 

The African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS) is the umbrella organisation for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (AEAS) in Africa. Its objective is to create efficient, effective and synergistic linkages and partnerships between AEAS of member countries to improve the delivery of these services to farmers. It operates within the framework of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), specifically CAADP Pillar IV which has the objective of enhancing the livelihoods of African farmers and pastoralists. The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has been mandated to lead the implementation of CAADP Pillar 4 and it’s in this context that AFAAS has strong collaboration with FARA and the Sub Regional Research Organisations (SROs).

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Periodically update and implement AFAAS’s communication and social media strategy i.e. produce and disseminate public awareness materials such as case studies, policy papers targeted at development partners and policy makers;
• Build on the AFAAS communication strategy to develop media relationship i.e. relating with International and African Press Agencies to disseminate AFAAS important news or events such as the Africa Wide agricultural Extension Week, symposia held biennially and; drafting press releases, and opinion pieces on agricultural extension and Advisory services ( AEAS) issues in Africa;
• Contribute to the regular updates of AFAAS information and communication tools
• Contribute to the production of AFAAS quarterly and annual reports, and lead the publication of reports in soft and hard copies;
• Offer support to regional nodes, Country Fora and AEASstakeholders to effectively integrate into communications processes in order to harmonise actions at global, regional and national levels;
• Design, develop, produce and distribute audience specific English, French Portuguese and Arabic AFAAS key messages and results and manage promotional launches for key initiatives and publications in AEAS in partnership with the regional organisations/ bodies;
• Package organisational and programme achievements and success stories for information sharing to aid resource mobilisation efforts;
• Monitor events, opportunities or developments relevant to Africa’s agricultural development at the global, continental, sub regional and national level;
• Coordinate AFAAS’s response to requests for information in a timely, cost effective and appropriate manner on various issues raised by AFAAS Stakeholders;
• Design media strategies to increase the visibility of AFAAS and its members and to position AFAAS to better influence the AEAS agenda;
• Support the internal communication and information flow, define activities aimed to facilitate information and knowledge sharingamong AFAAS’s diverse constituency and act as AFAAS Public relations officer and spokes person;
• Develop and strengthen AFAAS guidelines and templates; advise on issues related to branding, use of the AFAAS logo, copyright, editorial/style norms, and other topics;
• Offer technical support in supervising Knowledge Management and communications consultants, including writers, editors, translators, proof readers, designers, and web masters, including partnerships in communication;
• Steer the development and use of AFAAS websites, social media and multimedia tools and supervise the maintenance and expansion of AFAAS websites and the intranet and ensure regular content updates; and innovative use of web tools;
• Perform any other duties as might be assigned by AFAAS Management from time to time.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:  

• The applicant should hold a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent degree in development communications and communication management or other relevant qualification;
• Prior international experience in developing countries and particularly in Africa and in agricultural issues with focus to agricultural development;
• At least seven years experience with an outstanding record of achievement in information and communication and knowledge management,
• Excellent scientific writing skills in French and English and ability to make presentations and write well under pressure and a commitment to meeting deadlines
• Knowledgeable and experience in managing of social media tools;
• Fluency in French and English, both oral and written, being bilingual shall be an added advantage;
• Possess the ability to present AFAAS activities at public fora and serving as a spokesperson;
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment;
• Should have a stronger experience on political economy issues, in Agricultural research and development transformation in Africa.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications with a cover letter and comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with the names, addresses, telephone numbers of three referees should be addressed to the Executive Director-AFAAS , AFAAS Secretariat, Plot 22A Nakasero Road; Kampala, Uganda.

E-mail: secretariat@afaas-africa.org all emails copied to msnahdy@afaas-africa.org

NB: Please include the position reference code indicated above as part of your subject when forwarding your application. Successful candidate is expected to assume office as soon as possible. AFAAS is an equal opportunity employer and is sourcing for applications from all African regions and female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline: 12th February, 2014