Plan International is an independent non-profit development and humanitarian organization 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 is 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 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.
Plan International Cameroon is seeking to recruit interested candidate to fulfill the position of Communication & Media Coordinator based in Bamenda or Kumba that will deliver the tasks outlined below:
Please to note that this is a local contract.
ROLE PURPOSE
Plan International Cameroon is joining the humanitarian community to support the response to the humanitarian crisis in the North-West and South-West regions. This entails carrying out numerous programs and projects aiming at improving the lives of the targeted beneficiary population. A lot has to be done in terms of information, Communication with Communities (CwC), Communication with donors, communication for resource mobilisation, communication for community engagement, social mobilisation, advocacy, media relations and influencing. As such, the role of a Communication and Media Coordinator is critical to coordinate the elaboration of a communication response strategy, and operationalise its plan of action. The role is also important for the capturing and documentation of projects’ successes and challenges via fact sheets, case studies, stories, testimonies, quality pictures and videos, media products, articles, etc.
DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE
Reporting to the PR & Communication Advisor, the Communication & Media Coordinator will be responsible for the implementation of Communication, Information and Media related activities within the emergency response areas in the North West and South-West
Regions. S/he will be responsible for the internal, external, and social media communication around the project. S/he will also work in close collaboration with Emergency Response Manager, Project Managers, Communication Advisor and project team to ensure close supervision, follow up and reporting of response activities through diversified communication tools and outlets. This role will not have direct reports, but will have direct collaboration with other project staff, so as to be efficient in achieving program objectives. The Communication and Media Coordinator’s responsibilities will mainly be to maximize positive media coverage and fundraising opportunities and support accountability to key stakeholders by communicating the humanitarian situation and Plan International’s emergency operations in the North West and South-West
Regions of Cameroon.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
- External Liaison and Communications
- Develop and amend as necessary a communication plan for the emergency response.
- Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key national and international journalists, other Communications Officers, and with representatives of other NGOs, etc.
- Act as the main point of contact for media and respond to requests for information from journalists, NOs, and donors, including arranging interviews and field visits.
- Act as spokesperson for the organization when appropriate and with approval of the CD.
- Prepare, distribute and log press releases.
- Conduct regular field visits to interview staff and beneficiaries, write human interest stories and take photos and video.
- Identify key media outlets and suggest initiatives to promote Plan International’s emergency response operations
- Participate in the Communications to Disaster-affected Communities (CDAC) working group or public information working group if active.
- Internal Liaison and Communications
- Share a steady flow of information (social media updates, human interest stories, talking points and Q&As, blogs etc) with the PR & Com Advisor for internal and external dissemination as per Plan International’s emergency communications guide.
- Coordinate the preparation of Situation reports (SITREP) to update on the status of Plan International’s disaster response activities;
- Regularly provide high-resolution, good quality digital images and videos of the emergency and Plan International’s work.
- Monitor print and electronic media for mentions of Plan International and other topics of interest to the organization, and inform the Emergency Response Manager, and the PR & Com Advisor of anything important.
- Identify and create talking points/Q&As for potential sensitive issues and inform the Country Director and the Emergency Response Manager.
- Training
- Provide communication and media coaching/ training to designated spokespeople.
- Offer immediate media coaching for those about to do a media interview.
- Media Monitoring and Evaluation
- Work with PR & Com and external media service providers to produce response audiovisual material (documentaries, spots, etc).
- Compile a log of media calls organised within the response programme
- Work with PR & Com Advisor and IH Communications Officers to monitor media and compile a list of national/international media coverage.
- Work with PR & Com and IH Communications Officers to produce a ‘lessons learned’ document and make recommendations for future operations.
- Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
- Works with PR & Com Advisor to develop and implement the Communications & media Strategy and Plan of action for the response program – High
- Attends meetings with stakeholders and make relevant and strategic papers, write-ups – High
- Represents Plan International at external forums as applicable – Medium
- Liaises with program partners – Medium
- Collaborate and consult with colleagues at CO and PU – Medium
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- People Skills: Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership and is able to support and train local and international staff and also able to work with disaster affected communities in a sensitive and participatory manner.\
- Communication Skills: Well developed written and oral communication skills. Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders as a representative of Plan International. This includes effective negotiation and representation skills.
- Integrity: Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear commitment to Plan International’s values and humanitarian principles.
- Resilience/Adaptability and flexibility: Ability to operate effectively under extreme circumstances including stress, high security risks and harsh living conditions. Works and lives in a flexible, adaptable and resilient manner.
- Awareness and sensitivity of self and others: Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity. Have experience and the ability to live and work in diverse cultural contexts in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Work style: Is well planned and organized even within a fluid working environment and has a capacity for initiative and decision making with competent analytical and problem solving skills.
- Knowledge and skills: knowledge of Plan International’s policies and procedures, Code of Conduct, etc. Requires general finance, administration, information management and telecommunication skills and proficiency in information technology/ computer skills.
- At least 1 year of humanitarian aid experience will be an asset.
- Multiple language skills desirable
Technical Competencies required for this position
- University Degree in Journalism, Communication or equivalent experience
- At least 3 years of experience working in journalism, communications, media, or Public Relations
- Strong understanding of print, radio, television and online media
- Experience as a spokesperson
- Good photography and/or filming skills;
- Additional technical skills are desirable, including proficiency in Adobe Photoshop or photo-editing software and movie-editing software such as Adobe Premier
- Fluent written and spoken English and French. Preference will be given to candidates who speak more than one working language.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience working with or in collaboration with an NGO or UN agency, or equivalent, is preferred.
- Prior experience travelling to, or working in an emergency environment will be an asset.
- Ability to work independently and as a team player.
- Ability to operate effectively in stressful situations, including working overtime.
- Gender awareness and cultural sensitivity.
- Good time management and problem solving skills.
- Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear commitment to Plan International’s values and principles;
PLAN INTERNATIONAL’S VALUES IN PRACTICE
We are open and accountable
- Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.
- Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.
- Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.
- Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.
- Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organization for all children, girls & young people
We strive for lasting impact
- Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
- Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
- Focuses resources to drive change and maximize long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
- Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.
We work well together
- Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
- Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
- Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
- Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
We are inclusive and empowering
- Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
- Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
- Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
- Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
- Work under pressure to produce results
- Work outside in an extremely hot and/or humid climate
- Keep to strict deadlines
- Travels (planned and unplanned)
LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN
High level: Frequent interaction with children
NEXT STEP:
To apply for this job, kindly click on “Apply”. Your application should include:
- A cover letter
- A comprehensive CV including details of two referees, one of whom should be your current of most recent supervisor
Location: Bamenda or Kumba – Cameroon
Closing date: October 3rd, 2018
Plan International Cameroon operates in an equal opportunity environment and actively encourages diversity. Only applications received in English or French will be treated and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Plan International has a child protection and gender equality policies that are integral part of the recruitment process.
More Information
- Job City Bamenda , Kumba
