Project Communications Officer - Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech ARD is implementing the USAID-funded Feed the Future Ghana Fisheries Recovery Activity (GFRA).  GFRA aims to mitigate the near collapse of Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries sector and establish a durable basis for its ecological recovery.

To fulfil this purpose, a balanced and strategic approach will be implemented that reduces fishing overcapacity and increases controlled access over Ghana’s small pelagic fisheries sector to encourage ecological sustainability while also enhancing the socioeconomic well-being and local resilience of artisanal fisherfolk and their communities.

GFRA’s five interdependent strategic approaches are:

• Strategic Approach 1: Align fisheries capacity with the ecological carrying capacity of the small pelagic fisheries while enhancing the socio-economic well-being and resilience of artisanal fisherfolk.
• Strategic Approach 2: Increase the quality and value of artisanal fish products to maintain household income and enhance the availability of nutritious foods for local and regional markets.
• Strategic Approach 3: Strengthen transparency, accountability, and co-management in governance practices for fisheries policymaking, regulation, and enforcement.
• Strategic Approach 4: Strengthen constituencies to promote and implement sustainable fisheries management.
• Strategic Approach 5: Improve use of science and research for policy and management decisions.

JOB SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Communication, Social and Behavior Change Communication Specialist, the Project Communications Officer is responsible for supporting the development and timely delivery of project communication products. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Project Information and Communications Products

• Support the implementation of GFRA’s Communications and Outreach Strategy that defines and provides strategic guidance and direction for all communications products and outreach activities.  
• In consultation with technical leads, admin staff, GFRA partners, and service providers, coordinate the production of high-quality written and audio-visual communication products about the GFRA project. 
• Ensure that GFRA communication products are properly branded according to the Feed the Future and USAID Branding and Marking Standards. 
• Solicit information from GFRA technical team and partners to prepare  the GFRA Weekly Updates for USAID. 
• Develop and disseminate weekly newsletters via the GFRA email contact list.
• Track distribution of program branded communication materials . 

Outreach, Events, and Media Relations

• Plan and oversee successful implementation of GFRA outreach events.  This includes developing concept notes, function sheets, communication plans, media engagement, documents for USAID participation and approval for events, engaging with stakeholders on traditional and social media in close coordination with GFRA technical and admin team and partners. 
• Provide communications support to GFRA technical team training, workshops and other activities.
• Support traditional media relationships, engage with and contribute to efforts to involve the media and monitor media coverage. 
• Create and manage WhatsApp platforms for information sharing with key GFRA stakeholders
• Administrative 
• Contributes to the development and adjustment of communications and outreach activities during in quarterly and annual work planning and budgeting processes.
• Participate in weekly meetings with the GFRA Communications and Outreach Team as well as another regular program meeting
• Contribute to GFRA quarterly and annual Reports. 

OTHER TASKS: 

Travel will be required to GFRA sites across the four coastal regions to fulfil the needs of this position. Execute any other tasks necessary to ensure effective communication regarding the project and its subject matter based on discussions with the Communications, Social and Behaviour Change Communication Specialist. Other tasks as assigned by the Chief of Party.

PRODUCTS (AMONG OTHERS): 

• GFRA weekly updates
• Newsletters
• Blog posts
• Success stories, factsheets, brochures
• Other project communication materials such as news features, blog posts, presentations, brochures, posters, banners, photo stories, videos and other relevant materials.

SUPERVISION: 

The Program Communications Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Communication, Social and Behavior Change Communication Specialist, and will collaborate with GFRA technical staff. S/he will also collaborate with Institutional Partners, Subcontractors, Implementing Partners and Grantees to support the development of communications products and build their capacity to develop such products. 

WORKPLACE AND FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The position is based in Accra but will require travel to GFRA sites across the coast. 

Required Skills or Experience

• EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Development Communication, Public Relations, Journalism.
• EXPERIENCE: Minimum 3 years work experience in similar role. Preference for experience working on USAID or other donor funded projects and contractors or in journalism
• SKILLS: Good writing skills, basic graphic design, ability to plan and keep to deadlines, creativity, multi-tasking, able to work under little to no suppervison, good soft skills, ability to conduct interviews and engage with diverse stakeholders.  Knowledge and use of design and communication software, photography and video editing is desired but not required.
• LANGUAGES: Advanced level in English.