🇸🇱 Job Vacancy @ Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation – Marketing and Communications Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Job Title: Marketing and Communications Officer

Location Freetown

Reports To: General Manager

Liaises With: ILCUF, NaCUA and DSIK staff as required

Contract Details: 7 months contract initially, with extension subject to  donor financing

The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is a Sierra Leone registered organisation  which provides financial and technical assistance to Sierra Leone credit unions (financial cooperative  organizations), NaCCUA (the Sierra Leone credit union Apex body) and relevant government  authorities. In its work ILCUF Ltd. adheres to a Code of Conduct that sets out the ethical principles of  its work in the country and its commitment to the highest standards of openness, transparency and  accountability; its nature of work is apolitical, secular, democratic and non-discriminatory. ILCUF’s  mission is to increase financial inclusion and reduce poverty by supporting sustainable credit unions  that empower people and their communities.

The Marketing and Communication officer is a new position in the team, bringing skills, experience,  commitment and passion to enhance, develop and add value to the credit union movement.  Working under the supervision of the General Manager, the main purpose of the role will be to develop and implement marketing, business development and communication strategies and  initiatives for the movement to improve the visibility of CU movement. From time to time, the role  will also work with individual credit unions to support their growth objectives. The role will also  provide support to NaCCUA as its develops and promotes it brand in Sierra Leone. The role is a  senior individual contributor role that will engage with many stakeholders in the credit union  movement and will need to co-ordinate the efforts of a large team of diverse and creative  employees.

He/she will contribute significantly to the growth of credit union movement and the increased  visibility of credit union movement in the country.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES  :

The main responsibilities and duties of the Marketing and Communications officer are as follows: MARKET RESEARCH, STRATEGY & BRAND 

1. Formulate and implement comprehensive Marketing & Communication strategies, policies  and procedures in consultation with ILCUF and NaCCUA Board.
2. Participate in the development of the ILCUF and NaCCUA strategic and business plans. 3. Conduct market research and gathering member information to design suitable marketing  programmes to meet CU needs.
3. Develop and maintain the credit union brand and related guidelines.
4. Gain a clear understanding of grass root member needs to inform product development and  marketing strategies.

PUBLICITY & IMAGE DEVELOPMENT :

1. Promote the positive image of credit union movement and NaCCUA and market the credit  union’s products and services.
2. Prepare and coordinate the implementation of Media and Public Relation plans to create  awareness about credit unions and the CU Movement in Sierra Leone.
3. Develop Credit Union promotional and publicity programs to showcase the achievements of  credit unions to the public and key decision makers.
4. Prepare and deliver high quality marketing campaigns and stakeholder communications  including print, electronic and social media, engaging with 3rd party design teams to  produce the required collateral.
5. Maintain media relations and conduct proactive and reactive PR.

CU MARKETING & COMMS SUPPORT :

1. Coordinate marketing seminars and members’ awareness campaigns.
2. Establish market networks to promote CU products / services.
3. Conduct technical evaluation of member needs and complaints.
4. Maintain relationships with existing credit unions and work with them to jointly meet their  market needs.
5. Advise on forthcoming product developments and discussing special promotions and  activities

OTHER CORE RESPONSIBILITIES  :

1. Regularly updating of the NaCCUA website and social media handles.
2. When required, oversee the design of supporting assets and printing of annual calendars. 3. Prepare key marketing presentations as maybe required from time to time. 4. Support the General manager in developing and managing strategic partnerships and  relationships.
3. Any other duties as directed by the General Manager and commensurate with the scope and  classification of the position.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE :

1. Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline and/or significant industry experience in  communications, marketing, public relations, business development or community services;  2. Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience.
2. Diploma in Mass Communication or Public Relations will be an added advantage. 4. Must be willing to travel to the provinces and work outside office settings.

ATTRIBUTES / SKILLS :

1. Good knowledge of the financial services market and the main products and services 2. Self-confident and motivated
2. Excellent communication skills- strong written & oral skills
3. Negotiation and selling skills
4. Excellent organisational and project management skills
5. Experience in managing websites, online content, e-marketing and social media  7. Experience in Public Relations, media relations and corporate communications  8. Highly developed and demonstrated teamwork skills
6. Ability to coordinate the efforts of a large team of diverse creative employees 10. Good people, interpersonal and networking skills
7. Business driven and Member driven
8. Understands the demands, needs, satisfaction etc. of members
9. Brand champion
10. Good time management skills
11. Creative development experience, including graphic design and knowledge of the Adobe  Creative Suite software (in particular Adobe InDesign) and Canva
12. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

HOW TO APPLY  :

Application, including CV and a cover letter explaining your fit for the role, should be submitted to:  Mr. Solomon Mwongyere, General Manager by email on; [email protected].

Please also include examples of your work, such as social media links, PR piece or other such  samples.

Application deadline is March 30, 2024.

All applicants are thanked for their interest in the assignment. However, only those selected for an  interview will be contacted.