Malawi: Communications Adviser

Communications Adviser

• We are recruiting a part-time Communications Adviser to manage the programme communications workplan and support communications outputs to meet the objectives of the programme.
• Fixed term, part-time
• Lilongwe, Malawi

The Programme

The Malawi Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Prevention and Response Programme, also known as the Tithetse Nkhanza programme, is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and its objective is to reduce the prevalence of violence against women and girls and improve the justice system for women and girls living with violence in Malawi.

To deliver the key priorities of the programme, its communications strategy must challenge the deeply held attitudes that allow a pattern of abusive behaviour at every level.

The Position

The adviser will be responsible for managing the programme communications workplan and supporting communications outputs to meet the objectives above. They will work with a short term International Communications Expert to set up the communications protocols, platforms and the workplan.

The Communications Adviser will be responsible for the following:

• Use the programme’s media mapping and own research to analyse platforms being used in Malawi for media and information consumption, to inform proposal on use of social media and online platforms by the programme.
• Work with the International short term consultants and programme team to set primary messaging for the programme.
• Work with the International short term consultants to establish communications workplan and communications protocols.
• Work with the International short term consultants to develop the Visibility Statement, and set up online communications platforms, and social media (if being used).
• Oversee the communications workplan
• Develop communications outputs and support programme team members to develop communications outputs as necessary, to reach the following primary audiences as appropriate for the communications objectives.
  • Malawi government stakeholders
  • UK government stakeholders
  • Malawian public
  • District Councils/target district stakeholder groups
  • Medical, psychological and social care providers
  • Global Development Policy and Research Community
• Provide support to Tithetse Nkhanza events as appropriate, including liaising with media for attendance as necessary.
• Review and update the Communications Strategy
• Write and distribute content to promote the Programme’s brand, activities or products in line with internal policies. Support programme team members to produce content.
• Act as a liaison between the Programme, the public, and the media to ensure visibility and dissemination of information to target audiences.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists, and maintain a media database.

The adviser will work with the team one day a week on a regularly basis. We expect the preferred candidate to be available to work one day a week in the programme’s Lilongwe office (this could be one full day or two half days).

There will also be opportunities for surge support on the programme, particularly to support around key events for the programme, and also at the beginning of the assignment to establish communications systems.

General Responsibilities

• Follow programme processes, including financial and human resources processes, as articulated in the Programme Operations Manual.
• Support programme reporting as requested by the Programme Leadership (Programme Director, Programme Manager, Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader).
• Submit any technical outputs for review by the Programme Leadership before client submission, in accordance with Coffey’s quality assurance procedures.
• Carry out all other reasonable duties that are necessary to deliver the project on time and in accordance with client expectations, and as requested by the Programme Director, Programme Manager, Team Leader or Deputy Team Leader

The Person

Essential experience/qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience providing oversight of communications strategies and workplans.
• Understanding of the Malawi media and communications landscape
• Experience designing and setting up online communications platforms, please provide links or examples in your CV/portfolio.
• Experience developing communications protocols for external communications, including online content and social media
• Proficiency in using design and publishing software and proficiency in using Microsoft, content management systems and social media platforms.
• At least 3 years’ experience creating communications outputs for development programmes or organisations, including social media, online content, reports and other communications products. Please provide links or examples to these in your CV/portfolio.
• Commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment

Desired experience/qualifications

• Communications experience on DFID programmes
• Understanding of social norms change and demonstrable experience delivering communications work on social norms programmes.
• Understanding of VAWG and/or the justice sector in Malawi

https://secure.dc2.pageuppeople.com/apply/680/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=497910&So... Please apply by submitting a CV demonstrating experience against the person requirements. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.