🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Concern Worldwide – 2 Positions

Concern Worldwide is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Advocacy and Communications Manager
2.) Mechanic/Assistant Transport Officer

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Advocacy and Communications Manager

Concern Worldwide is a nongovernmental, international, humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Concern Worldwide’s integrated programming approach aims to tackle all dimensions of poverty, focusing on the overlapping areas of health, education and livelihoods while maintaining our response to emergencies. Concern fully integrates equality in all its work, with emphasis on a gender transformative approach. Concern Worldwide has been operational in Sierra Leone since 1996. Programme implementation is primarily in four districts, namely Tonkolili, Port Loko, Western Area Urban and Western Area Rural – with a presence also in Kambia, Koinadugu, Falaba, Bombali and Karene.

Concern would like to invite well experienced and professional applicants for the under mentioned role:

Job Title:Advocacy and Communications ManagerReports to:Matrix Report to Business Development and Knowledge Capitalisation (BDKC) Manager and Programme Development and Quality (PDQ) CoordinatorDirect reports:None presently (but could change in future)Liaises with:

– Country Director (CD), Programmes Director (PD) and Country Management Team (CMT).

– Programme and Project Coordinators and Managers, Gender and Equity Advisor, Grants and Information Manager, MEAL Coordinator, Accountability Supervisor and Partnership Manager; key support systems staff.

– Desk Officer, International Advocacy Team, Communications and other relevant head office staff;

– Advocacy and Communications focal persons in partner organisations.

Job Location:Freetown, with significant travel to operational Districts as required.Contract Details:12 months (renewable)Job Purpose:

The Advocacy and Communications Manager will lead the design and implementation of Concern in Sierra Leone’s Advocacy and Communications plan at country, programme and project levels. This includes providing technical support and capacity building to Concern and partner staff. S/he will contribute strongly to the development and adaptation of Concern’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP).

The Advocacy and Communications Manager will support the development and communication of key messages and evidence from Concern’s programmes and research in Sierra Leone in order to contribute to and influence government policies and strategies that impact upon the lives of people living in conditions of extreme poverty. S/he will play a key role in enhancing Concern’s visibility in Sierra Leone at national and global levels through developing high quality communication materials, organising learning events, and supporting in strategic external engagement.  S/he will play a key role in effective communication with government, donors, UN Agencies, NGOs, other key stakeholders and the wider public in Sierra Leone of information through different internal and external channels, ensuring adherence to Concern’s code of conduct and associated policies, accountability commitments and organisational visibility / branding guidelines.

Main duties & Responsibilities:

Specific Roles and Responsibilities 

Develop and Implement Country Programme Advocacy and Communications Plan:

• Lead the design of the country programme advocacy and communications plan in a participatory manner that identifies advocacy priorities, key messages, target audiences, media/channels for external communications, and avenues for advocacy.
• Work with Programme Coordinators and other relevant staff in Sierra Leone and head office to develop sector and project specific advocacy and communications plans as necessary – but maintain an emphasis on the goals and objectives of the overall country programme advocacy and communications plan.
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of the country advocacy and communications plan and promote/implement adaptations as necessary, engaging senior management and consulting relevant head office colleagues.

Advocacy – contribute to policies and strategies of Sierra Leone government and other actors:

• Promote the effective dissemination of Concern’s programme results and learning to government, donors and other development partners to inform and influence key decision makers in identified advocacy thematic areas.
• Play a leading role in the planning, organization and communication of learning events, visibility activities, visits by donors, government representatives and other stakeholders to Concern’s programme locations and communities with whom Concern works.
• Promote and lead the effective highlighting of Concern’s cross cutting issues in all advocacy efforts – in particular equality, the rights of people living in conditions of extreme poverty and vulnerability and protection of the environment (including adaptation to climate change).
• Represent Concern or participate at donor, government coordination, project consortia, and other external meetings as may be required.
• Support the strategic advocacy efforts of the CD, PD and other senior staff in Concern with government, donors, UN Agencies, other NGOs and other stakeholders.
• Play an active role in the production of high quality written, audio-visual, etc. products for use in advocacy and external communications efforts (e.g. technical reports, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, brochures, newsletters, policy briefs, position papers, videos, podcasts etc.), working with other Concern staff and teams as necessary.

