Requirements
Core Competencies
Ability to be attentive and responsive to the needs of clients – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity – Ability to plan and prioritize own work and to work well under tight deadlines
Excellent communication skills; Demonstrated experience in writing articles and text for professional publications.
Education;
Under graduate or Advanced university degree in Communications, Public Relations or related qualification;
A minimum of eight years’ experience in designing, implementing and managing information services and communication strategies, preferably with a regional or international experience ;
Sound knowledge of information management techniques and tools for data collection, processing and dissemination based on the latest ICTs, marketing and communications principles, guidelines and best working practices. Excellent knowledge and skills in computer applications of MS Office,;
Understand and be fluent in the use of software applications and Internet search techniques and desktop publishing programs.
Knowledge of the COMESA region is desirable.
Language Requirements:
Proficiency in written and spoken English. French is an added advantage.
Location:
The work will be undertaken at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka and might involve regional
Responsabilities
a) Develop and implement communication strategy for the Local Sourcing project
Within the framework of LSP and operations objectives, develop and implement communications and information strategy and carry out communications activities to promote and share information about the LSP; both internally and externally.
Provide technical advice and support to staff in planning and developing relevant information and communications products.
Ensure full coherence and alignment with partners’ requirements (ICF, USAID, and CBC) in implementing the communication strategy.
b) Communication and Marketing Services
Support the Project manager in all event management activities; which includes: organization, communication, Public Relations under the LSP events.
Initiate and implement a proactive and effective communication strategy to promote the LSP, and the brand’s identity of all partners.
Develop and Produce public relations materials, edit and layout reports and other promotional material, and assist with planning, publicizing, and carrying out special events.
Draft Speeches and communication materials for LSP meetings and training in liaison with the LSP project team.
Ensure branding of meetings venues and documentation for meetings.
c) Information Services
Provide technical inputs to the design and development of the CBC website and the web-compatible CBC databases, in particular the main repository database and the Business Linkages Portal and Enterprise
Intelligence database. Recommend the most appropriate entry and display formats as well as search functionalities and outputs.
Drafts website updates and news releases on LSP, as directed by LSP Project Manager.
d) Media Relations
Coordinate media relations, including: Drafting press advisories, press releases, coordinating interviews, monitoring media coverage, responding to journalists’ inquiries and media requests in close collaboration with the LSP staff.
Identify, develop, distribute and evaluate variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats (Press releases, feature stories, success stories etc). Ensure or enhance the quality, appropriateness of country specific communication materials, activities, processes and messages transmitted to the press, partners and public.
e) Stakeholder Communication and Advocacy
Sensitize the LSP stakeholders on the project, and ensure a continuous flow of information between stakeholders and partners by means of:
Developing and managing an interactive discussion forum on the CBC website
Producing promotional material to market and increase awareness on LSP programs and services
Writing and publishing information about LSP to both internal (COMESA policy organs, CBC members) and external audiences in liaison with LSP staff.
Drafting a quarterly newsletter to inform all CBC members and partners about LSP as well as other related development in the region of particular interest to the private sector.
f) Knowledge Management for the LSP project
Integrate the project’s knowledge management into internal and external communications strategy and assist in making knowledge and information available for learning, advocacy to all stakeholders; internally and externally.
Consistently collect, analyses interpret and disseminate to members up-to-date information relating to LSP.
Develop and keep a repository of LSP information: reports, Concept Notes, newsletters and other documentation.
g) Any other duties as assigned by the CBC Coordinator.
