Communication and Advocacy Specialist - GNECC

Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) is a network of about 200 civil society organizations working in the Education sector with branches in seven (7) old southern regions of the country. GNECC’s main goal is to promote quality pre-tertiary education for all children in Ghana through working with
national, regional, district and community-based stakeholders.

As an organization, we value diversity in perspectives and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment that upholds our Core Values (www.gneccghana.org/aboutus/). We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences,and abilities, particularly women and young people. Join our dedicated team and help us achieve our vision of quality education for all children in Ghana

Job Description

Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition(GNECC), a network of about 200 civil society organizations working in the Education sector is seeking a detail-oriented and innovative COMMUNICATION & ADVOCACY SPECIALIST.

GNECC is dedicated to promoting and advocates for equitable access to quality education for all in Ghana through effective policy engagement, networking, research, and monitoring.

JOB PROFILE

The Communication and Advocacy Specialist is responsible for strengthening relationships with media outlets relevant to the strategic goals of the organization–leading to an increased uptake of our stories in the media. This includes developing and
executing communication plans, writing and editing communication materials such as press releases, newsletters, and social media posts, managing media relations, and organizing events and public relations activities.

The position is based in Accra but may require some travelling to the project sites. The Communication and Advocacy Specialist will report to the National Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities for this role:

Develop and Implement Communication Strategies:

• Design and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with GNECC's goals and objectives.
• Create and disseminate key messages, press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials to promote GNECC's initiatives and advocacy campaigns.

Media Relations and Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure coverage of GNECC’s activities and advocacy issues.
• Organize press conferences, media briefings, and interviews to enhance GNECC’s visibility and influence.

Advocacy Campaigns

• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of advocacy campaigns on key education issues in Ghana.
• Develop advocacy materials such as policy briefs, fact sheets, and position papers to influence policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with key stakeholders including government officials, NGOs, community leaders, and development partners to foster collaboration and support for GNECC’s objectives.
• Represent GNECC at meetings, forums, and events to advocate for educational reforms and policies.

Digital Communication and Social Media Management

• Manage GNECC’s social media platforms and website to increase online presence and engagement.
• Develop digital content such as blogs, videos, and infographics to effectively communicate GNECC’s message.

Capacity Building and Training

• Organize workshops, training sessions, and seminars for GNECC staff and partners to enhance their communication and advocacy skills.
• Support the development of communication and advocacy toolkits and resources.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication and advocacy initiatives.
• Provide regular reports on the impact of campaigns and suggest improvements based on feedback and results.

Content Creation and Documentation

• Prepare speeches, presentations, and reports for GNECC events and leadership.
• Document GNECC’s activities, success stories, and impact for internal and external audiences.

Collaboration with Program Teams

• Work closely with program teams to align communication and advocacy efforts with ongoing projects and initiatives.
• Ensure that communication strategies are integrated into programmatic work to enhance overall impact.

Required Skills or Experience

Knowledge

• Must have a thorough understanding of communication principles and practices, including public relations, media relations, marketing, and branding. They should also be knowledgeable about the NGO industry, products or services, and target audience.
• Knowledge on Ghana education system

Experience

• At Least 5 years’ experience in communications, public relations, Public administration, marketing, or related fields.
• Proven experience in communication and advocacy, preferably in the non-profit or education sector.
• Experience in developing and implementing communication plans and strategies.
• Experience in managing media relations, including handling media inquiries, organizing interviews, and press conferences.

Competencies

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Good networking skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects.
• Attention to detail.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in communication, public relations/ Administratiojn, journalism, marketing, or a related field is required.
• A master's degree or professional certification in communication is an added advantage.