Position: Online Communications Officer
ACORD (Agency
for Cooperation and Research in Development) is a Pan African
organisation working for social justice and development in Africa,
through a combination of practical interventions on the ground,
people-centred research and policy advocacy.
ACORD has decentralised country offices in 17 African countries that
work with communities on livelihoods and food sovereignty, HIV/AIDS and
the right to health, peace building and women’s rights.
Job Summary
Communications and dissemination lie at the heart of ACORD activities and Improving External Communication is one of the 4 pillars of the 2011-2015 ACORD strategic plan:
ACORD will foster a robust communication strategy for ACORD’s impact and added value underpinning its advocacy work and supporting fundraising.
ACORD relies heavily on its website – www.acordinternational.org – and social media pages to help the organisation achieve its mission with 3 main objectives for our online communication: e-campaigning, e-fundraising and e-resource for civil society and development practitioners; and the Online Communications Officer will be responsible for optimising all web pages and web tools for ACORD website (English and French sites) and other websites run by the organisation (e.g. www.askafricanow.org).
ACORD works with the media to disseminate information and contribute to changing attitudes and policies towards achieving social justice.
The Online Communications Officer is co-responsible – with the Communication and Media Officer, for ensuring successful strategic online media partnerships and for increasing visibility in the online media at national and Pan African levels.
The position is designed for an experienced and self-motivated person with a background in online communication and marketing for international development organisations, and experience of working with a corporate brand.
Under the direct supervision of the Communications Coordinator, the Online Communication Officer will be:
- responsible for managing all aspects of ACORD’s digital strategy, including producing cross-channel content and managing online engagement and action.
Specifically:
1. Digital strategy and planning
Execute and enhance ACORD’s digital strategy
Develop and execute strategies for building an engaged online community
Develop and execute strategies for driving online and offline actions to advance ACORD’s advocacy work in peace-building, women’s rights, health and food security
Work with the rest of the Communications team to increase giving through our websites and social networking sites
Ensure consistency of brand application on all our web pages
Track all relevant metrics and statistics to continuously improve our online communication impact
2. Up-to-date and relevant content on ACORD online communication channels
Manage all Internet-based and multimedia communications for the organization, including the website, www.acordinternational.org (English/French/Portuguese), constituent emails, social media, online fundraising, advocacy and web videos
Manage several microsites and partner websites, including www.askafricanow.org, and others
Manage and generate content for the organization’s website, blog and social networking sites (Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Vimeo, YouTube…)
Update and manage ACORD’s web-based contact database (CiviCRM)
Oversee the organisation’s online video needs, with the support of the Graphic Design and Video Editing Officer
3. Support team work and organisational learning in online communication
Offer training to ACORD staff – in particular country staff – to support the use of social media across the organisation and the optimisation of our website
Liaise with country and Pan Africa teams to update and enhance the country and thematic profile pages
Work closely with colleagues, in particular the other members of the Communications Team on optimising ACORD’s digital communication work
Manage and oversee the work of interns and volunteers as required
Contribute to a culture of information sharing and organisational learning in partnership development and communication
4. Any other emerging task
Support the development of new communications instruments
Any emerging tasks within the Funding and Partnership Unit
Required qualifications, knowledge and skills
Masters degree in Development Communication, Marketing, Journalism or similar field
At least 5 years experience managing online content and digital strategy for a nonprofit, or other relevant experience
Familiarity with social media platforms and other digital tools and a passion for using these tools to drive action and engagement
Knowledge of African online media houses and preferably strong networks among African and international online senior editors
Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills
Fully conversant with ICT and Microsoft or Mac applications and experience using content management software
Familiarity with Photoshop and other graphic design software
Ability to grasp Africa development issues and translate those issues into persuasive and accessible language
Familiarity and passion for social justice
Excellent inter-personal skills, and ability to work as a team member with colleagues of different nationalities/cultural backgrounds
Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
Preferred, but not required:
Spoken/written French
Experience with HTML/CSS/Javascript
Experience with CiviCRM or other CRM software
Video production experience
Remuneration:
A competitive national package
Location:
ACORD Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya. Some travelling within Africa and internationally.
Application details:
To apply, please complete an application form and e-mail it with a detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter to recruit@acordinternational.org with the Job Title in the Subject Box.
Closing Date: 30th June 2013