Communications Officer
Manage communication and relationships with stakeholders and media
Overview
Manage communication and relationships with stakeholders and media
You have:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism/mass media
- At least five years of experience in communications or related field
- Demonstrated written and oral fluency in English and Hindi, knowledge of Odia beneficial
- Skilled at strategic thinking and anticipating future developments
- Experience with NGO/Private Voluntary Organization approach
- Excellent organizational skills including strong attention to detail
- Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools (Microsoft Office preferred)
- Ability to prepare and present in a well-designed and attractive format
- Willingness to travel both locally and internationally
- Openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Description
Passing Gifts is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of specially- abled.
FUNCTION:
The Communications Officer is responsible for streamlining communication and managing relationships with government, stakeholders, existing donors, and prospects within India and globally. S/he will support the positioning of the organization in the local industry. This will include providing background information and facilitating media access regionally and nationally to Heifer International Programs in India. The Officer will also ensure that project information is packaged, disseminated, and utilized by appropriate users in conformity with the country’s program agenda, systems, and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES: (including approximate percentage effort) Communication, Coordination, and Stakeholder Management (40%)
- Design, develop, communicate, and implement a communication networking strategy for Heifer programs.
- Collect and share program information including program background, success stories, and best practices with identified stakeholders.
- Coordinate and facilitate project and organization activities such as national and international visits, media shoots, events, study tours, etc.
- Support and coordinate with implementing partners for regional media presence.
- Provide recommendations to senior management on media strategies, public statements, and other information matters in line with Heifer and donor Brand Management guidelines and other policies.
- Support networking and resource mobilization through communication and coordination with external agencies.
- Participate in relevant platforms and networks such as INGO, ASWG (agriculture sector working group), NSWG (national sanitation working group), etc.
- Develop and maintain a stakeholder database.
Documentation and Knowledge Management (30%)
- Ensure Heifer activities, success stories, and models are known to farmers, government, stakeholders, and the community at large through production and distribution of promotional materials.
- Communicate consistently and coherently strategic messages about Heifer and its activities.
- Design, write, edit, produce and distribute simple and/or complex communication products (e.g., annual reports, project reports, fact sheets, thematic documents, IEC material, newsletters, short note series, brochures, web messages).
- Review project and organization documents they are being shared externally.
Provide support to projects and manage the development of project communication materials (20%)
- Facilitate capacity building program to staff on communication parameters, i.e. success story write-ups.
- Support in gathering information for reports as required.
- Communicate and record project activities such as Passing on the Gift (PoG) ceremonies, monitoring and evaluation of activities, launch, and closeout.
- Customize communication materials corresponding to thematic focus and stakeholders.
Ensure responsive communication to Heifer’s partners and stakeholders concerning Heifer events.
Maintain and update communication and networking files.
- Maintain communication materials such as photographs, films (both soft and hard copies), and recording materials and equipment.
- Strengthen Heifer’s branding and visibility with the government and development community.
May perform other job-related duties as assigned (10%) QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism/mass media with at least five years of experience.
- Demonstrated written and oral fluency in English and Hindi. Knowledge of other Indian languages such as Odia is beneficial.
- Skilled at strategic thinking and anticipating future developments and trends to incorporate them into organizational plans.
- Experience with the NGO/Private Voluntary Organization approach, and knowledge of global sustainable development.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:
- A good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, the environment, natural resources management, climate change, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
- Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
- Excellent organizational skills including strong attention to details.
- Working with sensitive information and maintaining the confidentiality.
- Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and internet.
Ability to prepare and present in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail and design.
Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
- Openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
- Constant face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside of India.
- May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods
- Ability to perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
- Willingness to travel both locally and internationally.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a time when you successfully managed a communication strategy? | This question assesses your experience in strategic communication management. | Provide a specific example focusing on your role and impact. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when handling multiple stakeholder communications? | The interviewer wants to understand your organizational skills and decision-making process. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a challenging communication issue you faced and how you resolved it. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you employ to ensure effective media relations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure that your communication materials resonate with diverse audiences? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |