Job Title: PCU Communication Manager

Project Background and Description

The Foundation Alliance for Africa (SAfA) is an initiative founded by the Max und Ingeburg Herz Stiftungi, the Kühne Stiftung, the Rossmann Stiftung and the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung with the aim of effectively supporting development processes in Africa through stronger coordination and cooperation. This is achieved by combining their respective expertise in different sectors in the same project, thus unleashing significant added value towards the attainment of several Sustainable Development Goals.

The SAfA Tanzania project aims to support over 50,000 young men and women aged 15-30 in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya and Songwe regions, who are currently facing uncertain futures, to enhance their life prospects through improvements in education, income and health, and by creating a more youth friendly and youth inclusive environment. This is accomplished through a multisectoral project approach where three implementers combine their expertise and approaches to foster skills development for remunerative employment, enhance efficiencies of agricultural and medical supply chains, improve knowledge and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health services and strengthen youth acceptance and recognition as productive members in communities. The higher level of impact and sustainability expected from this integrated and holistic approach will be closely monitored through rigorous evaluation assessments. Experiences and learnings will enable ongoing local capacity development and improvements of these approaches for further scaling and replication in Tanzania and in other countries.

The Project Coordination Unit (PCU)

The Project Coordination Unit (PCU) will be based at the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung Tanzania, the lead organization in this consortium, office in Usa River.

The PCU is responsible for coordinating the successful delivery of the partnership project “Enhancing Livelihood Prospects for Young People in Tanzania”. Under the coordination of the PCU, the project is implemented by three local implementing partners, namely Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung Tanzania (DSW TZ), Kühne Foundation Tanzania (KF TZ) and Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung Tanzania (HRNS TZ).

Reporting

The PCU Communication Manager reports to the PCU Manager.

Duty station

The duty station will be the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) department within the HRNS TZ office in Usa River, however, frequent travels to the project locations in Northern and Southern Tanzania are expected, also at short notice.

Job Purpose

To provide strategic direction and support to the project in the development and implementation of a communication and advocacy strategy. This will include working closely with the consortium members in Tanzania and in Germany; designing and producing communication tools and materials; coordinating and overseeing any external support (e.g. cooperation with service providers), managing internal and external communication on- and offline and advocacy processes. The Communication Manager will both receive information from field staff and go to the field to collect relevant content for professional communication activities such as pictures, videos, beneficiary stories, and testimonies to generate more media coverage through targeted communication activities. S/he will also conduct capacity building activities with staff of the three implementing organizations to ensure alignment of joint communication activities and relevant visibility of the program in Tanzania. S/he will be required to work with external consultants.

 

Performance Areas

Key Responsibilities

Development of a communication and advocacy strategy/plan

Lead on the design and implementation of a communication strategy for the project to ensure effective communication and joint visibility with internal and external stakeholders. As part of the communication strategy identify the main media targets, influencers, and key events. Identify the main media channels (including social media) for effectively communicating to the main target audiences. Liaise with stakeholders on the design, implementation and monitoring of the communication strategy, including consortium members, the target youth, consultants and donors amongst others. Collaborate with media partners such as community radios, press, online media etc. Lead on the design and implementation of an advocacy strategy As part of the advocacy strategy of the project, support youth-led advocacy, including overseeing the development and implementation of advocacy action plans.

 

Development and production of communication material for both internal and external communication.

Liaise with consortium members to collect information and document project activities, achievements and learnings. Take photos/videos of the program, interview beneficiaries and key stakeholders, participate in key events and document important project visits. Design and produce, when required with external support, communication material to increase social, electronic and print media coverage such as IEC material, Website content, Factsheets, Newsletters, Social Media Posts etc. for visibility, fundraising and advocacy purposes. Engage with beneficiaries (youth) to assess their main messages.

Internal project communication

Manage the information flow between the consortium members and promote joint learning. Develop a good understanding of the communities, beneficiaries and immediate stakeholders, and how each consortium member interacts with them. Support the information flow between the consortium members and participating stakeholders such as beneficiaries (direct/indirect), community leaders, regional/council Government Officers, direct service providers, relevant education staff, health workers, etc. Ensure that the consortium members implement their communication activities in line with the agreed project standards (i.e., branding guidelines and templates). In collaboration with the implementing and German partners assess the level, extent and kind of visibility required at each stage of the project. Be the first point of contact for all communication issues within the consortium and keep everyone up to date on key project areas with reader-friendly information at the right time.

 

	Assist in the production of reports by providing relevant documentation, stories, and photographs amongst other communication material. Participate in key project visits and document such visits.
External communication	Manage information flow to the wider sector players at national and international level. Develop a good understanding of the different government bodies and civil leaders involved in the project sectors and how partners interact with them. Consult and network with relevant stakeholders, media outlets and journalists as needed to ensure that their key communication needs are met, in compliance with agreed standards, policies and priorities. Ensure timely and consistent response to enquiries from external stakeholders including media, individuals, and other organizations. Ensure the timely and consistent production of information, to reach a wide audience. Ensure that social media content about the project is aligned between all Tanzanian and German organisations (hashtags, mentions etc.). Consider multi-media platforms if required. Support in the preparation of presentations and accompany donor and stakeholder visits when required.
Capacity building	Identify capacity building/training needs of consortium staff in terms of communication and train staff on the communication strategy and on effective communication. Prepare consortium members for key media opportunities (i.e., interviews, talks and events).
Responsibility for assigned adhoc duties	Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the PCU Manager.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations or related discipline.

Competence in computer skills is a MUST (Adobe, In-Design, Microsoft Office, social media and other relevant packages).

Experience:

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar position. Experience in working within a consortium with multiple partners. Excellent command of English language, oral and written.

Sound social media experience including experience in developing and implementing social media strategies.

Strong analytical, strategic thinking, research and writing skills

Experience in the production of IEC material, including photography and story writing experience in designing and engaging youth in youth-friendly communication activities.

Experience in the use of design applications.

Understanding of legal frameworks around informed consent.

Experience in youth-led advocacy/civic engagement and development processes at different levels.

Personal Attribute:

Demonstrable attitude for teamwork. Ability to work independently and in a team. High level of interpersonal skills.

Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. High level of personal integrity.

Ability to be flexible in responding to changing work priorities and work under different reporting lines.

How to apply

If you are interested in the position and feel you match the above qualifications and experience, we welcome you to apply. Please send your CV and a cover letter with salary expectations and preferred date of commencement in English to: info.tanzania@hrnstiftung.org by Jan 19, 2024.