Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.
We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
Dimensions of Role: The Communication and Advocacy Manager will be in charge of communication and Advocacy activities in Plan International Rwanda. This position will help to drive change at the local, regional and national level by identifying, collaborating with and supporting an engaged set of key stakeholders who will promote the improvement in policy and practices aiming at supporting the achievements of girls and women’s basic rights.
The Communication and Advocacy Manager (CAM) will coordinate the Communication and Advocacy processes in line with the Country Strategic Plan to ensure Plan International Rwanda is represented effectively. The CAM represents Plan International Rwanda at various platforms and promotes the Plan International Brand as a child centered community development organization. The post holder manages the Communications budget at the Country Office, but also works with projects specific budget lines related to communications. The Communication and Advocacy Manager reports directly to the Country Director.
Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position:
“What” is done and “why”, but not “how”; include indicators for success
- Strategic Communications
External Communications (‘external’ refers to audiences outside Plan as a global organization)
- Ensure effective communication in order to maintain a good image for the organization and build the organization influence.
- Maintain a strong brand for Plan International Rwanda, including impactful and fit-for-purpose publications aim at raising the potential of the organization Grants Portfolio.
- Ensure that communication outputs are of high standard and respond to the needs of the target audiences in order to influence change at policy level and raise Plan International Rwanda’s profile as a key player/expert in the areas identified on Global Strategic Plan and Plan International Rwanda Country Strategic Plan (CSP).
- Engage communities in message development and setup mechanisms where children, government departments, Local Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organizations, staff, partners and media are encouraged to provide feedback on programs and projects and this feedback is documented.
Internal Communications (‘internal’ refers to audiences within Plan as a global organization, especially within Plan International Rwanda)
- Advice management on various, creative, diversified and effective channels to communicate to external audiences.
- In liaison with Program staff, lead the delivery of key messages, including through the production and dissemination of reports, the organization of events and conferences, the establishment and maintenance of social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube as well as external and internal website etc), and the use of other media channels including television and radio.
- Lead and manage the formulation and implementation of Country Communications Strategy and plan.
- Ensure that staff is aware of changed in organizational strategies, priorities and goals at Global, Regional and Country level.
- Prepare press releases, press advisory messages and press packets for journalists as authorized by the Country Director.
- Handle the internal communication response to crisis situations which affect organizational perception and reputation.
- Campaigns, Advocacy and Influence
- Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership and alliances with campaigns and advocacy partners
- Oversight the production and lead in the dissemination of relevant research that support policy engagement.
- Map existing networks and complementary or cross-sectoral initiatives to help build a regional network of partners and other girls and women’s rights organizations, experts and practitioners focused on common goals.
- Plan, design and implement strategies for influencing and outreach for public awareness concerning girls and women’s rights through Because I Am A Girl (BIAAG) Movement, government commitments under the SDGs and the progress made over time towards such commitments.
- Advise on and manage risks related to Plan’s campaigns and advocacy work.
- Facilitate the special visits of international journalists and other interested parties and co-ordinate their activities with Sponsorship Managers and Program Unit Managers.
- Lead all aspects related to the facilitation/production of Plan communication materials originating in Rwanda during visits of international media crews, celebrities etc.
- Visibility and branding
- Ensure the correct use of all the branding elements in all the external communications materials and public events, including logos and layouts.
- Ensure that best practices, success stories, case studies etc are produced and add value to country operations, fundraising and donor retention plan.
- Ensures that Plan International Rwanda’s partner organizations and staff are trained and comply with Plan’s Global Identity and Branding Guidelines.
- Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership with media and public relations partners in order to boost Plan’s image, profile and visibility in the Country.
Dealing with Problems:
Complexity of problems handled & the degree of investigation, analysis, & creative thinking required to solve them
- High level of creativity, judgement and decision making in order to adapt Plan’s processes and messages, from the strategic level to implementation, to local context.
- Establishment and maintaining good relationship and reputation among Plan’s offices and with external stakeholders are critical to Plan’s success. The post holder is responsible for ensuring appropriate mechanisms/policies/procedures are put in place and maintained in order to uphold the organization’s reputation.
- The job holder handles problems related to external communications, advocacy and campaigns in particular- pertaining the current operating environment
Communications and Working Relationships:
Internal
- High level with the program team in order to ensure effective and accurate information sharing
- Work closely with the Country Director providing relevant country information
- Work closely with IH, NO, Regional Office head of communications, and marketing programs
External Partners
- Relevant government ministries; Institute of Gender Studies; UN WOMEN;and other national and international stakeholders
- Work closely with local and international media
Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
Educational Qualification and Experience:
- A minimum of University Degree or equivalent in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or Marketing.
- Masters’ Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or Marketing is desirable.
- At least 7 years over all relevant experience, out of which 3 years managerial experience in managing and developing communications and marketing materials.
- Proven experience to develop and implement Communications and Marketing Strategies.
Knowledge & Skills specific to the post:
- Good understanding of child protection and development issues.
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
- Strong strategic thinking, coaching, problem solving and decision making skills.
- Good negotiation skill.
- Excellent skills in writing press releases and speeches, presentation and public speaking and event management skills.
- Knowledge in digital communication and social media.
- Excellent networking, advocacy and campaigns leadership skills.
- Excellent attention to details, highly motivated, innovative and creative ability
Physical Environment and Demands:
- Typical office environment
- Business travels to program areas may be required from time to time (approximately 30%)
Level of Contact with Children:
Mid contact: Occasional interaction with children (in the position to supervise staff with frequent interaction with children and have high access to information related to children).
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Type of Role: National, Fixed term
Reports to: Country Director
Grade: E
Closing Date: 2nd June, 2017
Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.
Please note that only applications and CVs written in English will be accepted.
A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International’s Child Protection Policy.
As an international child centred community development organisation, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realisation of children’s rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.
Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.
Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.
More Information
- Job City Kigali