Organisational Visibility – increase awareness of Concern Worldwide’s work in Sierra Leone:

• Ensure that all media and other external communications products reflect advocacy priorities and messages in Concern’s Advocacy and Communications Plan in Sierra Leone, taking into account the local context and sensitivities in Sierra Leone and in operational areas.
• Work with programme teams to identify success stories, innovations, examples of best practice, etc. arising from project implementation and MEAL, which can be effectively utilised in advocacy and external communications.  Build these into strategic advocacy and organisational visibility efforts in line with the country programme advocacy and communications plan targets and objectives. Lead in the production and dissemination of organizational visibility materials (learning reports, case studies, audio-visual products, photographs, etc.).
• Monitor external news media in Sierra Leone – traditional print, TV, etc. and social media.
• Working with the Grants and Information Manager and other relevant staff, maintain Concern in Sierra Leone’s section of the organisational website and social media presence – complying fully with Concern’s social media policy and guidelines. Although the Grants and Information Manager will lead in updating the internal Digital Workplace intranet, the Advocacy & Communications Manager will support this as needed.
• Lead the engagement with Head Office Communications Directorate and communications staff in other support offices on media engagement plans, digital and social media strategies, visibility and communications.
• Train/sensitise all Concern staff and partners to understand and adhere to Concern and donor organisation branding guidelines and requirements. Work with relevant country programme and head office staff to ensure that all communication products and project materials aimed at external audiences are appropriately branded.
• Coordinate with procurement and programme teams in the engagement of external suppliers to develop appropriately branded communication and advocacy materials.

Capacity Building

• Capacity building of staff (induction, briefing, training and on the job coaching) on advocacy and communication – including technical skills such as photography, storytelling, social media campaigning as appropriate.
• Support capacity building work with partner organisations to (a) learn from their advocacy & communications work, (b) empower them to develop or enhance their own plans/strategies and (c) develop joint advocacy positions and plans as appropriate.
• Organise media training for properly approved country programme spokespersons for Concern and partner organisations.

Other responsibilities:

• Participate in the review/development of Concern in Sierra Leone’s Country Strategy.
• Contribute to the efficient and transparent use of all project resources in order to maximize benefits to the targeted communities.
• Within your role, adhere to and promote compliance with the requirements of Concern’s key policies (e.g. Code of Conduct & Associated Policies, Anti-Fraud policy).
• Support the fulfilment of Concerns commitments to accountability (as outlined in the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) to which Concern is a signatory) – ensuring that references to particular communities and individuals in all advocacy and external communication are only made if full consent is explicitly given for this purpose by those to be referred to.  S/he must always demonstrate sensitivity to potential risks to communities and individuals when engaging in communication external to Concern.
• Complete any other reasonable task as may be requested by the line manager.

Person specification:

Essential 

• Bachelor (BA) Degree (MA preferred) in Communications, Project Management, Development Studies, Rural Development or relevant Social Science fields that can bring an added value to the post from a recognized University/College.
• Relevant experience of 4 years, with at least two years working in an NGO.
• Strong knowledge/understanding of development communication, advocacy, and humanitarian and development programs.
• Creative verbal and written communicator.  Ability to produce high quality reports, case studies, etc. and develop effective communication materials including written, audio and visual.
• Advanced interpersonal and communications skills with a range of external and internal stakeholders.  Experience of engaging with media organisations.
• Ability to thrive and act independently in a high-pressured, results-focused, dynamic external and internal environment.
• Highly developed cultural awareness and able to work well in a diverse environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and using learning to strengthen practice.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office – especially Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Desirable

• Experience in developing Advocacy and Communications plans or strategies.
• Familiarity with MS Excel and ability to use Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or other graphic design software is an added advantage.
• Experience of research, context analyses, assessments and evaluations.

