Communications Officer, SSEIP2

FCDO awarded Mott MacDonald to lead the implementation of the Sierra Leone Secondary Education Improvement Programme (SSEIP) 2, which builds on the work of the first phase: Sierra Leone Secondary Education Improvement Programme (SSEIP), also called Leh Wi Lan (Krio for “Let’s Learn”). The programme will support the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) to improve learning outcomes for boys and girls at the secondary level and to increase the enrolment, retention and well-being of girls and children with disabilities in school.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are at the heart of our organization. We promote equal opportunities and have initiatives to create an inclusive workplace culture. WE ARE ESPECIALLY KEEN TO HEAR FROM FEMALE APPLICANTS TO CREATE A GENDER-BALANCED TEAM. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make any adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Job descriptionJob titleCommunications Officer Salary rangeNegotiable, contract positionTime commitmentFull-time, contract positionLocationFreetownTravelThe position requires regular travel nationwide to the district and school level.Start dateMay 2024Report toCommunications SpecialistExample duties and responsibilities

Overall objective: to support the implementation of Leh Wi Lan’s graduation strategy.

Specific responsibilities:

• Support preparation and dissemination of engaging and informative communications products, which may include (but are not limited to) success stories, case studies, evidence briefs, leaflets, fact sheets, infographics, and audio-visual products, such as promotional videos.
• Work effectively with MBSSE at all levels and development partners to ensure effective institutionalization and transition of processes, initiatives, and lessons learned beyond the life of Leh Wi Lan.
• Support capacity building of MBSSE and TSC Communications Teams and Working Group.
• Help plan and deliver activities and events aligned to the work plan and ensure programme milestones are achieved.
• Develop budgets and work plans for activities.
• Coordinate regional and national level events.
• Ensure that all programme communications adhere to UK development and the programme’ s branding guidance.
• Capture high-quality photo and video content.
• Ensure that all photographs, videos, and other assets are securely stored as per Mott MacDonald guidelines alongside the necessary permissions and credits.
• Create and maintain a searchable database of high-quality photographs suitable for use in communications/promotional materials.
• Manage the programme’ s social media accounts.
• As required, update content on the programme Knowledge Platform and provide documentation for the MBSSE website.

In addition, the candidate will:

• Attend all meetings of the LWL programme team.
• Contribute to the programme’ s quarterly reports as requested by the Deputy Team Leader or Communications Specialist.
• Complete all such ancillary and further tasks as may arise from time to time.

Closing dateApplications must be received by CLOSE OF BUSINESS  30th April 2024How to submit

Please click on the link and follow the instructions. External: https://apply.mottmac.com/job-invite/1800/

NO HARD COPIES ACCEPTED

Please list your preferred district (s) in the subject or your cover letter in order of priority if you have more than one 

What to submit

Completed cover letter AND Curriculum Vitae, including 3 referees preferably HRs of your former and current employers.

Please use the Job Title as the subject of your email application

Candidate profileExperience/skills

• Strong writing, analytical and creative thinking skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to coordinate across the wider programme and with government and other development partners, building collaborative relationships.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
• Enthusiasm for learning and for developing new skills in communications in line with FCDO and Mott MacDonald processes.
• Experience working with national media houses, including print, radio and TV.
• Ability to create and maintain detailed work plans, down to hourly logistics as needed (e.g., training workshops, team travel to districts).
• Ability to understand and create activity budgets.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to safeguarding, child protection, equality, and inclusion.
• Experience using a DSLR camera Experience in social and behaviour change communication is preferred.
• Experience working with government, namely MBSSE, TSC and MoGCA.
• Experience working on multi-partner programmes.
• Experience delivering communications-related training and capacity-building.
• Proficient in Adobe PremierPro and InDesign.

Mindset

• Independent and proactive.
• Keenness to bring about positive change.
• Collaborative and respectful of others.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Willingness to travel regularly to remote schools.
• Willingness to learn and adopt Mott MacDonald norms, procedures, and systems.
• Commitment to uphold the highest standards of ethics, and personal and professional conduct, and lead by example on safeguarding, safety, financial integrity, inclusion, and respect for others.

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree in a relevant area.
• At least 5 years of practical experience delivering front-line programmes in Sierra Leone, preferably in education.

Language

• English (professional proficiency)
• Krio (fluent)