Senior Communication and Advocacy Officer

Background

The Centre of Excellence on Early Childhood development (COE-ECD) is dedicated to advancing the welfare and holistic development of children aged 0-6 years. By working with a range of stakeholders, the Centre aims to foster the growth and well-being of children through multisectoral approaches, delivering high-quality early childhood development (ECD) services across the continent. The Centre is positioned to guide policy development, promote best practices, and scale contextually appropriate innovations.

The Center of Excellence on Early Childhood Development (COE-ECD) is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Communication and Advocacy Officerto lead and implement its communication and advocacy activities and strategy as well as effectively promote its key messages to both internal and external audiences. the Senior Communication and Advocacy Officer will play a crucial role in enhancing the center’s brand image, managing media relations, and doing effective communication via selected mediums on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and related issues pertaining the center’s mission and vision. As a result, the center would like to invites potential candidates to apply for the vacant post described below:

Responsibilities of the Senior Communication and Advocacy Officer 

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and advocacy strategy that support with COE-ECD ‘s goals and objectives.

2.  Support internal and external communications, including press releases, BCC materials, newsletters, social media, website content, and employee communications.

3. Create and deliver compelling messaging and content to promote the organization’s brand and drive engagement and support.

4. Serve as the organization’s primary media contact, building and maintaining relationships with key journalists, bloggers, and influencers.

5. Monitor media coverage and ECD sector trends, proactively identify potential issues, and develop strategies to mitigate reputational risks.

6. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, public relations, and executive leadership, to ensure consistent brand messaging across all touchpoints.

7. Organize and manage press conferences, media interviews, and other events to effectively communicate key messages and initiatives.

8. Monitor and analyze communication and advocacy metrics and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of communication and advocacy strategies and tactics and making data-driven improvement.

9. Stay updated on emerging communication trends, technologies, and best practices, and integrate them into the organization’s communication efforts.

Deliverables

• A detailed, written strategy document outlining key communication and advocacy goals, target audiences, messages, and tactics to support COE-ECD’s objectives.

• Well prepared Press releases, Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) materials, Newsletters, Social media content (posts, campaigns), Website content updates and guiding Internal employee communication (emails, intranet updates, etc.)

•  Brand Messaging and Content Creation, Social media campaign content (including graphics and text), Articles & blogs to promote the Center’s mission and initiatives

• Media list/database with key journalists, bloggers, and influencers, Regular media outreach emails or phone scripts and Press contact reports summarizing key relationships and engagements.

• Media coverage reports tracking mentions of the Center and Proactive response plans or mitigation strategies for potential reputational issues.

• Managing Press conference plans (agenda, talking points, speaker schedules), Event materials (invitations, briefing kits for media and guests) and post-event media follow-ups.

• KPI and metric reports evaluating engagement across media, social, and other channels and Recommendations for improvements based on performance data.

• Reports on new communication trends, tools, or best practices and Implementation plans for integrating new technologies into the communications strategy.

Duration

The officer role will run for a period of 12 months, with a potential for extension based on performance, program needs and availability of funding.

Reporting and Supervision

The Communication and Advocacy Senior Officer will report directly to the Chief Executive officer. Regular progress meetings will be held to ensure alignment and review deliverables.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor or Master’s degree from a recognized university in communications, public relations, language and literature or a related field and (10 to 12 years of related experience for Bachelor degree) and ( 6 to 8 years of related experience for Master’s degree)

2. Proven experience in a communications leadership role, preferably in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

3. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns.

4. Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

5. Experience managing media relations and building relationships with journalists and influencers.

6. Knowledge of industry-specific communication ad PR activities.

7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant communication tools.

8. Ability to travel as needed for events and media engagements.

Required Skills 

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for a variety of audiences.

2. Extensive experience in media relations, advocacy crisis communication, and reputation management.

3. Proficient in using various communication tools and platforms, including social media management tools, content management systems, and research tools.

4. Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

5. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with media contacts, stakeholders, and team members.

6. Creative and strategic thinking, with the ability to develop innovative communication strategies and adapt to changing circumstances.

7. Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to gather and synthesize information to make informed decisions.

Competencies and values:

• Professionalism

• Integrity

• Teamwork and respect for diversity

• Commitment to continuous learning

• Planning and organizing

• Communication

• Flexibility 

How To Apply

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter, detailing their qualifications and relevant experience, to fetiyatemam.coe@gmail.com within 7 Calander days of posting. Please note that only

shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

N.B. After submitting your application to the above address please fill out and submit the form using the below link

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKimQJywe289kGldiVrqAHLJBHgxYvssJ_cUdYtQEmspz1zw/viewform?usp=pp_url

Please be aware that unless you fill out and submit the form in the above link, your application will not be taken into consideration.