Emergency responseConcern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and Sierra Leone Programme is to respond, all staff are expected to be willing to actively participate in emergency responses, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.HIV & AIDS

Concern Sierra Leone is committed to respond to HIV & AIDS and to a supportive working environment for those infected or affected.  Each staff member is required to contribute to achieving this commitment by:

• Raising awareness and being updated on HIV & AIDS issues.
• Protecting him/herself and colleagues.
• Sharing information with colleagues and avoiding stigma and discrimination.

Gender Equality

Concern Worldwide in Sierra Leone recognizes that the establishment of equality of opportunity between men and women is fundamental to both the achievement of fairness and to poverty elimination.

Therefore, each staff member of Concern is expected to be sensitive to equality issues in their relationships with colleagues and in their work and to participate in implementation of gender mainstreaming plans, both at the workplace and in programmes.

Safeguarding at Concern: Code of Conduct and its Associated Policies 

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct (CCoC) with three Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisation, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct in their workplace in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Subsequently, working or volunteering with Concern is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.  

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply with:

• An application letter clearly justifying how you meet the selection criteria
• Recent Curriculum Vitae including names and full contact addresses of three (3) referees, one of whom must be their current or most recent employer.  
• Candidates must state the position of each referee and his/her relationship to the candidate.
• A copy of a valid labour card must be attached to ALL applications (written or electronic)
• Police Clearance will be required from the successful candidate

Applications should be sent either through email or by hard copy to the following addresses.

You can send through email to [email protected] OR deliver in Hard copy to the below locations

HR Department, Concern Worldwide, 20 Old Railway Line – Signal Hill, Freetown

HR Department, Concern Worldwide, 156A Freetown Highway Mile 91, Tonkolili.

HR Department, 25 Upper Kamara Lane, Back of EDSA substation, Port Loko

Please mark your application as per the references stated in position above

(by email please put the reference in the SUBJECT heading).

Closing date for receipt of applications for the above vacancy is 17.00 on Tuesday 3rd September 2024

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

PLEASE NOTE THAT A COPY OF THE APPLICATION LETTER (written or typed) MUST BE SENT TO THE NGO DESK OFFICER, MINISTRY OF LABOUR & SOCIAL , NEW ENGLAND OR EMAILED TO Email: [email protected] 

“FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY”

2.) Mechanic/Assistant Transport Officer

On  this note, Concern would like to invite well experienced and professional applicants for the under mentioned role:

01.  Job TitleMechanic/Assistant Transport OfficerReports to:Transport OffficerDirect reports:Not ApplicableLiaises with:Mechanics, Programme and Systems StaffJob Location:FreetownContract Details:Fixed Term ContractJob Purpose:

The person appointed will be responsible for maintaining the Freetown vehicles and assisting the transport officer in the management of Concern Worldwide’s Transport in Freetown so as to ensure that:

1. Our transport fleet is used efficiently and effectively to transport personnel engaged in porgramme activities.
2. Do maintenance and repair work on all Concern Vehicles and Generators.
3. Supervise motorbike mechanic contractor when carrying out mechanic work on motor bikes.
4. Assist Transport Officer to make sure that all vehicle documents such as log books, checklists, no liability forms etc are always in the vehicles.
5. Document the repairs and maintenance of vehicles, generators and motor bikes.

This objective will be achieved through the implementation and continuous improvement of CWW policies and procedures for transport fleet management.

Main duties & 

Responsibilities:

Currently there is a fleet of seven vehicles, five motorcycles, two generators based in Freetown Head Office and four vehicles and a generator based in Port Loko.

The job of the Assistant Transport officer is to:

        •     Do maintenance and repairs work on all Freetown and Port Loko vehicles and Generators.

