Job Description
ADVOCACY & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
PURPOSE: To provide overall leadership to the Advocacy & Communications team in support of WV Zambia’s National Office strategy, objectives and aspirations. Develop an integrated Advocacy & Communications strategy and implementation plan that strongly positions WV Zambia’s “voice”, policy positions, reputation, and influence to internal and external stakeholders (government, media, private sector, academia, health/water/education/livelihoods sectors, nongovernmental organizations and the WVI Partnership) :
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy
- As a Senior Leadership Team member, jointly own the WVZ strategy and its execution.
- Engage with all Departments to deliver clear communications of the WVZ, Regional, and Global strategic objectives and deliverables in order to execute the strategies.
- Develop, manage and implement Advocacy and Communications strategy and business plan.
Impact
- Lead WV campaigns (e.g. “It Takes a World…”) and lead engagement with platforms led by other NGOs and civil society in policy development, processes and campaigns.
- Lead the Advocacy team (in conjunction with Technical Staff) to review National policies, their implementation, and engage with stakeholders to improve execution.
- Lead, manage, and mentor the Advocacy team to engage with Members of Parliament, Traditional Leaders, Government staff, academia, and other stakeholders to identify clear deliverables and execute.
- Create and coordinate mechanisms to engage supporters through development of communication, online engagement, reports, research, field visits, etc that address our Supporter’s drivers for supporting Zambian children.
Processes
- Develop branding framework and implementation plan that raises awareness of WVZ’s work, concurrently strengthening advocacy capability.
- External Communications – lead two-way communications through tools such as: web page; SHARE; research; local TV, Radio, Print Press; Social Media (e.g. facebook, twitter, etc).
- External Communications – Increase WVZ’s reputation and coverage with Zambian and Regional Media.
- Internal Communications – Working with People & Culture (HR) department, develop robust internal communications that engage all WVZ staff addressing organizational culture.
Resources
- Lead donor liaison staff – creating unique experiences for donors who visit Zambia that convey the development issues affecting children.
- Support Grant Acquisition Management and Corporate Engagement with materials for raising resources and to raise funds for Advocacy.
- Lead the development of collaterals (e.g. annual report, brochures, PowerPoints) to engage across the range of stakeholders.
- Implement both internal and external crises communication mechanisms protecting WVZ’s reputation.
- Effectively manage Communications & Advocacy budgets, while also seeking additional resources, either monetary or in-kind.
People
- Lead, manage, mentor staff of the Advocacy & Communications team, ensuring goals and objectives are implemented effectively.
- In conjunction with P&C develop clear staff development goals and execute.
- Lead the team to implement innovative advocacy & communication approaches while learning from existing programs.
- Support the organizational governance (i.e. board) with clear communication materials
- Perform other duties as required by the National Director.
EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
- Master’s Degree or higher in Communications, Public Relations, Advocacy or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in international communications and/or advocacy in a leadership role; with experience in leading and managing teams.
- Strategy development, business plan execution, and project implementation.
- Government engagement leading to change or improved execution of Government policies.
- Experience in leading the development of a wide array of communication materials such as publications, video segments, web and other modern media.
- Working with technical staff to publish research papers.
- Capacity building of a range of stakeholders in advocacy and communication approaches and methodologies.
Working Environment / Conditions:
- Work environment: Office-based with frequent travel to the field
- 70% at the office
- 30% travel required
Women are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
More Information
- Job City Lusaka
