Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child. 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. In Zimbabwe, we have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 31 years. Plan International operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity.

Communications Specialist

Location: Harare Country Office

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Programs, the Communications Specialist is responsible for the design, formulation, management, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a development communications for social mobilization strategy, plan of action and program activities in support of the country strategy. This will be in alignment with Plan International’s visibility, influencing and resource mobilization goals, to position Plan International Zimbabwe in the country and region as the leading organization for children’s, especially girls’ rights, and to connect and interact with key audiences (both internal and external) to gain support for the mission of Plan International in the country.

Accountabilities

1. Program communication strategy, plan and implementation for social mobilization
   • In collaboration with program technical advisors, the Communication Specialist designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of a communication strategy and plans of action aiming at project beneficiaries, donors, government and the general public to achieve a) behavior development/change at individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development Programs for positive social change.
   • Support the development of sound country level strategies and plans which efficiently profile the importance of Plan’s Program, gender transformation and influencing priorities
   • Ensure coordination of advocacy messages and activities between the field offices, Country Office and the regional and international levels.
   • Makes viable recommendations on operational strategies in the areas of participatory communication, social mobilization and on appropriate materials and media to reach target audiences.
   • Support the M&E team in ensuring Knowledge Management and Documentation
   • Advise on the development of a risk management matrix for children in contact with the media so as to ensure Safeguarding of Children and Young People
     1. Media Management
        • Manage media engagement strategy, including proactive and reactive, in line with the global strategy.
        • Support media work on major humanitarian emergencies to manage media enquiries and link with relevant spokespersons as appropriate
        • Build and maintain strong linkages with media at national, regional and international levels, develop partnerships with media outlets and bloggers
        • Maintain and develop a network of press and media contacts through active engagement with editors and journalists particularly in press related to children’s and girls’ rights.
        • Manage risk and brand reputation to ensure that media work benefits rather than harms Plan International’s strategic objectives and does not endanger staff, Programs, partners and the communities we work with
          • Monitor and evaluate the impact of media projects at country level
          • 1. Content Development
               • Gather internal knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to the right audiences through identification of the most effective distribution channels
               • Lead the production of high quality materials including information packs, opinion pieces, power point presentations, press releases, speeches and talking points, opinion pieces, news reactions, photos, blogs, annual reports, newsletters, video and multimedia content
               • Provide opportunities for children to participate in media related programs to promote the rights of children
               • Support Program Areas in ensuring adherence to communication policies, protocols, standards and brand compliance
               • Implement guidelines and standards for producing communications content and ensure its being followed
               • Ensure material is properly signed off
                 1. Capacity Building
                    • Provide technical support and mentoring as well as on the job training to a network of communications staff in the country
                    • Provide support to spokespeople on a range of humanitarian, development and campaigning issues while training more spokespeople in the country office
                    • Build capacities of country teams on capacity gaps related to media and communications