Job Offer: Communication Officer

Job Opportunity: Communication Officer at Helen Keller International

About Helen Keller International: Helen Keller International (HKI) is a prominent international non-governmental organization dedicated to preserving the vision and lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. We tackle the root causes and impacts of blindness and malnutrition through evidence-based programs in vision, health, and nutrition. Established in 1915, our headquarters are located in New York City, with regional offices in Senegal and Phnom Penh, supporting operations across 22 countries in Africa and Asia.

Since the 1990s, HKI-Cameroon has implemented sustainable, evidence-based initiatives to enhance health and nutrition, improve educational opportunities for the disabled, and increase access to eye care services, particularly for women and school-aged children. Our programs are integrated into all levels of the government health and education systems, focusing on human resource development, infrastructure enhancement, needs assessments, context analysis for program design and implementation, personnel training, provision of essential equipment and medications, service delivery, and continuous program monitoring and evaluation.

Position Available: Communication Officer

Helen Keller International Cameroon is currently seeking a qualified candidate for the role of Communication Officer, based in Yaoundé. The Communication Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Title: Communication Officer
• Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
• Reporting to: Country Director
• Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
• Duration: One-year renewable
• Application Deadline: July 2, 2024, at midnight

Role Scope:

Under the direction of the Country Director, the Communications Officer will be the driving force behind the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for the Cameroon office. This pivotal role will encompass the following key areas:

• Amplify Impact: Elevate awareness and understanding of the Cameroon office’s diverse project portfolio and initiatives.
• Expand Reach: Enhance national and international visibility, showcasing the impact and reach of the office’s activities.
• Strategic Communication: Devise and implement a dynamic communications plan that aligns with organizational goals and priorities.
• Media Engagement: Foster strong relationships with media outlets to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
• Knowledge Management: Ensure the efficient capture, sharing, and utilization of knowledge generated within the office.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Communication Focal Point: Serve as the primary point of contact for all communications activities across the office’s projects.
• Internal Communications: Produce and distribute a regular newsletter highlighting project progress and achievements, in collaboration with program managers.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen the communications skills of partners and program staff through targeted training and mentorship.
• National & International Visibility:
  1. Provide strategic communications support to program teams.
  2. Coordinate media coverage of key events and initiatives, aligning with program objectives.
  3. Assist program managers in executing impactful awareness campaigns outlined in project action plans.
  4. Leverage social media and other digital platforms to expand the reach of the office’s messaging.
• Strategic Communications Plan:
  1. Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to enhance the visibility of the office’s activities.
  2. Continuously update the country office’s communications strategy and corresponding work plan, incorporating thorough environmental and stakeholder assessments, clear objectives, targeted messaging, and robust evaluation mechanisms.
• Communication Tools & Resources:
  1. Lead the creation of high-quality communication tools, impactful key messages, and compelling materials for the Cameroon office (e.g., fact sheets, presentations, press releases, media guides).

Foster Strong Media Relationships:

• Media Database Management: Develop and maintain an up-to-date database of media contacts, including journalists, editors, and influencers relevant to the Cameroon office’s work.
• Streamlined Media Engagement: Establish, document, and refine clear protocols for media interactions, including press conferences, media events, and the distribution of press materials.
• Timely Information Dissemination: Ensure accurate and timely information flow to media outlets, national committees, NGOs, field teams, and other stakeholders.
• Compelling Content Creation: Develop and distribute high-quality, diverse communication materials tailored to specific audiences and platforms (web, print, social media).
• Proactive Media Collaboration: Initiate and facilitate media engagement opportunities, such as project site visits, press tours, and multimedia coverage.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Track the utilization and effectiveness of media materials, sharing insights to inform future strategies.

Strengthen Partnerships with Local Stakeholders:

• Partner Database: Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of relevant partner organizations, including NGOs, government agencies, and community groups.
• Collaborative Processes: Establish, document, and continuously improve processes for effective collaboration with partners, including regular meetings, joint projects, and information sharing.
• Targeted Communication: Ensure communication materials and activities are tailored to the specific needs and interests of local partners.
• Capacity Building: Identify and implement communication training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance partner capacity and amplify the impact of joint efforts.

Elevate Program Visibility:

• Flagship Activity Promotion: Produce impactful communication materials that highlight the success and impact of flagship projects.
• Civil Society Engagement: Curate and manage content related to civil society activities in Cameroon, promoting awareness and dialogue.
• Media Liaison: Serve as the primary contact point for media inquiries, facilitating the flow of information and fostering strong relationships.
• Capacity Building for Media: Contribute to the professional development of local media through targeted training in areas such as nutrition, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and eye care.

Knowledge Management & Communication:

• Information Organization: Ensure the systematic organization, collection, and dissemination of communication materials to support the Cameroon office’s objectives.
• Knowledge Synthesis: Transform raw information into actionable knowledge that can be readily shared with internal and external stakeholders, including Helen Keller International staff, partners, and the public.
• Content Creation: Write, edit, and produce high-quality knowledge products, support materials, and communication pieces that effectively convey key messages and project impact.
• Digital Communication: Leverage digital networks and social media platforms to enhance knowledge sharing and expand the reach of the office’s communications.
• Documentation & Learning: Actively contribute to documenting best practices and lessons learned from project implementation in Cameroon, facilitating continuous improvement.
• Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or program coordinators to support the overall communications strategy.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, content management systems, and social media platforms.
• Experience: Prior experience working in international NGOs, particularly in a communications or knowledge management role, is a plus.
• Language Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.
• Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, time management, organizational ability, initiative, teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and adaptability.

Desired Skills:

• Creative Flair: Ability to develop engaging content and innovative communication approaches.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset and ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and partners.

Application Procedure:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter: Addressed to the Country Director of Helen Keller International Cameroon.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing relevant experience and qualifications.
• References: Contact information for professional references.

Please send your complete application package to cm.recrutement@hki.org with the job title “Communications Officer” in the subject line.

Deadline: July 2nd, 2024, at midnight WAT.

At Helen Keller International, we champion diversity and inclusivity, fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic not relevant to job performance.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and interview process. If you require any accommodations, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Important Notice:

Helen Keller International does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, nor do we request bank account information from candidates. We do not engage recruitment agencies. All our recruitment processes are free of charge.