Communication Officer NGO Job Careers – Dwelling Places (DP)

 

Job Title:  Communication Officer   

Organisation: Dwelling Places (DP)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

Reports to:    Head of Programs, with a dotted line to the Head of Operations

 

About US:

Dwelling Places (DP) is a  registered Christian  Non-Governmental Organization which specialises in the rescue, rehabilitation, reconciliation, resettlement and follow-up of children living on the streets.  The overall objective of DP is to have a society where every child has a chest to rest their head on and a place to call home.

 

Job Summary:  Dwelling Places is an independent development and humanitarian non-profit organization that advances children’s rights especially   the street children.  We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. The Communication Officer will be in charge of all communication aspects of DP organization both in the field and national office.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  

The Communications Officer will play the following role;

  • Responsible for development and strategic delivery of communication strategy to support the delivery of project/ program expected outcomes.
  • A member of Dwelling Places communication team and fosters integration of project/ program communication activities in the platforms used for programme quality delivery.
  • Facilitates the development of strong project internal and external linkages with communication staff and media outlets in Uganda.
  • Has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical Responsibilities – Key End Results of Position

Communication Management

  • Develop a communications plan for the country and set clear objectives;
  • Support program managers and sector leaders to mainstream communication activities into sector and project strategies.
  • Provide support and inputs to Corporate Communication strategies and processes.
  • Consistently monitor the effectiveness and results of the use of various platforms

Content Management

  • Write, edit, and distribute content, including publications, press releases, website content, annual reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates the organization’s activities, products and/or services
  • Contribute to DP’s content to corporate publications such as the annual report, magazines, brochures, leaflets and video’s;
  • Coordinate, manage and monitor quality of DP publications and external communications (such as capability statements, websites, social media, brochures, flyers, research reports, campaigns);
  • Work closely with the program managers in all communication related activities in each project.
  • Compile and publish annual public reports.
  • Develop and distribute quarterly newsletters
  • Manage and update the Knowledge Development Database and Information System;
  • Communication field trips for collection of stories, pictures and video.

Online Communication

  • Manage the DP organization and other project websites and ensure it is up to date with regular news items, relevant publications and attractive stories about our work.
  • Increase DP’s presence on social media including maintaining DP Twitter account and project Facebook accounts.
  • Consistently monitor the effectiveness and results of the use of various platforms

Communication Support

  • Training and coaching to DP staff on effective external communication, photography and use of social media.
  • Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews.

Media/Donor relations

  • Foster good working relationships and partnerships with media agencies, relevant correspondents and journalists
  • Support sector teams with external communications during DP conferences, workshops and events.
  • Exposure visits with donors and journalists

Dealing with Problems

The job holder will:

  • Require an innovative attitude and strong information seeking behaviour to research, identify and disseminate strong stories for internal and external use.
  • Needs a solid understanding of language and cultural barriers that influence efficient communication within Uganda and particularly in the project districts
  • Planning and timely response on different communication aspects, working together with diverse teams and departments
  • Physical Environment and Demands
  • Office based with regular travel throughout Uganda

Additional Responsibilities

CPP Responsibilities

  • Adhere to the Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and reporting any CPP issues.
  • Review and monitor that management includes child protection in the implementation of the projects.




Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

  • The applicant must hold a Bachelor degree (preferred) in Mass Communication or Journalism.
  • A minimum of three years’ experience in communication for children, writing, editing and maintaining websites.
  • At least three years’ experience in Programme Communications.
  • Experience of using social media or managing online audiences
  • Experience or interest in the charity or development sector is desirable
  • Experience of digital camera handling, still and video editing is preferred
  • Computer skills and knowledge communication for children and online.
  • In-depth knowledge of current communications trends, particularly in the street children, humanitarian sector and gender related trends in Uganda.
  • Good knowledge of media trends in Uganda.
  • Demonstrated experience of working in a communication position.
  • Good understanding of child rights and development.
  • Ability in other languages
  • Pro-active and highly committed to communications and sharing Dwelling Places work.
  • Communicates effectively, especially in writing, content development and online platforms.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues in different departments; hence a team player.
  • Fluency in English and very good working knowledge of local languages spoken in Uganda.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation and public speaking.

 

Behaviours

  • Open to feedback and willing to try new approaches for programme communications.
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision.
  • Demonstrate behaviors that embrace Child-centeredness, Community participation and partnership.
  • Promotes creativity, innovation and learning.
  • Willing to travel throughout Uganda.
  • Supports learning and sharing and knowledge management.
  • Fluent in English.

 

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified candidates should please send their applications to: Dwelling Places head office -off Nalukolongo Masaka road near Mutundwe Police Station or email HR@dwellingplaces.org.uk between 8:30AM-5:00PM Monday to Friday.

 

Deadline: 8th December 2021 by 5:00PM

 

Note: Only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

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