Communication Specialist| SACOSAN (short term consultancy)

Introduction

WaterAid is an international non-governmental organization based in the United Kingdom, since 1981. The country programme of WaterAid in Pakistan has been in operation since 2006 under an MoU with the Ministry of Interior. Our mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the poorest communities. WaterAid supports local organizations and governments in setting up low cost and sustainable WASH solutions that can be managed by the community itself. WaterAid also seeks to collaboratively work with sector partners and influence government policies to protect the right of poor people to safe, affordable water and sanitation services.

The Ministry of Climate Change (MOCC) is the focal government organization to host SACOSAN VI. In run up to the SACOSAN WaterAid Pakistan, both from Pakistan and from the regional offices, will provide technical support for holding the successful SACOSAN during Mid-February 2018.

Job Purpose

The Communication Specialist will be the focal person in holding preparatory meetings, briefings, and coordination meetings at WAP office. The Communication Specialist will distribute time for WAP office and SACOSAN secretariat according to the requirements shared by MOCC. The Programme Officer SACOSAN primarily will be stationed at SACOSAN Secretariat. 

Key Responsibilities:

Branding and Visual Identity 

Provide advice and practical assistance to design team on visual identity, brand, branded materials, templates, logos

Create branded materials for SACOSAN, pre-SACOSAN events, workshops, events, in collaboration with Communication Committee of the SACOSAN Secretariat.

Administer and update the branded materials archive, reporting on all routine uses of branded materials

Content Development 

Draft and edit polished and original opinion pieces, statements, articles, media releases and advisories

Draft and edit polished communications materials such as fact sheets, web content, publications, talking points, etc.;

Identify, develop, distribute and evaluate variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats. 

Closely fact check and carefully copy edit all written materials to ensure or enhance the quality, appropriateness of country specific communication materials, activities, processes and messages transmitted to the press, partners and public

Co-ordinate the production process for publications and other related communications material

Media relations

Build and manage all media relationships across print and digital media; 

Ensure that the secretariat has a well maintained and continually developed contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – 

Support the secretariat in gaining access to print and digital media for dissemination of key messages. 

Manage all media logistics for SACOSAN main and associated events, including media registrations, press conferences, briefings, speaker outreach, and on-site support;

Collaborate with mass media through activities such as organizing visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.

Maintain close collaboration with WASH sector communication focal persons for effective overall coordination of SACOSAN communications.

Networking and partnerships

Develop, maintain and update partners contact list/database.

Help establish, document, review and refine process of working collaboratively with partners, including meetings, joint projects, information sharing etc.

Ensure or enhance the quality, consistency and appropriateness of SACOSAN communication materials, activities, processes and messages shared with partners and delegates.

Celebrities and special events

Coordinate communications for events and programs in tandem with SACOSAN Secretariat and Communication Committee and events team. 

Develop, maintain and update celebrities contact list/database.

Help establish, document, review and refine process of working with celebrities, including special events, media opportunities, field trips etc.

Person Specification

Essential

Post-graduate degree or equivalent in Communication, Marketing or Social Sciences 

Desirable

Post graduate degree in relevant subject e.g. behavioural sciences, developmental sciences.

Experience

Essential

4-6 years professional experience in, strategic communications, publications house, or advertising agency, media relations environment 

Desirable

Significant experience of community based water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion projects

Experience of working with partner organizations (NGOs or local government).

Experience of research methodologies & documentation of best practice

Experience in partner management and donor reporting

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Excellent written and verbal communications skills; a demonstrated ability to create persuasive and clear communications in all forms, for a variety of audiences;

Proven track record in branding, editing, publications management, website management, and use of social media for strategic communications

Knowledge of development focused international and domestic broadcast media, and the ability to make well-informed decisions in targeting appropriate media outlets and reporters;

Experience in working in an multi-cultural environment as well as deeper understanding of sanitation issues in South Asia

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with meticulous attention to detail and tight deadlines;

Ability to priorities, plan well in advance and multi-task 

Ability to build relationships with team members and leaders

High-energy self-starter who can operate with minimal supervision but also knows when to ask for counsel;

Ability to work well as a team member, as well as work independently.

Desirable

Good understanding of community management and the integration of water supply with sanitation and hygiene 

Knowledge of media planning and working with ad agencies 

Ability to communicate in local languages