Communications Officer
The Government of Malawi with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank is preparing the Shire Valley Irrigation Project (SVIP). The development objective of the SVIP is to sustainably improve agricultural productivity and production leading to economic growth and reduction of rural poverty in the Lower Shire Valley, by establishing market-linked smallholder farming ventures and professionally operated irrigation services. The project involves the phased development of 42,500 ha in Chikhwawa and Nsanje Districts. The preparations involve comprehensive studies necessary for appraising technical feasibility, socio-economic viability and environmental sustainability of the SVIP. The project preparation duration is two years.
Position Title : Communications Officer (CO)
Location : Within Shire Valley Irrigation Project based in Chikwawa
Purpose of the Job:
The Communications Officer (CO) will be responsible for information and communication with the Stakeholders in the Shire Valley Irrigation Project (SVIP).
Time Commitment : 100 %
Duties and Responsibilities
The Communications Officer (CO), shall be answerable to the Project Coordinator for guidance and direction and will have the following specific duties, among others:
- Promote a better understanding of the SVIP by carrying out media, information and education activities in support of SVIP;
- Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the stakeholders, media, Project Committees, NGOs, and other appropriate audiences;
- Identify, develop, distribute and evaluate variety of media materials in multiple, appropriate formats (Press releases, feature stories etc);
- Liaising with mass media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate;
- Provide technical advice and support to PTT and other staff in planning and developing relevant information and communications products;
- Provide input to all major documents, including strategies, reports and other technical documents, to ensure they are well written and clearly communicating the messages;
- Contribute to the compilation and finalization of monthly, quarterly and annual reports;
- Design and edit content of the website and intranet, ensuring that content are regularly updated and uploaded;
- Participate in SVIP meetings, workshops, awareness campaigns as well as sensitisation meetings and disseminate information on these activities; and
- Assist the PTTC, and SVIP staff with other related tasks as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:
- University degree in journalism or Communication or related field;
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of computer applications
- Dynamic, self-motivated, professional, devoted, honest and discreet
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Excellent writing skills
- Excellent presentation skills and drafting ability essential
- Ability to work in a team and independently
- Fluency in both Chichewa and English with excellent drafting skills in both;
- 5 years of substantial professional experience in similar positions
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates should send their application letters enclosing detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), plus names and traceable referees to the following address:-
Project Technical Team Coordinator, Shire Valley Irrigation Project (SNIP), 18 Chilembwe Road, Private Bag 379, Blantyre 3.
Cell: 0998 541 795/ 088 167 671
Email: alice.gondwe@gmail.com
(Attention: The Procurement Specialist)
(Attention: The Procurement Specialist)
