World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

World Vision International Sierra Leone (WVISL) has been operational since 1996 assisting communities with various interventions in health, education, child protection, water & sanitation and livelihoods.

Applications are requested from suitably qualified Sierra Leoneans to fill the position of Communication Officer in Freetown. (Open to Sierra Leonean Nationals Only)

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

To take the lead, under the supervision of the Communications Manager, in preparing materials for informing donors, the government, communities and the general public of World Vision’s work in Sierra Leone through the production of a range of written, audio-visual and photographic communications resources/ materials, and contribute to informing staff of internal developments and policy change/development in World Vision in line with the National Office Business strategy, vision and mission working with International and local media for improving the image of the organization in line with Regional and Global communication standards.

Communicate World Vision’s Christian ethos and demonstrate a quality of spiritual life that is an example to others.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Content Development for internal and external Engagement

• Produce high-quality child-focused written stories that demonstrate World Vision’s impact for engagement on digital channels, and marketing, fundraising and public engagement.
• Produce high quality, child-focused visual content (photo and or video) that inspires, engages and positively transforms diverse audiences.
• Support the production of high impact communications products to facilitate World Vision’s external engagement efforts and resource acquisition.
• Initiate relevant topical content in support of World Vision’s key priorities and key global moments for use to engage audiences.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with field staff to facilitate successful coordination and planning of field visits.
• Package and disseminate stories to World Vision global offices through approved information management channels.
• Support World Vision International Sierra Leone to reach its target audiences and inspire meaningful action.
• Ensure all content complies with World Vision’s safeguarding protocols.

Media Communications

• Develop and maintain key media contacts and build strategic relationships with media in Sierra Leone, including international correspondents and wire agencies.
• Proactively pursue opportunities to pitch compelling story ideas including press releases to the media.
• Facilitate and coordinate World Vision’s engagement with the media in Sierra Leone to position the organization as a credible voice for children and voice of authority on advocacy, humanitarian and development issues.
• Coordinate, plan and facilitate media visits to World Vision’s programmes.

Emergency Response Communications

• Produce high-quality, compelling and child-focused communications resources during emergencies to draw attention to the humanitarian needs and support World Vision’s marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Monitor context issues including reputational risks, and proactively share information for prompt decision making.
• Coordinate and facilitate media engagement during emergencies, including draft social media updates, key messages and press releases.
• Facilitate and coordinate the development of reports, including situation reports, during emergencies.
• Provide overall communications support to the Response teams and leadership.

Internal Communications

• Participate in the design of communications business plans and initiatives that ensures the communications department delivers high-value results.
• Support the production of content for WVI Sierra Leone internal communications/engagement initiatives.
• Facilitate staff engagement during key global moments.
• Support staff training to effectively communicate the impact/contribution of World Vision in Sierra Leone.
• Facilitate, coordinate and liaise with service providers to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of results.
• Support planning and coordination of World Vision’s public events.
• Support all communications aspects of internal and external engagement for other departments.

Branding and Reputation

• Ensure World Vision’s reputation and brand is protected and strengthened through effectively managed external engagement.
• Ensure World Vision’s brand consistency and appropriate implementation across offices of World Vision and donor branding and visibility guidelines.
• Monitor and track online, traditional and social media and report relevant information to senior management to inform decision making.

Others 

• Participate in inter-agency meetings of interest and strategic to World Vision on behalf of communications manager.
• Any other responsibilities as might be assigned from time to time.

WVI GENERAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Be Safe and Resilient

• Build Relationships

• Learn and Develop

• Partner and Collaborate

• Deliver Results

• Be Accountable

• Improve and Innovate

• Embrace Change

WVI LEADERSHIP CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Model Self-Management
• Engage, Influence, Lead and Grow Others
• Run an Effective and Agile Organisation
• Develop the Organisation for the Future

QUALIFICATIONS:  EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training:

• Educational level required: (Bachelor’s) degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field

• Experience: 5 years and above of working experience with a focus on communications for an international development organization.
• Excellent writing, editing and photography skills. Videography skills is an added advantage.
• Experience creating content for digital platforms i.e., websites and social media.
• Experience in media, the humanitarian sector and donor engagement.
• Able to travel and work in the field is an essential function of the position.
• Fluency in English (writing and verbal)
• Personal faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ, as expressed through World Vision’s, mission and core values

Technical Skills & Abilities:

• Computer skills.
• Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
• Ability to achieve results working in a multicultural context and with diverse teams
• Ability to work harmoniously with teams, meet tight deadlines under pressure
• Strong collaborative, networking and influencing skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Agile, proactive and driven personality

If this position appeals to you, send a letter of application with your updated CV to the email address recruitment_wvsl@wvi.org.

Application sent through other means will not be accepted. Please ensure that subject reads ‘Application for the position of “Communications Officer’’ Referees of the successful candidate will be contacted so please include your referees’ current email and telephone numbers.

                                                                Closing Date: April 8, 2022                   

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

World Vision International Sierra Leone takes diligent measures to screen out people who might seek to work with them to ensure they do not harm children or adult beneficiaries in the discharge of their duties. A successful candidate for this position will therefore be screened and required to sign the World Vision Child and Adult Safeguarding Policy. World Vision International Sierra Leone will also conduct a Police check for successful applicants.

                                    WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

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