Position: Communications Officer

Job location: Gulu, Acholi Office

Starting date: September 2024

Vacancy closing date: 15th August 2024

Duration position: 1 year renewable contract (project runs for 33 months)

Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week)

About ZOA

We are here for people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.

Our work in Uganda

In Uganda, ZOA has offices in Kampala, West Nile (Arua), Acholi (Nwoya), and Karamoja (Amudat). ZOA Uganda works both in relief and recovery on the themes of food security & livelihoods, primary/accelerated/vocational education, and conflict management with a special focus on land security.

ZOA Uganda is looking for a Communication Officer (Based in Gulu City -ZOA Acholi Office )

Your challenge

A communications officer is to maintain a brand’s image by creating content, such as Project Fact Sheet , publications, website content, press releases, annual reports, and other Visibility materials, success stories etc. meant for reporting and accountability, sharing of learning both within and outside ZOA. The officer is responsible for communications within the LIFT project .

Your main tasks and responsibilities

General

• Developing, writing, and editing communications and marketing materials (blog posts, social media content, press releases, speeches)
• Conduct surveys or contact people of the target audience to understand their views
• Prepare reports for the management team, including recommendations to ensure a more positive attitude
• Promote communications and marketing materials through social media
• Regularly meet and arrange interviews with media personnel
• Develop working relationships with journalists in different types of media outlets
• Ensure that all Visibility and communications material align with the brand’s standards
• Maintain digital media archives (photos, videos)
• Prepare and manage the organization’s budget regarding communication
• Arrange news conferences for essential announcements
• Work closely with marketing and product managers, designers, and website managers to collect information.

Partner oversight

• Project visibility guideline adhered to by partners
• Establishing and maintaining liaison with the project partners

Reporting

• Provide inputs to implementation plans and activity/monthly reports;
• Identify, document lessons learned and best practices;
• Support Project team to Prepare and submit well written success stories;
• Contribute to project reports or implementation plans as required by supervisor;

Representation and coordination

• Actively participate in the required and relevant technical working groups;
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings concerning the project.
• Regular coordination with local government actors and relevant district offices; OPM, UNHCR and other NGO partners.

Procurement and finance

• Initiate timely purchase requisition of project goods/services;
• Provide support during visibility material procurement

Accountability

• Sensitize all stakeholders (beneficiaries, service providers, partners, government and other) on feedback and complaint mechanisms implemented by ZOA Uganda
• Upon receipt of a complaint or feedback, ensure that it is correctly documented following correct reporting procedures
• Understand ZOA’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies, ensure adherence to these policies and that project activities are implemented with a “Do No Harm” approach

Your profile

Identity

• The candidate is expected to fully support the vision, mission and Christian values 0f ZOA (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Knowledge

• University degree in the field of Communications or similar
• At least 2 years’ experience in the International Development Sector, branding projects.
• Good understanding of the Uganda context; experience in Acholi region is a plus
• Knowledge and experience in corporate communications
• Experience in localization approaches and working with local organizations
• A good command of English, including written reporting and activity reporting
• Experience of working with People with Disabilities is a plus
• Experience working in Emergency is a plus.

Skills/attitude

• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity/)
• High level of networking capacities, with interpersonal, organizational and intercultural sensitivity
• Advocacy skills
• Commitment to inclusion for People with Disabilities
• Able to plan and coordinate and work in an organized manner
• High level of integrity
• Motivated to work independently / self-managing
• Be a self-starter

Special conditions/circumstances

The communications officer will sit within ZOA office in Gulu. Regular travel to field locations, subcounty and for meetings with project stakeholders is expected.

Our offer

• ZOA offers a challenging role in a dynamic context, and you will be part of an inspiring and motivated team.
• We offer good benefits and remuneration which suits the NGO sector.

Do you need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit our website www.zoa-international.com.