Communication Officer, NOB - Kampala

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT :

WFP Uganda Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2018-2025 has 6 strategic outcomes and is fully aligned with national policy objectives, including Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan (NDP III). Through the CSP, WFP addresses the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, supports the refugee response, and strengthens social protection systems. WFP assistance is provided through direct implementation, evidence generation, knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening, while building strategic partnerships, including through South-South and Triangular Co-operation.

The Partnerships Development Unit provides leadership and expertise to WFP’s positioning, partnering and resourcing efforts to continue Saving Lives and Changing Lives. To this effect, the Unit steers WFP’s strategic engagement with governments, the UN system and its Member States, corporations, global foundations, international financial institutions, academia, think-tanks and the public at large.

There is a critical role for communications in generating awareness, understanding, acceptance and, most importantly, support for a Country Strategic Plan (CSP). UGCO needs to create compelling narratives to reposition our brand. The look and feel, tone of voice and focus of our content should be shaped to ensure its appropriateness to the future orientation of WFP’s work in Uganda, particularly on the Changing Lives Agenda. WFP should deploy a communication strategy that speaks the same language as the public and donors to mobilise long-term resources and show our comparative advantage in the country. WFP needs to be able to communicate about impact with evidence and prove that we are bringing change while being competitive.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Partnerships Development, the Communication Officer will support WFP Uganda strategic communication efforts. The selected candidate will be employed on Fixed Term (NOA) and based in Kampala.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Supervise and provide strategic advice to the communication team (two National staff in Kampala and three staff in the field) to improve communications. Develop and implement training and provide extensive support as required.
• Analyse the key gaps and opportunities where communication can contribute, strengthen and further develop WFP Uganda's brand and positioning, particularly with the media.
• Develop the future Communication strategy for WFP Uganda.
• Produce content including engaging text, photos and videos content for use across a range of integrated platforms.
• Use high-quality and compelling multimedia materials to proactively position WFP to engage a growing audience on our emergency support but also medium-term development in the areas of anticipatory action, nutrition, agriculture, social protection, school feeding and climate action.
• Liaise with Regional Bureau and CAM HQ (Creative Studio) to ensure Uganda gets better visibility at Regional and Global level.
• Serve as editor and reviewer of stories, media messages, news releases, fact sheets and operational briefs.
• Any other duties as determined by supervisor.

DELIVERABLES :

Strategic Communication

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED :

Education : Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition / Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and / or trainings / courses.

Experience : Minimum six years of relevant professional work experience in relevant roles.

Knowledge and Skills : Proven organisation and management skills including supervising communication teams. Excellent multimedia (photo,video) and writing skills. Ability to translate understanding of programme principles into relevant, and user-friendly communication materials. Strong analytical skills, with experience of developing powerful narratives to enable action-oriented advocacy strategies. Good editorial judgement and the knowledge and capacity to provide high quality reports, with experience in branding and layout as added advantages. Has motivated team spirit and contributed to a gender-balanced, inclusive and sound working environment.

Language : Fluency in English language.