Consultant Terms of Reference for
Communications Specialist
Functions
The Communications Specialist will lead the design and implementation of the communications strategy in line with the Strategic Framework. He or she will provide overall direction and support to ILC and its members in order to effectively communicate key messages and results to target audiences. His/her function also involves support to internal communication between Secretariat and members and among members. Main areas of responsibility include: strategic communications and planning; internal information flow; publications and materials development; management of websites, social media, and multimedia tools; media relations; and communications capacity building.
Responsibilities
1. Design and implement the communications strategy in line with the Strategic Framework, focusing on the following results:
- In consultation with ILC staff and members, develop a communications strategy to effectively support the Strategic Framework; the strategy should include clear objectives, resource requirements, timelines and performance metrics
- Support the members and regional nodes of ILC to effectively integrate into communications processes in order to harmonise actions at global, regional and national levels
2. Support to internal communication and information flow:
- help build and maintain a data bank of the expertise and experiences of each ILC members, as a means of improving the visibility of members and of the Coalition network in general
- Define activities aimed to facilitate information and knowledge sharing among ILC’s diverse constituency
- In close coordination with programme managers and regional coordinators, contribute to the overall network vibrancy of the Coalition
3. Provide overall direction and guidance in the area of communications:
- Lead an annual communications planning exercise resulting in an annual work plan and budget for this area; monitor progress and adjust throughout the year
- Develop and strengthen ILC guidelines and templates; advise on issues related to branding, use of the ILC logo, copyright, editorial/style norms, and other topics
- Supervise communications consultants, including writers, editors, translators, proof readers, designers, and web masters as required
4. Communicate ILC’s key messages and results using the following methods:
- Write and edit content for the full range of ILC communication products and tools
- Oversee the production and dissemination of quality corporate and programmatic materials, including: monthly updates, the annual report, quarterly newsletter, publications, brochures, fact sheets, and audio-visual materials
- Plan and manage promotional launches for key initiatives and publications such as the Land Portal, CPL global study, “Framing the Debates” series, etc.
- Package organisational and programme achievements and success stories for information sharing and to aid resource mobilisation efforts
5. Lead the development and use of ILC websites, social media and multimedia tools:
- Supervise the maintenance and expansion of ILC websites and the intranet. Oversee the strategic development and harmonisation between ILC global, regional, and thematic sites; ensure regular content updates; and innovative use of web tools
- Post content and manage ILC’s branding, messaging and interactions on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Increase the production and sharing of multimedia content (photos, videos, etc.)
6. Design media strategies to increase the visibility of ILC and its members and to position ILC to better influence the land agenda:
- In consultation with ILC staff, develop strong, clear and concise media messages and deliver them through appropriate means such as interviews, events, media briefings, and story placements
- Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and leading media outlets (newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the internet)
- Write and edit press releases and other media materials
7. Increase ILC’s organisational and network capacities in communications:
- Enhance the ability of ILC staff and members to communicate effectively by identifying communications needs and developing trainings and tools as needed
- Promote ILC as a learning and knowledge sharing network by ensuring that best practices are widely shared and effectively packaged for target audiences
- Strengthen internal and external communications through clear communications and branding guidelines and effective information sharing systems, such as the intranet
8. Perform other duties as required.
Reporting
The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Director of the Secretariat
Profile of Candidate
- University Degree in Communications, Journalism or related field;
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience in communications, including experience and technical skills in at least two of the following areas: developing publications and other communications materials, media relations, advocacy, web and graphic design, social media, and knowledge management
- Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills; proven ability to write compelling and effective press releases, articles, and stories
- Ability to prioritize work and coordinate projects
- Ability to work effectively with a multi-cultural and decentralised team
- Experience in land and natural resource issues, or the wider development sector, is desirable
- Fluency in English is essential; working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable
Terms of employment and submission of applications:
This position will be staffed on a consultancy basis for up to 11 months, starting in September-October 2011. Duty station: Rome, Italy.
Interested candidates should send a CV and a cover letter to Ms. Lucia Angelucci (email: l.angelucci@landcoalition.org) with copy to: info@landcoalition.org, by 22 August 2011.
