Uganda: Communications Officer- One Vacancy based in Kampala (Open to Ugandan Nationals Only)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps does high quality, analytical work in difficult places. We have been operating in Uganda since 2006 and currently implement development programs in the Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja sub-regions of Uganda with funding from USAID, DFID and ECHO, among others. Apolou (“Growth” in Nga’karimojong) is a 5-year USAID funded DFSA activity operating in the four districts of Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong and Amudat. Apolou has four objectives grounded in social behaviour change and supports gender-transformative and resilience outcomes:

1. Inclusive and effective governance contributes to food and nutrition security.
2. Improved health and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, children under five and adolescent girls.
3. Improved WASH conditions.
4. Adolescent girls, adolescent boys, women and men access diverse and secure livelihoods through improved capacities and strengthen market systems.

The Communications Officer will work primarily on the Apolou Activity but will also have the opportunity to support other Mercy Corps Uganda programmes.

General Position Summary

This is a new position for the country program that looks to boost the profile of Mercy Corps Uganda’s work internally to the agency and with external stakeholders. The Communications Officer will be responsible for generating communication materials including briefs, reports, success stories, design branded materials, and press releases. The Communications Officer will copy edit documents to be shared with donors and external stakeholders. The Communications Officer will increase media coverage related to activities of Mercy Corps Uganda. Part of this role also includes building the capacity of team members and partners to be able to capture stories, take captivating photographs, and improve the quality of communication materials generated by the teams.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Communications and Public Relations

• Develop a communications plan and strategy for the Apolou Activity and SP3
• Support Apolou and other Mercy Corps Uganda programmes to develop communication materials for internal and external audiences
• Support the design and drafting of communication plans, press releases, website content, newsletters and any other communications material (annual report, social media, speeches, editorials, Q&As)
• Compile monthly programmatic reports

Staff Capacity Building

• Ensure all team members and partners are aware of and compliant with Mercy Corps media and communication protocols, including branding
• Develop and implement a comprehensive staff training series to build team capacity in the area of Communications (written, spoken, photography);
• Build the capacity of local partners in the area of Communications
• Ensure all team members are aware of and compliant with Mercy Corps and USAID media and communication protocols;

Event Management

· Support the organization of events in support of programme activities. Including drafting invitations, documenting events, generating materials in support of the event (banners, promotional materials, press releases)

Organizational Learning

· As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

· Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility None

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Programme Quality and Partnerships Manager

Works Directly with: Field staff, Mercy Corps Programme Managers

Ethics and Integrity

All Mercy Corps staff members are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

Knowledge and Experience

· A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media Studies, Public Relations or a closely related field.

· At least 3 years’ experience in a Communications role, having worked with Uganda media is an added advantage.

· Strong computer skills and administrative experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, InDesign, Social Media outlets etc.)

· Strong facilitation skills to deliver training to diverse groups

· Excellent writing and editing skills in English

· Strong ability to efficiently prioritize competing demands with attention to detail

· Ability to speak local languages of areas of operation an advantage

Success Factors

A successful candidate will be a self-starter with ability to work both independently and in collaboration with a team, be able to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and manage a variety of diverse details. He/she must have the ability to occasionally work evenings or weekend hours.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Kampala, Uganda and it requires up to 20% travel.

How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their E-mail applications including a cover letter clearly stating the salary requirements, updated CV (with three professional referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates addressed to the Senior HR and Legal Manager, Mercy Corps Uganda to: ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org. Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Friday, July 27th 2018. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.