• Assist in the recruitment and selection process of new drivers.
• Document all service, maintenance and repairs work on vehicles, generators and bikes.
• Supply fuel to all concern residences and ensure generator log books are correctly filled.
• Submit monthly fuel cost for all generators to Transport Officer.
• Ensure daily and bi – weekly checks and no liability forms are availble on all vehicles.
• Update the vehicle movement board daily.
• Assist the T.O. in making sure all vehicles are kept clean and tidy and in a safe roadworthy condition.
• Assist to make sure drivers’ overtime sheet are inputted correctly and submitted on time.
• Ensure that drivers do daily vehicle check before any movement and checklist signed and filed per week.
• Support the Transport Officer in ensuring all drivers comply fully with Concern procedures, especially on the reporting of accidents involving Concern vehicles.
• Supervise all external works on Concern vehicles, generator and motorbikes
• Submit monthly maintenance cost for all vehicles to Transport Officer.
• Assist Transport Officer in the procurement and verification of spare parts.
• Assist the Transport Officer on the day to day vehicle allocations.
• Carry out preventive maintenance checks on all vehicles.
• Any other related duty assigned by the Transport Officer, Logistic Coordinator or  the Systems Director.

1. To support program development processes in Concern Worldwide Sierra Leone by;
   1. Participating in programme development activities like contextual analysis, baseline studies, specific studies when called upon.
   2. Respecting, upholding, and actively supporting the broader Concern Worldwide Sierra Leone and Concern Worldwide organisational initiatives within the context of knowledge management, planning monitoring and evaluation and sharing innovations and learning from Concern interventions.

1. Work as a team member of Concern Worldwide in Sierra Leone, by:
   1. Establishing and developing effective working relationship with staff in Concern Worldwide
   2. Participating in team decision making, planning and joint activities
   3. Supporting other project areas in your area of expert whenever requested to do so
   4. Adhering to Concern’s programme and other policies on physical and financial resources

Person specification:

1. Education

Must have vast mechanical knowledge to carry out maintenance and repairs work on vehicles and generators.

Must have at least Auto mechanic certificate.

1. Job related Experience and Knowledge

At least 3 years experience in a transport/logistics function.

Good communication skills.

Ability to work on own initiative, and proficiency in excel are essential.

1. Time required in Job to reach effective performance

Probation period – Four Months

Time to reach full effectiveness – One Year

Emergency responseConcern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and Sierra Leone Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organizationHIV & AIDS

Concern Sierra Leone is committed to respond to HIV & AIDS and to a supportive working environment for those infected or affected.  Each staff member is required to contribute to achieving this commitment by:

• Raising awareness and being updated on HIV & AIDS issues.
• Protecting him/herself and colleagues.

Sharing information with colleagues and avoiding stigma and discrimination.

Gender Equality

Concern Worldwide in Sierra Leone recognizes that the establishment of equality of opportunity between men and women is fundamental to both the achievement of fairness and to poverty elimination.

Therefore, each staff member of Concern is expected to be sensitive to equality issues in their relationships with colleagues and in their work and to participate in implementation of gender mainstreaming plans, both at the workplace and in programmes.

Safeguarding at Concern: Code of Conduct and its Associated Policies 

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct (CCoC) with three Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisation, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct in their workplace in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Subsequently, working or volunteering with Concern is subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.  

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply with:

• An application letter clearly justifying how you meet the selection criteria
• Recent Curriculum Vitae including names and full contact addresses of three (3) referees, one of whom must be their current or most recent employer.  
• Candidates must state the position of each referee and his/her relationship to the candidate.
• A copy of a valid labour card must be attached to ALL applications (written or electronic)
• Police Clearance will be required from the successful candidate

Applications should be sent either through email or by hard copy to the following addresses.

You can send through email to [email protected] OR deliver in Hard copy to the below locations

                                           HR Department, Concern Worldwide, 20 Old Railway Line – Signal Hill, Freetown

                                           HR Department, Concern Worldwide, 156A Freetown Highway, Mile 91, Tonkolili.

HR Department, 24 Upper Kamara Lane, Back of EDSA Substation, Port Loko 

Please mark your application as per the references stated in position above

(by email please put the reference in the SUBJECT heading).

Closing date for receipt of applications for the above vacancy is 17.00 on Monday 2nd September 2024

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

PLEASE NOTE THAT A COPY OF THE APPLICATION LETTER (written or typed) MUST BE SENT TO THE NGO DESK OFFICER, MINISTRY OF LABOUR & SOCIAL, NEW ENGLAND OR EMAILED TO Email: [email protected] 

“FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY