Jobs in Cameroon: Communication and Advocacy Officer in Bamenda

Deadline: June 15th, 2022

Title: Communication and Advocacy Officer

Location: Bamenda, Cameroon

Company: Plan International

Functional Area: Northwest and Southwest Regions

ROLE PURPOSE

Plan International Cameroon is presently responding to the humanitarian crisis in the NW and SW regions of Cameroon, through a number of programs aimed at improving the lives of children and youths, especially girls, affected by the crises in the regions. The role of the Communication and Advocacy Officer is critical to ensuring the visibility of the actions and impact of Plan International’s work in the NWSW regions, and to also support behavior change and community engagement actions.  

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

Reporting to the PR & Communication Specialist and the Emergency Response Manager, the Communication and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for the implementation of Communication and Advocacy related actions within the Program Implementation and Influencing Area. She/he will be responsible for the internal and external communications around the programs implemented in the area. S/he will work in close collaboration with Project Managers, Project Teams and implementation partners to ensure close supervision, follow up and reporting of response activities through diversified communication tools and outlets. The Communication and Advocacy Officer’s responsibilities will 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 as well as development work, in the Program Area. S/he shall also supervise the quality production of Information Education and Communication materials, and the quality branding of all realizations and activities.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

Reporting to the PR & Communication Specialist and the Emergency Response Manager, the Communication and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for the implementation of Communication and Advocacy related actions within the Program Implementation and Influencing Area. She/he will be responsible for the internal and external communications around the programs implemented in the area. S/he will work in close collaboration with Project Managers, Project Teams and implementation partners to ensure close supervision, follow up and reporting of response activities through diversified communication tools and outlets. The Communication and Advocacy Officer’s responsibilities will 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 as well as development work, in the Program Area. S/he shall also supervise the quality production of Information Education and Communication materials, and the quality branding of all realizations and activities.

NB: The application link is at the end of this post written “Click Here to apply”

ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Internal and External Liaison and Communications

• Develop and amend as necessary a Communication Plan for Plan International’s program for the NWSW Emergency Response.
• Share a steady flow of information (social media updates, human interest stories, talking points and Q&As, blogs etc.) with the PR & Com Specialist for internal and external dissemination as per Plan International’s 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.
• Develop engaging massages to communicate key policies and values of Plan International to staff.
• 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 Specialist of anything important.
• Identify and create talking points/Q&As for potentially sensitive issues and inform the Country Director and the Emergency Response Manager.

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with frontline national and international media (journalists}, Communications staff and representatives of other NGOs, government institutions, UN Agencies, 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 a spokesperson for the organization when appropriate and with approval from the Country Director or delegate.
• Prepare, distribute and log press releases.
• Conduct regular field visits to interview staff and beneficiaries, write human interest stories and take photos and video.
• Ensure appropriate capturing and documentation of projects’ successes and challenges via fact sheets, case studies, stories, testimonies, quality pictures and videos, media products, articles, etc
• Identify frontline media outlets and suggest initiatives to promote the activities and impact of Plan International’s work in the NWSW regions.
• Participate in the Communications to Disaster-affected Communities (CDAC) working group or public information working group if active.
• Support key actions of the organization aimed at influencing the decision that favors the wellbeing of children and youths.

2. Advocacy and Behavior Change Communications (Influencing) 

• Work with the CO Communication and Advocacy team to support the development and implementation of effective advocacy and behavior change actions, geared at promoting the rights of children and youths, and equality for girls across Cameroon. 
• Support the mobilization and empowerment of youths as champions of change for girl’s rights promotion.
• Work with CO communications and advocacy team, and the PIIA programs team to align an action plan for the Girls Get Equal Campaign and its implementation in the NW and SW regions of Cameroon.
• Work with the Country Communication and Advocacy team, and the NWSW Emergency Response team to develop engaging messages and IEC materials to support advocacy and behavior change campaigns.
• Work with the program staff to identify and engage working relationships with local media (community radios, TV, etc.) to support the mobilization of stakeholders.
• Identify and create talking points/Q&As for potentially sensitive issues affecting girls’ education.
• Carry out any other action as assigned by supervisor(s)

3. Visibility and Branding

• Ensure the correct use of Plan International’s identity and that or partners and donors, in respect to existing Brand Manuals.
• Ensure the quality production of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
• Ensure the quality branding of constructions, Non-Food Items (NFIs) and other realizations of Plan International, with the identity of Plan International and that of partners, where applicable.
• Ensure that staff are branded during field visits and external meetings.

4. Training

• Provide communication and media coaching/ training to designated spokespeople and staff.
• Train media professionals and partners on safeguarding and humanitarian principles and the quality engagement of the media in fighting for children’s rights. 
• Offer immediate media coaching for those about to do a media interview.

5. Media Monitoring and Evaluation

• Work with PR & Com and external media service providers to produce quality audiovisual material (documentaries, spots, etc).
• Compile a log of media calls organized within the response program.
• Work with PR & Com specialist to monitor media and compile national/international media coverage.
• Produce a ‘lessons learned’ document and make recommendations for future operations.
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully understood and respected by the media professionals, partners and staff, during all communication activities.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Works with PR & Com Specialist 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 Country Office and other Program Offices  – Medium

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• People Skills: Ability to work independently and as a team player who demonstrates leadership and can 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 knowledge 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 organised 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 the Core Humanitarian Standards, knowledge on; general finance, administration, information management/ 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 2 years of experience working in journalism, communications, media, or Public Relations
• Strong understanding of print, radio, television and online media
• Good photography and 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.
• Experience as a spokesperson
• 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;

“Click Here to apply”

About Plan International

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 and youth. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected. 

We work with children, young people and their families, and partners in tackling the root causes of the challenges faced by girls and vulnerable children. 

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable them 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 75 countries.

Plan International Cameroon is seeking for an interested candidate to fill the position of Communication and Advocacy Officer to join the Plan International Cameroon’s Program Implementation and Influencing Team in the NW and South West regions. The tasks to be delivered by the candidate are outlined below: