Communication Advisor - SNV

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has an annual turnover of €130 millions, over 1,600 staff in more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.

SNV currently aims more explicitly for systems change during project preparation and implementation – by strengthening institutions and kick-starting markets that help many more to escape poverty beyond our projects. We continue to position ourselves as a premium organisation, with decentralised management. Our Global Support Unit (70 staff) backstops our teams around the world.

SNV has been working in Ghana since 1992 and currently has offices in Accra, Tamale and Nandom, while working directly and through local partners within the sixteen (16) regions of Ghana. Presently, SNV Ghana is implementing a Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Nutrition in the Upper West Region of Ghana, precisely in the Nandom and Lambussie Districts.

With funding from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Healthy Future for All (HF4A) project aims at improving the quality of life for all and specifically increase the number of children under 15 years growing up in a hygienic environment at home and in school. The project focuses on creating demand for sustainable WASH infrastructure, change in behaviour on the usage of these facilities, support the private sector to improve on sanitation markets through creating of an enabling environment for them to operate in whilst also ensuring the functionality of these facilities.

We currently seeking applicants for a full-time position for a Communication Advisor. The position is based in Accra, Ghana, with regular field visit to project implementation areas.????? 

Job Description

The Communication Advisor will be responsible for fully developing and implementing the project’s communication and visibility plan and for supporting the internal and external communication strategy of the project, to contribute to effectively branding the project and to enhance communication and knowledge sharing. The Advisor will be providing support to the HF4A project on general communication support and handling of social media activities for the project. S/He will be expected to support in increasing awareness and achievements of the HF4A project.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the key responsibilities of the Communication will include:

Development Communication:

• Further develop the project communication and visibility strategy and ensure its implementation, in close collaboration with the project team. This will include a communication plan and media relations.
• Work closely with the Behaviour Change Communications Specialist on the project to design and implement key messages based on findings from field surveys
• Ensure strong messaging on the project in alignment with the organisation’s strategic goals and the donor communication and visibility standards.
• Develop and execute dissemination strategies tailored to the organisation’s communication and visibility manual and overall project goals.
• Prepare invitations, flyers and promotional material in relation with campaigns for the project and relevant conferences.

Branding:

• Coordinate the project-related communication activities.
• Produce good quality communication material for the project including branding of all infrastructure facilities and publications (photos, videos, etc.

Media Relations

• Support the organisation of public relations activities, corporate branding and higher visibility of the donor.
• Draft messages for different media and audiences (articles, interviews, blogs, press releases)
• Coordinate press and media contacts and references to the project in the press and media; co-write press releases; maintain relations with the local newspapers, TV and radio.
• Manage and further strengthen social media accounts; coordinate social media and online media (including blogs).

Qualifications

• Master’s or degree in relevant subject areas including Development in  Communication Studies, Mass Communication, Journalism or a related field and demonstrated excellence in journalistic reporting, editing, interviewing and writing journalistic style stories.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a communication role, particularly in designing and implementing communication and visibility strategies.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, team building, presentation, partnering and representational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Very good drafting and editing skills; interest in data visualisation.
• A highly motivated individual with a strong customer service orientation
• Good time management, planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, content management systems, and social media platforms. Solid digital skills (knowledge of html, web analytics and graphic design software are a plus).
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to convey complex issues in an accessible way.