Mercy Corps Communication Assistant based in Gulu and Kitgum Jobs in Uganda

Mercy Corps Communication Assistant based in Gulu and Kitgum Jobs in Uganda

Closing date: 25 Apr 2019

Program/ Department Summary:

Mercy Corps has been present in Uganda since 2006, focusing its interventions on economic and agricultural development, maternal child health and nutrition, governance, conflict management and humanitarian response.

In 2017, Mercy Corps had an impact on almost 1 million beneficiaries in Uganda through our work focusing on building resilience and enabling economic growth, improving opportunities to attain better health and nutrition, and improving governance and conflict management.

Common themes include community engagement, inclusive development, gender, and working in partnership with local government, the private sector and civil society actors.

General Position Summary:

This is a new position for the DYNAMIC program that looks to boost the profile of the program within Mercy Corps and with external stakeholders.

The Communications Assistant will be responsible for generating communication materials including briefs, reports, learning stories, design branded materials, and press releases. The Communications Assistant will generate documents to be shared with donors and external stakeholders.

Part of this role also includes building the capacity of team members and partners to be able to capture stories, take captivating photographs, and improve the quality of communication materials generated by the team.

Essential Job Functions:

Communications and Public relations

Support the development of a communications plan and strategy for the DYNAMIC program

Support the DYNAMIC program to develop communication materials for internal and external audiences

Support the design and drafting of website content, newsletters and any other communications materials (annual report, social media, speeches, editorials, Q&As)

Staff Capacity Building

Ensure all team members and partners are aware of and compliant with Mercy Corps media and communication protocols, including branding

Ensure all team members and partners are aware of and compliant with the DYNAMIC program Communications and branding guidelines

Develop and implement a comprehensive staff training series to build team capacity in the area of Communications (written, spoken, photography);

Build the capacity of program partners in the area of Communications

Ensure all team members are aware of and compliant with Mercy Corps, MasterCard Foundation and USAID media and communication protocols

Event management

Support the organization of DYNAMIC program events (district review meetings, sub-county introductions etc), including drafting invitations, documenting events, generating materials in support of the event (banners, press releases etc)

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective,

efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Any other duties as may be assigned by the MEL officer/Specialist or the Program Manager-DYNAMIC program

Ethics and Integrity:

All Mercy Corps staff are expected to behave ethically and demonstrate highest integrity in their professional and personal life. Mercy Corps has zero tolerance to any form of fraud, corruption, abuse, harassment or exploitation. Any breach of our policies or misconduct will lead to disciplinary action or may lead to termination.

Knowledge and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media Studies, Mass communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a closely related field.

At least 1-year experience in a Communications role

Strong computer skills and administrative experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, In Design, Illustrator, Social Media outlets etc.)

Strong facilitation skills to deliver training to diverse groups

Excellent writing and editing skills in English

Strong ability to efficiently prioritize competing demands with attention to detail

Ability to speak local languages of areas of operation an advantage

Success Factors

The ideal candidates will have the ability and curiosity to work comfortably and effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.

S/he will be an excellent communicator, have a strong sense of humor, multi-tasker, and able to work in difficult and often stressful environments.

The most successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

How to apply:
Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Human Resource Director, Mercy Corps Uganda. Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates.

Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Thursday, 25th April, 2019. Subject of email should include the position you are applying for. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps.

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply