Heifer International
About the job role
The Communications Officer is responsible for streamlining communication and managing relationships with government, stakeholders, existing donors, and prospects within India and globally. S/he will support the positioning of the organization in the local industry. This will include providing background information and facilitating media access regionally and nationally to Heifer International Programs in India. The Officer will also ensure that project information is packaged, disseminated, and utilized by appropriate users in conformity with the country’s program agenda, systems, and procedures.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES:
Communication, Coordination, and Stakeholder Management (40%)
- Design, develop, communicate, and implement a communication networking strategy for Heifer programs.
- Collect and share program information including program background, success stories, and best practices with identified stakeholders.
- Coordinate and facilitate project and organization activities such as national and international visits, media shoots, events, study tours, etc.
- Support and coordinate with implementing partners for regional media presence.
- Provide recommendations to senior management on media strategies, public statements, and other information matters in line with Heifer and donor Brand Management guidelines and other policies.
- Support networking and resource mobilization through communication and coordination with external agencies.
- Participate in relevant platforms and networks such as INGO, ASWG (agriculture sector working group), NSWG (national sanitation working group), etc.
- Develop and maintain a stakeholder database.
Documentation and Knowledge Management (30%)
- Ensure Heifer activities, success stories, and models are known to farmers, government, stakeholders, and the community at large through production and distribution of promotional materials.
- Communicate consistently and coherently strategic messages about Heifer and its activities.
- Design, write, edit, produce and distribute simple and/or complex communication products (e.g., annual reports, project reports, fact sheets, thematic documents, IEC material, newsletters, short note series, brochures, web messages).
- Review project and organization documents they are being shared externally.
Provide support to projects and manage the development of project communication materials (20%)
- Facilitate capacity building program to staff on communication parameters, i.e. success story write-ups.
- Support in gathering information for reports as required.
- Communicate and record project activities such as Passing on the Gift (PoG) ceremonies, monitoring and evaluation of activities, launch, and closeout.
- Customize communication materials corresponding to thematic focus and stakeholders.
- Ensure responsive communication to Heifer’s partners and stakeholders concerning Heifer events.
- Maintain and update communication and networking files.
- Maintain communication materials such as photographs, films (both soft and hard copies), and recording materials and equipment.
- Strengthen Heifer’s branding and visibility with the government and development community.
May perform other job-related duties as assigned (10%)
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism/mass media with at least five years of experience.
- Demonstrated written and oral fluency in English and Hindi. Knowledge of other Indian languages such as Odia is beneficial.
- Skilled at strategic thinking and anticipating future developments and trends to incorporate them into organizational plans.
- Experience with the NGO/Private Voluntary Organization approach, and knowledge of global sustainable development.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:
- A good understanding and sensitivity to issues associated with poverty, hunger, the environment, natural resources management, climate change, and knowledge of the context in which non-profit organizations operate.
- Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
- Excellent organizational skills including strong attention to details.
- Working with sensitive information and maintaining the confidentiality.
- Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation tools, electronic mail (Microsoft Office preferred) and internet.
- Ability to prepare and present in a well-designed and attractive format with superior attention to detail and design.
- Proven team and customer care skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations.
- Openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
- Constant face-to-face, telephone, and electronic communication with colleagues both within and outside of India.
- May require constant sitting and moving, working at a computer for extended periods
- Ability to perform multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to work with a flexible schedule.
- Willingness to travel both locally and internationally.
