Job Description
The Communications Manager will work under the guidance of the Strategic Learning and Communications Lead and be responsible for refining AgriFin communications strategies and plans, supporting learning development, and executing both internal and external communications against these plans. The successful candidate will fill a critical gap in improving the consistency and coherence of internal and external communications whilst also supporting the acceleration of learning output development across projects on behalf of the program. S/he will work with all members of the technical team to distil key technical insights into finished communications products, adopting a targeted approach to reaching and engaging audiences across selected channels. S/he will support work to actively elevate AgriFin’s position as a thought leader, and reference point for an informed and meaningful voice on key issues related to digitally enabled solutions for smallholders.
Essential Functions
Strategy & Vision
Build AgriFin’s brand by developing and managing the AgriFin Communications Strategy and development plan, inclusive of enhancing internal knowledge management structures, templates, design formats and existing communications approaches across media types.
Work closely with all members of the AgriFin technical team to identify opportunities and develop and design communications materials into different formats, including blogs, case studies, thought pieces, social media pieces, and others, and ensure all written material is ready for publication across channels. This includes designing materials using specialized design software (Canva/Adobe InDesign, or other). Develop media plans, collaborating with AgriFin partners and external media to generate public support for AgriFin through proactive media engagement – locally, regionally and globally.
Serve as the point person for all communications related queries related to the Mercy Corps AgriFin brand.
Communications Development
Liaise with all members of the AgriFin team to develop communications and insights pieces to communicate programmatic, project-specific, and thematic learnings to AgriFin’s ecosystem of partners. Communications materials to be developed include blogs, longer articles, case studies, social media posts, podcasts, summary overviews, and others.
Liaise with key communications and insights stakeholders, forge and maintain relationships with partner communications and insights teams in the development of specific communications products.
Spot opportunities early and build targeted communication spikes during key moments in the calendar year e.g., designated thematic international days, key events and meetings and trade fairs.
Identify opportunities for collaboration with key AgriFin programmatic partners on the production of specific communication and insights materials as well as general partner-specific storytelling.
Strengthen and expand AgriFin’s network of media contacts and relationships.
Identify spokespersons from a pool of subject matter experts, build their capacity to field media interviews and coordinate their media opportunities and appearances to increase the quality of coverage about AgriFin and its products.
Coordinate media field visits and content gathering trips and develop and maintain an in-house database of licensed stock imagery (photo and video) for use in communications products.
Provide support and guidance to ensure project and donor communications obligations are met across all documentation, materials and outputs of the AgriFin teams.
Lead all AgriFin events management and coordination, including setting up and managing large-scale AgriFin hosted events end-to-end.
Support the management of the AgriFin brand, maintaining standards across materials, events, its website, and other media.
Work with global Mercy Corps teams to ensure that AgriFin’s work is accurately, regularly and compellingly represented on Mercy Corps global internal and external communications platforms, including: supporting regular updates to internal agency content platforms; provision of editorial oversight and/or design, creation and maintenance of programmatic updates and cross-cutting theme factsheets; coordination with regional and global Mercy Corps communications focal points to develop key messages, press releases, and statements for external audiences, in response to evolving programmatic work and events.
Provide technical guidance during the development of digital and print-communications, such as annual reports, research studies, case studies and promotional publications like informational brochures, factsheets, social media content, talking points, news releases, and others.
Implementation
Lead the development of communications materials, including blogs, case studies, summary overviews, and others, through deep collaboration with the AgriFin technical team.
Coordinate with program staff by actively engaging them to gather information for writing programmatic communications including manuals, graphics, articles, success and impact stories that offer analytical storytelling.
Lead the development and dissemination of the regular AgriFin newsletter, inclusive of managing the recipient database, ensuring all learning communications included are dissemination ready.
Ensure appropriate branding and marking for all communications tools, learning outputs – such as case studies – as well as programmatic output materials.
Design communications materials across outputs using specialized design software (Canva/Adobe InDesign) for AgriFin use and advise on and execute design of externally produced materials for AgriFin.
Lead the development and launching campaigns of program events – both in-person and virtual – and workshops, including the Annual Learning Event (ALE) end-to-end.
Provide strategic direction and practical guidance to execute on social media approaches, templates, and outputs.
Oversee the development and maintenance of the AgriFin program website, providing strategic direction and practical guidance.
Respond in a timely manner to communications requests by internal and external communications partners.
Work with all external communications and learning consultants and teams contracted by AgriFin in the production of specific communications and insights materials, such as videos, storytelling, photography, infographics, case studies, blogs, and others.
Lead the AgriFin communications team in the upkeep of its existing communications presence across platforms (such as its website), providing guidance on brand consistency and copy editing as required, as well as providing strategic direction on social media and external communications.
Develop indicators to measure AgriFin’s reach, engagement and growth of audience and support base both on social media and on traditional media channels.
Act as a key driver in pushing a consistent AgriFin brand across media types.
ORGANIZATIONAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT & SCHEDULING
Oversee the maintenance of program data bases, including internal storage and filing systems, as well as contact lists.
Oversee and guide the optimization of existing knowledge management systems as required and coordinate with all team members to ensure their proper use.
Support Functions
As agreed with the Strategic Learning and Communications Lead.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications or communications-related discipline, journalism, social studies or relevant field. Master’s degree not a must but an asset.
Minimum of 5 years direct experience in the communications field, preferably with experience within a multi-channel / multi-theme communications and/or learning department.
Proven experience producing high quality written materials, such as blogs or articles, as well as shorter social media ready products.
Proven ability to develop and managing a communications strategy and coordinating internal and external communications.
Proven ability and experience in the publication process, with a proven ability of writing program/project reports.
Proven design ability across media types, experience in audio-visual production, and creation and marketing of digital content.
Proven ability to manage and advise on website development projects.
Proven ability to manage and/or execute a social media presence.
Proven ability of designing and managing events.
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, work independently, and cooperate productively with team members.
Previous experience in the social impact / development field is an asset.
Strong written and oral communication skills in English, and the ability to condense complex content into compelling communications and learning pieces.
Excellent IT skills, including experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, a design software (such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, or similar).
Ability to deliver high quality products within short deadlines.
Willingness to learn, curiosity to pursue and develop new insights through interactive and iterative engagement with team members.
Ability to provide strong scheduling support and meeting coordination.
Strong sense of teamwork; willingness to collaborate across teams; outgoing and interactive approach to work.
Ability to multi-task and juggle several workstreams for multiple teams simultaneously.
Interested candidates who meet the above-required qualifications and experience should submit a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) listing three professional referees (including a recent supervisor) to afa-hr@mercycorps.org on or before Monday 25th October 2021 by 5.00 pm. The email subject line must clearly show the job title. Applications without the right subject heading will be automatically disqualified. Please do not attach any certificates.
Apply via :
afa-hr@mercycorps.org
