Communications Officer East Africa Forest Regional Programme

Position: Communication Officer
Programme: Regional Forest Programme
Reports to: Regional Forest Programme Coordinator
Supervises: None
Location: Dar es Salaam
Grade: A2

2015. Background
      The Eastern Africa Sustainable Forest Programme builds on foundation laid out by the
      Terrestrial Programme under the WWF’s Coastal East Africa Global Initiative (CEA-GI) that
      was implemented between 2010 and 2015. Sustainable Forest Programme seek to strengthen
      regional coordination and collaboration and scale-up regional interventions by working more
      closely with Regional Economic Commissions (RECs). The programme works in 5 countries
      Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar and Mozambique with the focus to address illegal trade
      in timber and embrace regional collaboration among countries to improve forest governance.
2016. Main Task
      Under the technical guidance of Communications Manager and Regional Forest programme
      coordinator; the Communications Officer will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of outputs
      under the East Africa Regional Forest Programme that are related to awareness-raising,
      communications and capacity strengthening in general; facilitating sharing knowledge and
      increase the programme visibility in the member countries and other relevant stakeholders on
      issues relating to illegal trade in timber, forest governance and climate change adaptation and
      mitigation.

III. Specific Tasks

The Incumbent will work closely with the Regional Forest Programme coordinator to execute the
following tasks:
• Ensure that relevant program materials such as Human Interest Stories, donor reports,
proposals, factsheets, infographs etc. are developed and disseminated to donors and target
groups through relevant media and network channels. The Communications Officer will
assist WWF member countries in the proposal development stage to identify appropriate
communication activities for the projects.
• Develop and maintain contact information, materials and relationships with journalists
and media outlets (print, TV, radio, web etc.) in 5 member countries to increase coverage
of conservation issues in the media (print, broadcast and digital). Specific activities may
include:
• Draft and edit articles, press releases, human interest stories and other
advocacy/information materials.
• Collaborate with the media by organizing project counrty visits; facilitate photo coverage
and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of
media coverage, clippings etc.
• Provide content for WWF Regional Forest programme blogs, TCO website and social
media sites (Facebook, Twitter, instagram and YouTube etc). Monitor content on line and
provide guidance and reactions and responses whenever needed. Ensure that the
programme makes the best use of technology for key communications activities (e.g.
content development for web sites & intranet development, social media and online
marketing).
• Ensure timely and quality production of advocacy and branding materials such as
periodicals, annual and donor reports, supplements, calendars, briefing notes, Human
Interest Stories, picture stories, videos, etc. The Communications Officer will develop
and archive communication materials, including digital, such as publications, press
releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.
• Events/campaigns: Assist in organizing and generating public support for special events
and campaigns to promote strategic conservation goals. Support organization of
workshops, seminars, campaigns, events and project review meetings including agendas
and meeting minutes.
• Identifying opportunities for press coverage around events and specific publications and
working with colleagues to develop targeted media strategies, including drafting press
releases and pitching op-eds.
• Manage press inquiries and pursue opportunities for promoting the East Africa regional
Programme in member countries.
• Develop communications projects, budgets, and prepare progress reports timely as per
WWF’s reporting Standards.
• Work collaboratively with fundraisers and programme staff to provide communications
products that will support fundraising efforts for the East Africa Regional Forest
programme.
• Support Forest programme officers in member countries in identifying and documenting
appropriate content for producing appropriate communications materials, stories, articles,
audio visuals, presentations, radio and television programmes.
• Ensure production of good and quality reports (bulletin, Semi Annual and Annual
Reports) of MFA Finland in collaboration with Regional Forest Programme Coordinator.
• Work under technical close supervision by TCO Communication Manager and Regional
Forest Programme Coordinator in administrative matters.

1. Profile;
   Minimum Bachelor degree in Mass Communication, preferably with post graduate qualification
   in climate change, forest economics or forest biology .
   • At least 5 years working experience in communication and media related to natural
   resources management initiatives, forest conservation and/or climate change adaptation
   and mitigation.
   • Experience, training and knowledge in the field of communication and media related to
   forest conservation, protected area management will be a particular added advantage;
   • Experience in climate change adaptation and mitigation, ecological and/or socioeconomic
   monitoring or research, including of miombo woodlands, coastal forests
   habitats and/or household socio-economics, and/ or community knowledge, attitudes and
   practices etc. will be an added advantage;
   • Experience of working with CSOs, CBOs, women and youth in Village Forest reserves,
   TFS and forest reserves within core protected areas such as national parks.
   • Proven ability to work independently and deliver high quality, timely outputs; and with
   excellent interpersonal skills and good teamwork spirit;
   • Experience in publication and design of project technical reports and preparing success
   stories;
   • Willingness to participate in field activities and travel to remote areas within the East
   Africa region;
   • A high level of computer literacy and knowledge of standard computer software
   packages such as MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher). Basic design
   and layout skills, Adobe and PageMaker are an added advantage. Demonstrated and
   extensive social media experience is an added advantage.
   • A high level of oral and written fluency in both Kiswahili and English. Knowledge of
   French will be an added advantage
2. Working Relationships
3. Internal:Working closely with the East Africa Regional Forest programme in 5 countries;
   Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Madagascar and SADC region, Interacts and
   works closely and on a regular basis with the WWF TCO team.

External

Liaising closely with relevant partners EAC, SADC CSOs and CBOs within
EAC member countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda) and SADC region (Madagascar and
Mozambique).

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that
are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according
to organizational needs.

Apply by: Friday 29th May, 2020 Apply to: [email protected]