Communications Officer at WFP | June 2024

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes.  Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications with relevant experience in an international organisation.
Language: National Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language and Swahili Language:  ability to read, write, converse and conduct translations.

Experience    
One year of postgraduate professional experience is the minimum requirement. Additional years of relevant professional work experience in communications related fields is desirable.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

World Food Programme (WFP) Tanzania is recruiting a Communications Officer.  The position is based at the Country Office in Dar es Salaam and reports to the Head of the Communications, Marketing and Advocacy/Partnerships Unit. The Unit plays a critical role in highlighting the WFP’s work, both internally and externally, in alignment with the goals and objectives in WFP’s Country Strategic Plan (2022-27). 

JOB PURPOSE

To implement the communications strategy by supporting and delivering a range of communications activities including media relations, social media management, content creation and branding.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

1. Contribute to the implementation of country communications strategy and project communication work plans designed to maintain and enhance the visibility and   reputation of WFP, as well as support fund raising activities in alignment with overall WFP’s corporate strategies. 
2. Develop high quality information products for both print and electronic platforms including newsletters, briefs and fact sheets which describe and promote the work of WFP to targeted audiences. 
3. Collect audio visual content (photos and video footage) and write human interest stories to showcase WFP’s work to both internal (WFP country, regional and global offices) and external audiences. 
4. Provide substantive, specialised support, co-ordination and recommendations to ensure efficient production of video, photo and radio products.
5. Generate donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of online platforms.
6. Write press releases, speeches, key messages and take them through the cycle from draft to final stages. 
7. Organise visibility events (including handover ceremonies, agreement signing events) in collaboration with external stakeholders (donors, Government, development partners).
8. Coordinate with local and international media outlets – print, TV, radio, online, digital to leverage reach and manage a network of media professionals and journalists who can elevate WFP’s brand and reputation.
9. Develop engaging social media content and manage the WFP Twitter Account. 
10. Monitor and analyse traditional and social media to inform the development and/or evaluation of communication activities and strategies. 
11. Support capacity building of WFP staff on all aspects of communication and provide guidance within area and level of expertise in order to ensure that all activities meet desired standards of consistency, quality and impact.  
12. Support the implementation of corporate branding and marking plans to ensure consistency in the portrayal of WFP’s visual identity (in publications, signages, etc)
13. Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to support WFP to quickly respond and deploy food and needed resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis. 
14. Other as required. 

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Videography 
Graphics design capability

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

Media and Influencer Relationship Management: 
Demonstrates ability to build and sustain effective collaborative relationships with key media contacts and influencers in area of expertise to raise the profile of WFP, build relationships and further organisational aims. 
Media and CommunicationExpertise: 
Facilitates open verbal or written communication with media and influencers as required (i.e. through preparation of tailored written or visual materials presentations, and official documentation) to convey tailored messages. Engages in mutually informative discussion with media and influencers. 
Specialised Knowledge in Communications:    
Uses sound theoretical knowledge of communications concepts to generate or facilitate the generation of effective communication materials across various media. Applies this to define work plans aligned to identified areas of WFP’s communications strategy. 
Sociopolitical Contextual: 
Understanding     Demonstrates deep understanding of the multilateral/interagency environment and the dynamics in which WFP operates which influences approach to working, policy development and decision making. 
Communication Strategy and Planning:
Applies advanced understanding of WFP communications strategy and best practice to effectively develop strategies to engage with media and other significant external stakeholders within area of responsibility. Oversees implementation, providing recommendations for improvement.  

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

– Excellent writing skills in English with proven track record of writing capability for communications (examples include press releases, human interest stories, social media content) 
– Ability to organise visibility events
– Ability to engage with local media houses and journalists
– Ability to engage in Kiswahili (speak, read, write, translate)
– Communications skills and techniques in media, social media, campaigns, content production, etc.
– Problem solving and analytical skills.
– Ability to work under pressure and as a part of a team
– Knowledge and familiarity with the political, social an

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This post is open to Tanzanian nationals only.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The deadline for application is 21 June 2024.

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.